What I wish I knew as a Freshman: Getting Involved
The years a person spends on a university campus are some of the most memorable, formative years of their life. A whole world of opportunity presents itself after high school graduation, complete with the independence leaving home affords. This unfamiliar freedom can foster passion or passiveness and it is integral that students find their niche in college so they can make the most of the university experience. Getting involved on campus can facilitate friendships, job opportunities, and can positively impact peers and professors alike. Four student leaders here at Utah State University weigh in on their personal journey to becoming the driver of their college adventure.
Utah Statesman: What first made you think about getting involved on campus?
Ashley Waddoups, USUSA President: For me, involvement represented opportunity; opportunity to better myself, and to serve others
Matthew Clewett, USUSA Student Advocate Vice-President: I was not a traditional student when I enrolled in Utah State University. I attended community college in Nevada, where I served as treasurer in the student government. Once I arrived at Utah State, I joined the president’s cabinet and the government relations council which jump-started my participation here at USU. Throughout my college education, I have been a firm believer that how involved you are will determine how successful you are in school and life, which has motivated me to keep finding ways to participate.
Rachael Fresh, USUSA Student Alumni Vice-President: I wanted to be involved because I wanted to meet people who loved Utah State as much as I did. I knew the people that were involved would be my people and I was excited to start fresh at USU with some new friends. Eventually, as time went on, my desire for involvement changed and now I do it because I want to make an honest difference in my school. Which is the best feeling in the world!
U.S.: What were your first steps to becoming a student leader?
A.W.: My first step was kind of an accident. I ran into the Government Relations Council at Day on the Quad, and they invited me to join. This created an avenue for me to learn about other things that I later did, including president’s cabinet, A-Team, Student Advocate VP, etc.
M.C.: One of the first things I did when I enrolled in Utah State was email the elected officers to see how I could get involved. It can be frightening to put yourself out there and ask a stranger, but it was very helpful to establish those connections before I even got to campus. I also have quite a few student leader friends who attend the Aggie Blue conference and found their start to a fulfilling college experience there, so I would highly recommend attending.
R.F.: My first steps to becoming a student leader really felt insignificant. I was a quiet girl who went to the Aggie Blue Leadership Conference and eventually joined President’s Cabinet. At the time I felt like I really wasn’t doing these amazing and impactful and great things, but it taught me that you have to start somewhere and that is usually at the bottom of the food chain. Because I had such a great desire to stay involved I kept joining clubs and going to events, usually by myself, but after time people start to recognize you and get to know you. It just takes time to prove yourself and get your name out there. Once you do that the opportunities are limitless!
U.S.: Who were/are your role models both on and off campus?
Ashley Waddoups: My greatest role model my whole life has been my Grandma Eames. She nurtured and taught me for as long as I can remember. We would go on long walks together and talk about psychology, social justice, and the piano (she was my piano teacher). Even though she passed away when I was 17, her thoughts and feelings continue to influence me. As far as on campus role models, I really don’t think I can fairly pick just one person. There are so many incredible people here who have influenced me for good, and believed in me – even when I doubted in myself.
Matthew Clewett: On campus I would say Ashley Waddoups, our current student president. She is kind, compassionate, and willing to work with everyone. I really look up to her as a leader and mentor on campus. Off campus my grandfather has been a real example, starting from nothing and building his name with hard work. He taught me many lessons, and I credit him with my work ethic today.
Rachael Fresh: Let me tell you, there are so many amazing leaders who have been or are on this campus, but the people who took the time to personally mentor me are the ones that I will never forget. Ryan Lambert was my Aggie Blue facilitator my freshman year and I honestly have never had someone so supportive in my life. He was the one who encouraged me to apply for positions I never thought I had a chance at getting – now look where I am! Doug Fiefia is honestly the best leader I have worked with. I always loved his leadership style and the way that he inspired us in President’s Cabinet but it wasn’t until I was recently elected that I started to take the lessons that I learned from him and use them to lead my council. Trevor Olsen is someone everyone should know! No one can enact change like him and I am grateful for his passion for this University. He taught me more than he will ever know and I wish he could stay by my side teaching me forever.
U.S.: Do you have any advice for students looking to get involved? Specifically freshmen?
A.W.: Get to know your representatives on the third floor of the TSC, ask your A-teamer, talk to an Ambassador! It can be intimidating to randomly approach someone, but in my experience, people are always happy to have an excuse to talk about what they are most passionate about. All you have to say is “what should I do to get involved” and then be prepared to talk about your interests.
M.C.: Once again I highly recommend attending the Aggie Blue Conference. If you are receptive to the opportunities around you, you will find something you love! Talk to people as much as you are comfortable, and don’t try to define what your involvement should be based on someone else’s.
R.F.: Take every opportunity! At the beginning I got involved in pretty much everything I was offered in small ways and through that process I was able to find out where I fit and where I knew I could make this school a better place. I did everything from Aggie Radio to Student Activities Board and now I get to be over the best group of people on Student Alumni. College is big and different, but once you start putting yourself out there people will guide you. Don’t settle for being mediocre! For me, being an average student that goes to class and comes home everyday wasn’t enough and it didn’t have to be! Every student is offered opportunities to get involved everyday. It is just all about being confident in who you are and figuring out what makes you happy.
U.S.: What do you recommend for students who are on the shy side, or are not ready to become student leaders but would like to be involved?
A.W.s: First, having an introverted side is not a bad thing. Second, there are a lot of gradual steps you can take than running for a position, or approaching a stranger about involvement. Ask your roommates to attend events USUSA puts on with you, join a club with people of your same interests, attend cool events like TedX that allow you to get involved without having to lead a group or socialize with a lot of people all at once. Many students don’t even take advantage of the many resources and opportunities that USU provides.
M.C.: There is a huge misconception that you have to be bubbly and social in order to be a successful student leader. The best organizations have a well-rounded team, with people who are outgoing and action based, and those who are methodical and patient. I myself am an introvert at heart, but I found that when I kept my head up and my eyes open, there were plenty of groups and organizations that I could work with. Another important thing is to push yourself outside your comfort zone. I never expected myself to join a fraternity, but now I saw an opportunity to change things and I took it.
R.F.: Involvement sometimes has a different connotation to students than it should. Involvement in college could be getting involved in your college or in a club that interests you, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to be a student leader. There are a lot of reasons to get involved! I love the resume builder. Not only am I leaving college with a great education and lasting friendships, but I am leaving with real world experience in leadership, marketing, teamwork, and event coordinating. For students on the shy side I would invite them to find out what they like to do! Rock climbing, video games, there are even clubs specifically for international and diversity students, so basically anything you could imagine! Every student deserves to find out where they fit in at USU and luckily we have so many different areas you Can get involved in. I promise your love for your school and your fellow Aggies will grow more than you can imagine once you start serving your school.
– smithcaroline405@gmail.com