As most of us already know, attending college and getting involved on campus tend to go hand-
in-hand.
Often encouraged by professors, peers and staff alike, students are constantly reminded of the
importance of being actively involved in on-campus organizations.
Yet, with the benefits of becoming a college socialite being repeatedly enforced, some tend to
overlook just how stressful balancing between the two can be.
Of course, getting involved can be more than beneficial to yourself and the organization.
However, if it comes to a point where one can’t fully invest themselves into the org, the best choice you
can make is to wait.
Being unable to fully invest is detrimental to the org, but more importantly, it is detrimental to
yourself as well.
Our college experiences are designed so that we hopefully walk away more enlightened and
experienced than what we’d been prior to attendance. Programs like student organizations are put in
place to give us these experiences and bring us closer together.
They not only create the feeling of community, but help in our development as young adults.
That’s why it’s extremely important that when you join these organizations, you join with the intention of
helping them maintain such standards and grow as a group.
There’s no doubt that almost every student has a life outside of school, and at times it can
become overwhelming. This is one of the reasons most organizations are offered year round, to allow
you to join at a time most convenient for you.
Joining an organization means that you’re prepared to dedicate the time and effort required, not
that you’ll only participate at times most suitable for you.
Far too often I hear of organizations pleading with members to participate and contribute, when
this should never be the case.
If you can’t take the time to invest, then you shouldn’t take the time seeking out these great
organizations. It not only defeats the purpose of becoming a member, but wastes time which could’ve
been used toward more productivity.
It seems today that far too many students join organizations to place a name under their belts,
or display it on their resumes. What they don’t realize, is that the name is meaningless if you’re unable to
list any of your accomplishments while working under that organization.
Having a large variety of student run organizations is a privilege. Making the most of your
experiences with these orgs is what counts, and what will eventually help to develop your skills overtime.
Although some may say orgs aren’t required and should be placed after all other obligations,
these are some of the same orgs that can lead to your success if you’re involved all the way.
Whether the school forces you to join or not, it shouldn’t limit the effort you put into the
organization. If you’re not in it all the way, don’t bother joining.
At the end of the day, joining an organization takes little to no effort at all. It’s what you do and
contribute as a member which will help in ultimately determining your fate.
Ebony Linzy can be reached by email at linzy.record@live.com.