EDITORIAL: Think outside the classroom
Each month, the editorial board of The Utah Statesman will share our view on a topic we think is worth addressing. This month, we’re encouraging students to take advantage of the extracurricular opportunities at Utah State.
To submit a response to this column, or submit a letter to the editor on a new topic, email your submission to opinion@usustatesman.com.
While doing well in classes and earning a degree is an obviously important part of being a college student, we believe there is much more to a fulfilling college experience.
Utah State University students have countless opportunities to participate in extracurricular opportunities and with the start of a new school year, we encourage all of our Aggie friends to take the time to explore those opportunities and to find their place. We believe there is immense value in extending their university experience beyond the classroom.
We at The Utah Statesman are all students too and we know how tough it can be to keep up with schoolwork, study for all of those exams, work one (or two, or three) jobs and find time for social opportunities. Balancing a college schedule is just plain hard. We get it. But we’re here to tell you that getting involved is still worth the effort of learning how to juggle everything.
Don’t be that freshman — or upperclassman — who is only on campus when class is in session. Stay in Logan on the weekends rather than going home. Go to the football, soccer and volleyball games with your roommates, or check out one of the plays, concerts or performances put on by the Caine College — entrance is already covered with your student fees! Take advantage of the many opportunities for free Aggie Ice Cream and attend other free events like PoBev.
Beyond the events offered on campus, getting involved with a club, group or program that interests you is an excellent way to develop your knowledge, skills and talents. Many clubs will provide leadership or other opportunities that will flesh out your resume and make you more attractive on the job market. And, more important than a resume, the clubs and groups will provide meaningful experiences now and friendships you wouldn’t have developed otherwise.
There are dozens of clubs and student organizations to get involved with. Many of the clubs don’t have restrictions on who can join them, so feel free to search for opportunities outside your academic discipline or college. With so many options, we’re confident you’ll find the right place for you. If you’re not sure whether an opportunity is right for you, don’t be afraid to try it out and see how it feels.
If you’re not sure where to start looking, chat with your advisor or a faculty member about the clubs and groups associated with your degree, search the list of student-run clubs on the ususa website, or look through the websites of the colleges on campus. Even just paying attention to signs and advertisements on campus — particularly in the TSC — can make you aware of opportunities.
And after all that, if you’re still struggling to find your fit at USU, you can create your own club. Build a club from the ground up and help other people who share your interests to find their place on campus.
No matter who you are or what you like, you have the opportunity to be involved during your college experience. And though at times it may seem stressful to add something else to your plate, we promise you that in the end, you’ll feel more involved and have a more meaningful and fulfilling experience at Utah State.