Solitary, lonely, directionless. Everybody has been there at some point in their college careers.
Freshman have to deal with the struggle of coming into a world where everything they see is new to them and for the majority, it takes a while to find their path, let alone get out of the rut known as “un-involvement.”
It is understandable how college students can get annoyed at the typical overly enthusiastic university staff member—the type of staff member who tries to initiate a conversation by inviting a scared freshman to an enormous campus event where they may not know a single soul in attendance.
It is intimidating to try new things and it is a challenge to step out the safe comfort zone, even for the most extroverted individual, because college does a significant job at providing its own form of culture shock.
I have been there myself.
Freshman year was one of the hardest years of my young life due to the constant need to try to find a place to fit in despite the fear of committing to stepping out of the dorm room.
I had no one to talk to, no place to go and no events to attend. The worst thing is, it’s a not a rare problem on a college campus.
Everybody knows the typical freshman situation. At the beginning of the school year, everyone is desperate to meet people; therefore, they put on a fake face and talk to anyone they can find. No one wants to appear lonely.
This situation can easily become avoidable if students are determined to find their calling and become involved in their campus society.
The biggest mistake a college student can make is not being active at school. To be included in something bigger provides a sense of direction and a sense of hope.
Occupation of the mind is a tremendous tool a college undergrad can utilize to distract themselves from other everyday struggles.
Clubs or organizations are the prime resources of involvement at a university because of the broad selection any individual can participate in.
Colorado Mesa University in itself does an excellent job at providing clubs for anyone and everyone who might be looking for a place to fit in.
A standard college freshman can start out with attending clubs based on their interests or major. This allows for them to meet peers with similar interests and build beneficial relationships to help them in their future careers.
Each major, from mass communication to fine arts, allows easy access to clubs and organizations young students can utilize in order to assist them in expanding their horizon.
The real world is tough and those who are active and involved will be ready for it. Those who were not actively connected will live with regret and question why they wasted four years of their life sitting in their dorm feeling depressed because their days were wasted.
I have seen both ends of the spectrum. It is more beneficial to have a full schedule and keep the mind working hard to the breaking points of stress rather than the relaxed and without-worry lifestyle.
College is a time where character development is crucial and that will not be achieved while binge-watching “Game of Thrones” instead of attending a student government or a Resident Assistant meeting.
It is important for students to get involved as soon as possible while attending a university. The normal life of a college student should not consist of waking up for class, going to class, sleeping, repeat.
In college, it is not the strong who survive, but the involved who thrive.
