Other than being one of the funniest musicals of all time, Pitch Perfect had a “hits home” type of point: join something. College is great; there are people to meet, teachers you might even like, and discoveries you will continue to make of yourself. My freshman year I came in thinking everything was one big, expensive vacation.  “Join a club?” I thought, “Why?” If I could go back and slap myself in the face, I would. That is the exact attitude that will hold you back. 

Be open-minded. Carry a conversation with someone who is much different from you. Go to a meeting for a club or organization that might not have a thing to do with your major. But most of all get involved. Employers love to see that their potential employees are able to balance work, school, and an extracurricular or two.

When it came time for me to create a resume for a summer job after freshman year, I was stuck. My mind went blank and I thought, “What did I do with that whole year?” Sure, I participated in intramurals, but being a gym rat doesn’t enhance your resume. I knew at that point I had to start doing something.

I came in knowing a total of four people. Although I value those friendships, my freshman experience (and resume for that matter) would have been much better had I branched out and gotten a bit out of my comfort zone. Don’t get me wrong, freshman year was probably the best time of my life, and will be for you too. But what’s to lose? There are 12,000 plus students here. So what, you tried and didn’t click with a certain person. Guess what? There are thousands more to befriend. Branch out. 

Get as far away from your comfort zone as possible. I guarantee it will be worth it. You have a great life to start and have chosen a great place to start it. Even though you may not be “synchronized lady dancing to a Mariah Carey chart-topper,” I guarantee you will get the most out of your college experience by simply putting yourself out there.

 

Miranda Bader is The Collegian’s Juice Editor. She can be reached at [email protected]