For a new student at Loyola, it will be apparent from the second you step on campus that faculty and staff want you to jump start your involvement in the school’s community. There will be fairs, late-night events and opportunities to meet your fellow classmates lining every minute of the first few weeks of school.
While this atmosphere helps many students find a “home away from home,” other students may be overwhelmed to the point of apathy. Newfound freedom in a city like New Orleans can easily distract you from campus life.
Personally, I am glad that I didn’t fully immerse myself in campus life when I first came to Loyola, because I’m now able to compare my lifestyle then to the way I feel now as a more active student. Based on my experience, I believe the best benefit of being involved is the opportunity to create meaningful connections with others.
What people don’t tell you when you begin college is that the friendships you start at off-campus parties are often ephemeral. It is easy to be social in a university setting; it can be difficult to find a family.
At Loyola, it has become clear to me that the best connections you can make with other people are mutually inspiring relationships.
For me, joining Greek life was not just an excuse to shop for formal dresses twice a semester. I did not join Student Government Association so that I could skip the walk to Pinkberry by getting the frozen yogurt machine in the Orleans Room fixed (we’re still working on that one). Participating in the Jamaica immersion trip was not my fix for a Caribbean vacation.
I have been drawn to everything I am involved in by individuals who have made a significant impression on me.
Being involved in your campus community allows you to find people you share values with, be introduced to different lifestyles and foster friendships that encourage you to be the best version of yourself. Although it sounds trite, it is true.
I also cannot help but encourage you to get involved on behalf of your student government. Having participated in SGA over the past two years has shown me firsthand just how indifferent students can be to their campus community. The fact that everyone has an opinion, complaint or suggestion is incontrovertible.
It is my understanding that some students do not voice their thoughts because they see little progress at times or do not think change is possible.
It is true that altering policies and rules is complicated. Sometimes it is out of our control. Nevertheless, if you want to see your favorite band for free at Loup Garou, email us. If you need money to attend a conference or work on research, approach Senate. If none of the events on campus make you thrilled to attend Loyola, head to the SGA office and knock on our door. Let’s sit down at CC’s and you can tell me what you’d like to see: the coffee is on me.
Ultimately, there is no way to make a student care about interacting with their student government. If a student is involved in their campus community, they are more likely to feel a responsibility towards it.
When the student body president hand prepares a PB&J sandwich for a student, an apathetic classmate may see it simply as a free lunch that day. Other students who have made the effort to interact with their student government may see the free sandwich as a gesture of hospitality from a student with whom they can share a connection.
I urge you to keep this in mind during the start of the semester. By no means am I saying do not leave campus or go out and explore. But realize the true advantages of getting involved. Make the effort to find a place where you can thrive. Not only will you be happier, but in return our community will also continue to grow.
Haley Humiston is a mass communication junior. She can be reached at [email protected]
In My Opinion is a weekly column open to any Loyola student. Those interested in contributing can contact [email protected]
