There is a lack of school involvement here at Loyola and those who do participate are often looked at as over-achievers. I distinctly believe that you have to be involved in something to get the full experience of any institution. Academics are not the only thing a university offers.
From Etcetera to intramural sports teams, there is so much Loyola has to offer outside of the academics. Too much time is spent out at the bars or at some house-party while less is spent getting to know your fellow Loyola students.
The small-community atmosphere allows students to connect. Contributing more than just paying your tuition is not a requirement, but it’s a way to get something more out of college than a degree. I meet the majority of my friends, if not all them, through activities offered at Loyola.
The memories from laser tag and bowling are ones I will always have and that is worth more than a degree from an Ivy League university.
On occasion, I find myself out at some party but I can -and do – see the value of clubs and sports, and extra activities.
If we spent more money on ways to help the school than we do on cocktails, the school might be a more enjoyable place for a lot of people.
Besides the money aspect, time spent working with a club or a sports team can be beneficial. Work experience or just community awareness could come from giving to others instead of ourselves. I am at the moment a hypocrite, but I recognize my lack of school involvement, and I hope to change that by the end of this semester.
The good thing for you and me is that the choices for change are limitless. Whether you are into music or religion, there is an activity for you.
As a music industry studies major, there are countless organizations to join, from the Music and Entertainment Industry Students Association to the Sound EU.
For the athletes, from football to volleyball, there is a variety of intramural offered throughout the year.
Many of my friends are in spiritual associations such as Christian Life Communities or Loyola Life. If the clubs don’t do it for you there are always sororities or fraternities to join. Maybe you don’t want to join a club because the commitment is too much for you – you can always cheer our Wolfpack to victory.
If you still have not found that thing that interests you can always get a job in the bookstore or in one of the many departments around campus.
A job offers you exposure to the area and local people, with different experiences to draw from, and they are great resume builders.
There has to be something out there that can get you involved in creating a better campus. The friends you’ve gained after joining one or more activities are enough for you to go out and rule the world if you want to, but if not, you have memories, friends and possibly money. It’s out there waiting for you to find it, so just get out there and do it again.
Michael Jackson is a music industry studies freshman from Richmond, VA.
