When I first got to UCR, I didn’t know what to expect. I didn’t know whether or not I would make friends or how I would be spending my time. I knew I wanted to do more than just be academic but I didn’t know where to start. Luckily, my friend invited me to a community service based organization on campus and from then on my life turned around. Here are three reasons why you should join on-campus clubs.
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Expanding Your Sphere
UCR is a pretty big place compared to a high school campus as a first-year; I felt like I knew absolutely no one besides my hallmates. When you get to college, people start telling you about the importance of networking and organization on-campus are a great place to start. Organizations like Latino Business Student Association (LBSA) promote professional careers to underrepresented students through access to informative seminars, conferences and speakers. Even though professional networking is extremely important, clubs also help students network amongst ourselves. If not for my organizations I wouldn’t know secrets about registering and what professors are not rated highly. Whether or not you become great friends with those you meet, you’re still expanding your personal sphere.
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Finding Yourself
The beauty of having so many clubs on-campus is that there is truly something for everyone. The Highlander Link Organizations tab allows you to see a full list of all clubs and their mission statements which makes finding the right club for you super easy. I think a part of the college experience is getting to know yourself better. I was lucky in finding a community service based organization that allowed me to stay connected with my Latinx culture. My involvement has helped me cement my identity as a Chicana woman who wants to give back to her community; which is why I urge those around me to find their kind of people. I think it’s important for us all to try new things that allow us to better understand who we are and college is the perfect time for that.
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Making Forever Friends
My biggest fear coming to UCR was that I would be alone for the next four years. Fortunately, one of my now closest friends invited me to a general meeting for the Student Association of Latino-Spanish Affairs (S.A.L.S.A.) and I really clicked with everyone there. It was the first time I was able to meet people from different majors and grade levels that I felt a connection to. I began to become more and more involved over time which led to me making friends that I am certain to have for the rest of my life. These connections are irreplaceable and I don’t know what I would do without my second family. I will be attending their weddings and root for them in all their future endeavors because that’s family does. Being a part of a club allows a new atmosphere that’s separate from academics that allows you to connect to people on a different level. When you’ve found a club that fits your interests you are sure to find your forever friends.
S.A.L.S.A has changed my life and I know that you can find your club that will provide memorable experiences no problem. So I encourage you all to sign into your Highlander Link account and find the “Involvement Calculator” under the Forms tab to find your forever friends.