Going off to college, the one phrase that cannot be escaped is “get involved.” That’s all I, and I am pretty sure the rest of the student body, heard as they started their first day as a Gustie. Many of us already know that being an over involved Gustie is a hobby itself here on the hill. It is hard not to walk through the Involvement Fair and sign up for everything like an all you can eat buffet. You like animals? Pound pals is the way to go. Want to go Greek? Join one of the fraternities or sororities. Need to learn to juggle that busy schedule you’re creating for yourself? We’ve got the juggling club. Signing up for clubs, organizations, and intramurals is equivalent to going to Target for one item and coming out with a cart full. So how does that make being the over involved Gustie and having little time left over a good thing?
It is inevitable to not make friends when getting involved. Coming to college as a first year can be intimidating because it is a (clean) blank slate. Being able to go to meals, activities, and hang out with a group of friends is what makes college so great, but finding that group isn’t always the easiest. Joining a club or organization of interest automatically is a set up to find people interested in the same thing.
It isn’t uncommon for those who join organizations, to make those college friendships that last a lifetime. Junior Vanessa Case agreed saying “joining a sorority brought me some of my best friends, and they all have the same interests and passions as me.” Getting involved also allows for friendships with students in different years to take place. This isn’t like high school where it is more the norm to only be friends with your own class. Some of my best friends are in grades above me that I met through my organizations I’m involved in, and I am so grateful for that.
Getting involved at Gustavus assures that there is something for everyone. The variety is astounding! Sand volleyball, Finance Club, Gustavus Women in Leadership, Love Your Melon, Christian Organizations, A Moment of Magic, Arb Scouts, CAB, Habitat for Humanity, Student Senate, Swing Dancing, the list goes on and on.
What is great about all of them is that teach organization, club, or sport has a role for everyone whether that be in a leadership role, or an active member. Clubs give students the chance to be passionate about something other than getting good grades.
They also teach skills such as teamwork, planning, problem solving, time management, and comradery. Junior Mitch Munson said “the biggest skill I have gained from Finance club is leadership. I lead the activities department, and is the first time I’ve had a lead role in the club. It’s been a great experience.” For those of you who still don’t agree that your “something” is here, Gustavus gives students the chance to create their own.
Future president of Fortnite club maybe? College is the perfect time to try something new, and getting involved on campus with the most welcoming people around is the perfect way to do it. There is no judgement if you realize you just don’t have the time and can’t show up to all the meetings, or if you realize the organization isn’t for you.
There is nothing wrong with a little trial and error. Senior Peter Varanasi said “my friends brought me along to juggling club and I liked it so much that I became a regular.” Being able to branch out and try something new promotes growth, and may lead to a new hobby. I never thought I would be a part of the Gustavus Barbell Club, but here I am.
As mentioned before, it is hard walking through the Involvement Fair, and not stumbling upon a new organization that sparks interest. I love all the organizations I am involved in now, most of them stemming from impulsively signing up, and I still have not regretted scribbling my name down once. The biggest concern, time.
While I will admit I have spread myself thin, everything I have gained makes it all worth it. Case agreed saying “it is definitely worth the time, it can be stressful, but once you are there it is worth it and a nice way to decompress.” The friends, memories, and passions made through these organizations stand tall against busy schedules.
When I look at my schedule, all I see is classes that I love, a day full of seeing my friends, working to better the community, spreading awareness and knowledge, fun times, and chances to better myself. Why turn that down? If being over involved were more detrimental than beneficial, the term “over involved Gusties” would not continue to live on as long as it has.