GUEST BLOGGER: SOPHIA BERCOW, UNIVERSITY OF OREGON

WHY YOU NEED TO GET INVOLVED IN STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS 

How many times has a boomer reminded you that college will be the best four years of your life? My guess is about seven times a day for the last decade. Here’s the thing, though – they’re actually not wrong about this one. College has been the most fun I’ve ever had in my life – over 21 years! Here’s why: I joined student organizations that made my time here more than worthwhile.

The first organization I joined was one that I knew would help me make friends quickly. I went into it knowing it was going to consume a lot of time in terms of my social life, and that was something that was really important to freshman me. What was it? Well, a sorority, of course.

Greek Life isn’t for everyone, but joining my chapter absolutely changed the course of my life for the better. I not only met my best friends and had the opportunity to live with 54 of them in the same house, I also grew in terms of my confidence, professionalism and leadership skills. I went looking for the social aspect of it, but ended up getting so much more.

The second student organization I joined not only benefited me, but also my resume. I wanted to find something I’d enjoy that would also relate to my future career interests. I’ve been interested in book editing and publishing for some time now, so I joined the editorial board for a student-run creative writing magazine. I didn’t know how much fun I would have with this when I initially joined, but it has turned out to be one of my favorite parts of college. The other members of the board have become my good friends and I have amazing opportunities to read the creative works of my campus peers. The group has opened my eyes to different styles of writing while confirming that I’m choosing the right career path.

As I near the end of these four years, I feel proud to say I made the most of my college experience. I definitely don’t think I would be able to say this had I not joined student organizations. These are only two of the many I’ve tried, and that shows that there are a million and one opportunities for you to get involved on your own campus. If you want to have the best possible college experience, step out of your comfort zone and join some student groups.

Have a story about how a student organization helped shape the course of your career or life? Let us know: @ch_threads