College Is Back! So Get Out There and Be Productive!

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The new year brings many new changes... one of which includes expanded knowledge in the field(s) we study or find interesting through extracurricular activities.

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College is an exciting thing. There are various, fun opportunities to pursue. Whether you enjoy a nice conversation about the newest, trending books or love to study the stars with your fellow colleagues, you can always find something to do. And, if there isn't anything specifically offered, you have the ability to start-up a new club or organization. The possibilities are endless--well, with the exception of a few guidelines and permissions!

Why should you join an extracurricular activity, club, or organization?

It's just a big waste of time anyways, right?!

WRONG!

Not only does these extracurricular look good on a transcript, but they help in building essential skills that many professional workplaces are looking for. Th first skill that workplaces will admire is the ability to manage; every good employer knows that the key to having a successful business starts with hiring professional, responsible employees. If they see you have been apart of many clubs, organizations, and sports while maintaining good, passing grades, then they are most likely to hire you rather than someone who has not. This shows integrity and hard work. Secondly, these activities will advance your career by increasing your knowledge. Perhaps you want to understand business concepts better, so you join a business club which goes over the basics and allows you to participate in rewarding opportunities. Thus, your skill just increased and you have a better idea of what to do whenever handling higher-level tasks assigned by your employer, or if you are self-employed. Lastly, these activities allow you to meet new people. Let's say you do photography as a hobby, and you are trying to gain recognition. So you decide to join a photography group. This group happens to be very popular within the community, and they decide to feature you within their social media page's. Due to you joining that group, you are recognized within your community and are now able to make your hobby become a career.

I just don't have any time! There is no way for me to fit that into my schedule--I work nights when the meeting are held!

No fear! There is a way around it. Personally, I had to skip out on many meetings for clubs and organizations I had joined. On top of being a full-time student with a full-time job, I was apart of various clubs and organizations. I even played two different sports in one season! I did this for years... and I still plan to. The key is commitment. How much do you really want to be apart of that Chemistry Club? Or, volleyball team? Or, maybe even the school newspaper? The answer is up to you. In order to do a lot, you must have your priorities figured out. If not, everything becomes stressful and too much to bear. (My advice is to start out small if you're planning on joining multiple clubs, organizations, or even sports!)

I hate to admit it, but I am too shy! I really don't know anything about this subject or hobby... it would be too embarrassing!

Don't worry about what others think. They might be the best skier within the entire school, but they started somewhere. Perhaps you joining that Ski Club would be your beginning at something you are phenomenal at. You will never know unless you try. Furthermore, if you really want to learn something, do it! That opportunity might never happen again, and you might regret not seizing it when it was available.

Extracurricular activities can not only be fun and super beneficial to your work and school careers, but they can be the beginning of your greatest accomplishments. Don't fear about schedules and peer pressure; when you are determined enough and try your very best to succeed, you can do anything.