OUR OPINION: As college students, we are in a prime position to make an impact on the future of our campus and in our own lives. Take advantage of this distinct phase of our lives.
We the student body would love to see changes all over campus. We would love to see the leaky faucets fixed, students respecting each other around campus, the retention rates go up, better advertisement of campus events, and to see more students get involved and care about things going on around them. While we’re at it, throw in world peace and an end to world hunger.
But as is the case in many events in the lives of college students, we must maintain perspective and take advantage of how lucky we are.
College, for most of us, is our last opportunity to try new things and dabble in a million organizations before the real world catches up to us and we work a 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. job five days a week. It will never be easier than it is right now for us to make a difference in our community. A college campus exists to meet our needs and if we have ideas for how to better it, it’s also on us to make that happen.
It’s a complaint we hear all the time from parents and professors – our generation does not want to work for anything. Regardless of if you agree or disagree with the statement, it is unquestionably true that we have to work for those things, whether we want to or not.
So if you want something changed on campus, if you want to get more involved or have students join your organization, get to work. If you don’t know how to do something, ask.
Another once-in-a-lifetime facet of a college campus – if we mess up or ask a “stupid” question, the worst thing that could happen is we feel embarrassed for five minutes and then move on. So ask.
On a smaller scale, don’t be afraid to make changes in your own life. If you’re unsure about your career, visit professors in majors that interest you. Go abroad while you can get a college rate and college credit. Join clubs that pique your interest even if they’re not directly related to your major. Besides, being well-rounded still looks great on a resume. And when all else fails, dye your five different colors and join a rock band, just because you can.
Attend the events put on around campus. The organizers work hard and long to put on these events for students. They are made for us. Go enjoy them, meet new people, or make memories with the ones you already know. Then if you liked it, tell others about it. If you didn’t, join a group or make your own and throw out your own ideas for campus events.
Learn what it means to get a well-rounded, liberal arts education.