If you’re a first year student, or even if you’re not a first year student, this applies to you. A couple of years ago, I used to be THAT student who would study nonstop and turn down any extracurricular opportunity that came my way. Boy, was I mistaken! Getting involved, even in one or two clubs, can make a huge (positive) difference to your lifestyle. Here are my top reasons for why you should get involved:
1) Mental-health break: School life is super stressful with all the deadlines, exams, tests, and it can be overwhelming. Joining a club that promotes something you’re passionate about can be a huge stress-relief and be a mental-health break. This can even boost academic performance, because you’re tackling some of that stress, and releasing some endorphins.
2) Socialization element: Socialization is something that’s definitely beneficial and an advantage to joining a club. You get to step outside your comfort zone, engage in activities that might make you feel super awkward, and most importantly having a good time doing crochet or playing the violin.
3) Meeting new people: You’re meeting people from various majors by joining clubs. You’re not solely restricted to talking to “Dude in Calc 8:30” or “Amanda Note-Girl” from that 12 pm class. You’re meeting people who share a similar interest, and that can definitely be a conversation-starter.
4) Enriching experience: College isn’t just about studying 24/7. It’s so much more than that. If you’re constantly studying you’re barely going to gain anything from the next four years. Spend that time balancing the two, so you’re not too overwhelmed. Because you might be passing your classes, but will you be enjoying yourself? Why not just balance the two?
5) Resume building:
Firstly, to clarify, you should not be joining a club “just because it’ll get you into medical school.” No. Stop. Your sole purpose should be driven by your passion for so-and-so hobby, or cause. And then you can put that on a resume to indicate your involvement. However, if you’re joining a club just to show off how great of a citizen you are, or how benevolent you are in terms of community involvement, you’re messing up.
Be sure to get involved on-campus, off-campus, at your local library, hospital, etc. It’s so fulfilling, and you definitely will notice several great changes in your lifestyle. I know I sure did!