A new environment, new faces and new professors.
After entering college in the fall of 2008, I felt lost. I knew no one, not even my own roommate.
Entering a new stage in my life practically on my own was very scary, but the one thing that really helped was becoming involved in many activities on campus.
Being involved has molded me into the student I am today.
When I was a freshman, the only thing I became involved in was college soccer. I never really branched out and met other people unless I had class with them.
It wasn't until my second semester, when my roommate dragged me to Ultimate Frisbee, that I met at least 20 new people. I liked the feeling of becoming active, meeting new people and trying new things.
By the end of the semester, I had become a member of the Ultimate Frisbee Club, Intramural Sports and Habitat for Humanity.
I had met new people, made many connections and started to feel comfortable at Lycoming College.
I finally began to feel comfortable and have confidence with myself. It finally felt like home, a place where I could spend the rest of my college career.
After returning from the summer break, I found myself wanting to be more involved. I joined Student Senate, became a tour guide, took a leadership position for colloquium and got a radio show.
I have met many new people, made connections and have made a name for myself on campus.
I love the feeling of walking around campus and being recognized by people who are my fellow club members, or by people who I am friends with.
There are some things to consider when a college student is thinking about joining organizations.
One of the major points I would stress, for those who want to become involved, is to be careful with how much you take on.
It is common for many students to take on more than they can handle and they begin to see their grades slip.
Students go to college for an education, not for clubs.
Also, students who become too involved tend to miss out on the fun times in college and stress too much.
It is important to enjoy life when being enrolled in college because those are four years that go by so quickly.
Another thing to consider when joining clubs and organizations is how to pick which one to join.
Many colleges have a variety of clubs to join, but picking the right ones are a key decision.
I only picked clubs that I knew I wanted to be involved in.
It was hard when making this decision because my friends tried to pressure me to join the clubs they became a part of, but I knew I was not going to attend the meetings.
Don't join a club if you know you won't go to the meetings.
One final thing to consider when thinking about clubs and organizations is to create one. If the college does not have a club that a student would want to join, then make it!
The more clubs a college has the better.
This year, Lycoming College has had many new clubs form. Some of the most recent ones have been Juggling Club, Water Polo Club, Equestrian Club and even a club using Magic Cards.
If there is hobby you have, even if you think you are alone, odds are that others do it. too. Becoming involved is one of the best things that I could have done during my sophomore year. I have made many new friends, even with the staff.
Making these friends has allowed me to network as well. Networking on campus "opens up doors" for me.
I have been offered certain jobs and recommended for jobs. It is a great way to find internships and build a future.
When going off to college, think about clubs and organizations to join.
Most colleges have some kind of fair to advertise for them, but be open-minded.
Try new things! College can be a scary place at first, but with a good attitude, it will be one of the best times of your life.
Lenz recently completed her sophomore year at Lycoming College, where she is majoring in corporate communications and business marketing. She hails from Carroll County, Maryland.
