Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Why Get Involved


Hello Fellow Commuters,

I am in my senior year now and perhaps my fondest memories in college can be traced to my campus involvement. A lot of students are very apprehensive about getting involved because they feel that it will take time away from their academics. Some even feel that it will not really help them get a job which is why there is no reason for them to get involved.

However, getting involved is a great way to meet new people, form new connections, develop your inter-personal skills, develop an all-round personality and even help your academics. Of course, one must never compromise on academics. But getting involved helps you in meeting a lot of new people and make new friends. And when one is involved on campus, just because of the sheer number of people you meet and interact with, your interpersonal skills get a huge boost. I was really shy as a freshman and would never how to even talk to someone I knew a little. But after getting involved, I can safely say that I find it pretty easy to strike a conversation with even a total stranger. And because getting involved requires a time commitment of some sort, your time management skills also develop. Getting involved also increases your exposure and hence goes a long way in developing your leadership skills. And these are the sort of skills that firms, government agencies, non-governmental organizations and even graduate schools look for.

Moreover, if you join an organization from your area of study, you will meet a lot of professors as well as industry professionals. These people can definitely help you out with recommendations and some great advice. But apart from that, whenever a firm wants to come on to campus and conduct an info session, the first people they will contact is an organization related to their industry. So, if you are in that organization, you will be the first one to talk to them which is a great networking opportunity. And we all know how big a part networking plays in success.

Apart from the above benefits, getting involved is a lot of fun. And once you start taking the organization you are in seriously, you will start to enjoy working for it and will even look forward to going to meetings. It is also a great stress-buster and a necessary break from the stresses of college life.

So, I would say that if you have not already, then you must definitely get out there and find the organization matching your interest. Here is a list of all of the student organizations at Drexel: http://drexel.collegiatelink.net/organizations. If you can't find one in your interest here then you can make one. All you need is a few of your friends with the same interest. If you have any questions, make sure to ask your Commuter/Transfer Assistant.


Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Smile: It's Warm Outside!

After months and weeks of frigid cold and walking back and forth to campus in mounds of snow and slip sliding on sheets of ice we finally felt the first relief yesterday, I felt like a brand new person. Spring is only a month away and this week we are getting a taste of what we have to look forward to in the coming seasons. I know for me it's so hard to find the motivation to leave the comfort of my apartment to walk a half hour to class everyday in the harsh wind and freezing temperatures.

It's so funny how any temperature that is above the freezing mark feel like such a huge relief and completely change the entire attitude of everyone around you. It seems to me that everywhere I went yesterday everyone was out and about, so cheerful and friendly and even wearing short sleeevs and shorts outside! Amazing how a little brightness, sunshine, and warmth can make the whole day better. When I went for a walk I instantly thought of all the great things that spring and summer have to offer and remembered how much we have to look forward to.

Just to enjoy the greatness of the outdoors and leisurely walk through the streets and take in all of the beautiful sights is such a great way to relieve built up stress and remember the things that truely matter in life. Too often, especially when we are trying to escape the cold, we run from place to place without ever actually looking and appreciating what is around us. Instead of being caught up in the craziness that is everyday life, it's important once in awhile to step back from our lives and take the time to breathe and look at the world and people that are surrounding us.