Ask Gumby: Too Involved

Welcome to Ask Gumby, advice from the Regals of Cal Lutheran.

Gumby, or Enormous Luther, presides over the campus of California Lutheran University with his arms streched wide to encompass everyone with his love and grace. This help column tried to remember these values in answering questions, so that every answer is considerate and supportive. We’re opening our arms to your questions!

In each article there will be a question, submitted by a reader, and multiple different outlooks and opinions on what should be done in response to that question.

So I’m a freshman and when I got here I was really excited about immersing my self into Cal Lu. I’m feeling a little overwhelmed about having joined five clubs on top of classes. How many activities do you suggest participating in freshman year? Do you think I should quit some of them? If so, how should I go about that? PLEASE HELP.  -Too Involved

Dear Too Involved, 

Opinion 1: Finding your balance is key, especially as a freshman. It is great to want to be so involved and do as much as possible, but you need to remember you’re just one person. You should focus on a few things that you can really dedicate your time to and have passion for rather than stretching your self thin. Take time to re-evulate all the activities you are a part of and see which ones might not be worth sticking in. One suggestion is that if you are in a club that belongs to your major, you should stay a member of that club. If you have an active part in a club and people are counting on you, you need to share with the club officers. Ask if you can cut down your commitment and just become a member OR decide this is a club that you want to dedicate your time to. Being active in a club is a huge responsibility BUT it can be very rewarding. 

Opinion 2: Try talking to the club officers, let them know you have a busy schedule and then if they are okay with it, you can show up when ever you want. Most club officers will be excited to know that you want to show up. Be honest with them, they will probably be really understanding, after all, they are college students too.  Let the officers know that you wish you will be able to join them fully next year or even next semester when you get a better feel of how to handle classes and clubs. All these clubs have something different to offer and open up brand new experiences and new people. If you are in a club that does not excite you, consider dropping out. First prioritize getting your homework done, and your job (if you have one) taken care of, then try as many clubs as you think you can handle. 

Opinion 3: Most importantly with your busy schedule, make time to relax. Make sure you throw some mind breaks every once in a while in your day. Watch Netflix, check social media, talk to some friends, go on a walk. Just get away from all the chaos and take a breather. While clubs are definitely important, you are paying a LOT for this education, make sure you get the most out if it. 

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