The Benefit of Getting Involved!

By Katherine Elliot, SchoolFinder.com

When you are in school it feels like one year finishes with the end of summer and a new begins with the first day of school, therefore, I’d like to wish you a happy new year! Starting a new year can bring fresh starts, new possibilities and of course a list of resolutions. It is the perfect time to reflect on what you want to accomplish this year in school. One thing I’ll suggest you add to your list is to get involved at your institution!

Universities and colleges offer an extensive list of extracurricular activities for you to get involved in. There is everything from campus clubs for the appreciation of food, to intramural sports like ultimate frisbee, to varsity athletics, academic mentor programs and part-time work opportunities. With so much available, it's a challenge to find something you wouldn't be interested in! Typically within the first month of school you’ll see many of these organizations promoting around campus – talk to them, see what they are all about, and find something that excites you!

Whether it's your first or last year at your school, there is endless value in expanding your time beyond the classroom. It's a great way to meet new friends, discover your passions and it will help you work towards maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Learning how to balance a busy schedule of class, assignments, and extra commitments creates a well-rounded student - it can even help you to achieve higher grades! You never know where the new opportunity will take you. I know many people, myself included, that were able to figure out what field of work they wanted to be in due to an extracurricular involvement.

A post-secondary education is a way for you to carve out your future. The best way to do so is to enhance your learning experiencing by combing your academic interests with extracurricular passions. So, when you start school this year I challenge you to find something to get involved in, it can change your whole year!