It’s true: this is a segment of our lives we will never get back. As students, we often hear that the most precious years are these. This is why college should be everything we hoped for and more.
As a freshman, I recall a recurring shock that I, Alexandra Ernst, was in college. A puzzling thought often crossed my mind: What now?
I know that next year I will have a similar feeling when I am entering my final year and preparing for graduation. Regardless of class standing, we are all inevitably at our prime. It is not too early or too late to make the most out of our valuable college life.
Early in my sophomore year, after much searching, I discovered the answer to my question: involvement on campus is the only way to enrich the experience.
With the new fall semester comes also an important decision to make this year especially meaningful. The university’s mission is to educate in such a way as to inspire students “to lead meaningful lives with and for others.”
As undergraduates at a Jesuit institution, embracing the Jesuit values is important in creating and finding ourselves. Loyola is flourishing in rich opportunity.
For example, I counted 124 currently active and diverse organizations, clubs, and teams. Loyola offers possibilities galore to get involved, meet new people and enjoy college to the fullest.
Yet two of the major concerns for most people who want to get involved are time and money. Almost all of the programs are flexible with class and work schedules, and many cost nothing.
Organizations such as Students In Free Enterprise, Greek Life and Student Government Association, can all be philanthropically and socially stimulating.
Honors societies, clubs or fraternities in each college are great to help hone our abilities in our fields of study. Volunteering for The Maroon, NOLA Sound or Loyola University’s Community Action Program, are all very rewarding programs to affiliate with. Most organizations will start recruiting soon. For more details search organizations on Loyola’s website.
But Loyola takes it even further. The Student Activities Office is open to creating and developing new clubs and organizations, so the possibilities are endless!
Last year I began associating with several groups on campus and my life changed in the most positive ways. I found that the college experience is not just about going to class and partying.
Campus activities are a wonderful way to make new friends and broaden horizons. I have learned firsthand how fulfilling teamwork and leadership can be; and I know, no matter what career path I take, these skills will be of great value.
Interacting with my peers in this way is inspiring and has given me a stronger sense of the community we share at Loyola.
Getting to know the people around me has been more invigorating, fun and gratifying than anything else I have experienced on campus.
I encourage everyone, whether it is your first or last year at Loyola University, to make this year meaningful by getting involved.
Alexandra Ernst is a mass communication junior. She can be reached at [email protected]
In My Opinion is a weekly column open to Loyola students. Those who are interested can email [email protected]
