Guest column: Everyone has a place here
Welcome Back!
There is nothing quite like the beginning of school! I can feel a certain buzz in the air, and the excitement of new possibilities. As I write this, I am in a busy on-campus cafe, and I realize how much I have missed it! Whether career or academic exploration, the possibility of new friends, or the hope of meaningful student involvement, there seems to be an air of optimism and hope at the beginning of the year! I am starting my eighth semester at Utah State University, and I know this feeling well.
However, I know that not everyone may feel the same. I know a lot of you are feeling overwhelmed with doubt, fear, and stress. The scary thing about a new year is that there are often no guarantees. With this in mind, I want to talk a little about my own involvement and educational journey, as well as the wealth of potential that we all have.
Aside from one semester living at home in 2017, I started school full time in the fall of 2019. Due to some poor planning on my part, my mom had to choose my class schedule while I was away on a mission. She even declared my major for me! I was lucky to have the support of some friends I knew from high school. However, I moved into on-campus housing where I did not know anyone. I did not take the Connections course, and I had no idea what involvement opportunities were available to students. Even so, I made a goal to say yes to every interesting opportunity I could reasonably and consistently carry out.
This was the beginning of a few years of exploration. I changed my major four times and often failed to find the opportunities I was looking for. I knew there was something I wanted, but I did not know what. The spread of COVID-19 did not help. It is tough to network with people over Zoom! But I kept believing that I would find whatever I was looking for.
Around the beginning of my Junior year, the right opportunities showed up. I applied for some Utah State University Student Association (USUSA) council positions and I added an Anticipatory Intelligence minor! From there, I was lucky to take on several great roles, including exciting internships and my current job as the USUSA Chief of Staff. As Chief of Staff, I assist with administrative needs for all student officers, both in Logan and other Statewide Campuses.
I share this story for a few reasons. First, I know a lot of students that have lived through a similar pattern. They came to school not knowing what to study or how to be involved. However, as they experimented and made connections, things started to work out. Secondly, my involvement experience was not typical. I was not immediately drawn to most of the events, traditions, or committees that we usually think about (although they are wonderful and I enjoy them much more now). However, I was able to find other routes of involvement that best suited my interests. While I do not know anyone who has had the “perfect college experience”, I do believe that everyone has a place here!
A few thoughts. The USUSA theme for this year is “We Are One.” I do not just believe that personally. I have seen it lived by all of you! The Anticipatory Intelligence program recruits students across all campus disciplines, and is much more enriching for it! I have seen firsthand the value of building friendships and gaining perspectives from those you might not immediately relate to. Additionally, I have met many individuals that immediately treat everyone as a friend. They celebrate differences and treat others with respect. While there is a lot of room for improvement, I am encouraged by what I see.
Also, please reach out to others! Professors are there to help you, especially in academic and career exploration. Perhaps the greatest regret I have from my experience so far is not networking enough with my professors. Most of them love mentoring and connecting with students, and they can provide great direction and career opportunities. My fellow USUSA officers are here for you as well. Please stop by and come say hi! Office hours are posted online, and you can come in just to talk! Reach out to your college’s senator, and they will help you find opportunities in your chosen field of study. We are not too busy to talk to you! I wish I had known this earlier. It would have saved me a lot of time!
Remember, among all of this, to prioritize your mental and financial health. Burnout is real! Pace yourself and remember that you do not have to do everything at once. If you fail, know that you are in good company. I believe that all of the world’s most successful people have failed in some part of their journeys. If you never fail, you are probably doing it wrong! And if you find yourself struggling with chronic mental health concerns, please reach out to university professionals. They are here to help!
I am confident that each of you have something unique and great to offer. I cannot wait to see what this year will bring. Go Aggies!!
Nicklaus Spaulding is the USUSA chief of staff. He is a senior studying data analytics and political science.