#MyPenguinView: Tips for Getting Involved
Francine Hazy, Grad Student, Counseling (Student Affairs)
Chances are, at some point or another, someone has encouraged you to “get involved!” during your college experience. This is great advice, but it may seem easier said than done for a variety of reasons. Whether you’re curious about how to incorporate involvement into an already busy schedule, not sure how to find an involvement opportunity that fits you and your goals, or need a little more convincing before you’re ready to start getting involved, this blog is for you!
I’ll start by telling you a bit about my journey to get involved here at Youngstown State University. When I graduated high school, I didn’t feel like I had really progressed over those four years because I stayed inside my comfort zone and never got involved in extracurricular activities. This motivated me to view college as a clean slate where I could create new habits and break out of my comfort zone. Plus, I wanted to develop some skills that could relate to a variety of potential careers. I’ve been involved in lots of student organizations throughout my time here, even pursuing some leadership roles, and I can honestly say that it has been the most rewarding experience. I’ve attended (and co-presented!) at national conferences, met people who have supported and motivated me, and learned more than I ever thought possible.
Regardless of why or how you get involved, there are some core benefits that you can expect to gain:
- Learn more about an interest or hobby of yours: With over 200 registered student organizations, you’re bound to find one that fits some of your interests. Or, you could consider starting a new organization! Check out the Student Activities Organization Directory to view all of the options and to access the form to register a new organization.
- Connect with other students: No matter how you choose to get involved, you will definitely meet some other students with similar interests and goals who could become lifelong friends, collaborators, and peer mentors!
- Develop skills that can be useful in your future career: Getting involved while also balancing your school work and other responsibilities will help develop time management skills, which will be helpful in any scenario. Plus, the work you put in to accomplish the goals of your organization or program could lead to enhanced specialized abilities.
- Leave a lasting legacy at YSU: Whether it’s helping raise money for a worthy cause, advocating for a new program to help fellow students, or putting together events that enhance people’s college experience, getting involved will help pave the way for you to leave your mark on YSU and beyond.
Of course, every person’s experience is unique. If you have a specific goal or outcome you want to achieve with your involvement, odds are, you will be able to achieve it as long as you are willing to put in the necessary effort.
So, now that you’re convinced that getting involved in student organizations is worth the time and energy, you’re probably wondering where to start. Fortunately, there are plenty of avenues to kickstart your involvement!
- Attend a student organization fair (held during the first week of fall and spring semesters).
- Ask your academic advisor or professors if they recommend any organizations related to your major or career path.
- Check the YSU app, in the "Student Organizations and Involvement" section.
- Keep an eye out for posters on campus and event invitations on social media.
Above all, remember to be open-minded; one random choice could lead you to endless new opportunities to learn, grow, and connect!
Connect with Francine on Instagram - @ysugram_fran
#MyPenguinView: Adjusting to College Life
Ian Ward, Sophomore, Biology
You’ve done it! Four years of high school have gone by faster than you could ever dream of, and now you’re on to bigger and better things! But wait, my friends? I don’t want to leave them! I also don’t want to move away! My family! My pets! Why does it have to be like this?
You set foot on campus, whether it be moving your things into your new dorm or apartment, or right after a commute from home. The ‘first day jitters’ are coursing through your body. “Will I make any friends? What if I fail out? Why did I agree to this?” you think to yourself. Sure, it may feel like you’re alone, but many more who are going to their first classes at Youngstown State are feeling the exact same thing.
So why not go over some major keys from a couple of people who not only have been in your shoes, but also made it through...
- Meet your professors during office hours. This helps with not only them putting a face to your name, but making a relationship with you as well. Professors are humans, too. They can serve as a mentor to you, as well as provide you with everything you need to succeed in their course.
- Develop a routine. Here's a great example: if you have class most days at 9:00 am, get to campus around 8:30-8:40, and be ready for what the day has to bring. Sleeping, studying, healthy eating, exercising, and drinking plenty of water will not only maximize your abilities as a student, but you will actually wake up in the morning feeling refreshed.
- Paper due at midnight? Don’t start at 11:30 PM. Deadlines are very important, and in some classes, can make or break your grade. This is why the syllabus is huge. Make sure to highlight all important dates, then transfer those over to your planner or phone calendar. If you use your phone to stay organized, set reminders to get it done a week before. This is not only useful, but gives you a whole week to get the assignment finished.
- Utilize all help available. The Center for Student Progress on campus is one of the best resources available to you! Tutors will work with you in almost every class offered at Youngstown State, and will make sure you understand and comprehend materials you're learning. Another great place is the Math Assistance Center. For any math courses, there are plenty of tutors available! Stop in whenever you need assistance. Furthermore, academic coaching is available to all at the Center for Student Progress. This means someone will sit down with you and help you focus on attaining your goals for individual classes and will work with you to get you there. Lastly, like I mentioned before, utilize office hours of the professor! It’s by far the most useful help you can find.
- Get involved! There are so many campus organizations to get involved in! Wether it be Greek Life, Intramurals, Student Associations, Clubs, etc. there is always something to do on campus if you get involved! During welcome week, there are tables upon tables of all of these wonderful organizations, anxious to meet you and get to know you. Be sure to utilize that opportunity to chat with someone and find out what's the best fit for you.
- Mental health is important to not only the students, but the university as well. Free counseling by a mental health professional is available to all students. The Student Counseling Center is there for you! It’s always okay to ask for help, especially if you think you need it.
There are so many things to learn as a student, as well as things to learn about campus! But don’t fret; there’s always someone willing to help you, whether it be faculty, staff, or your Social Media Ambassadors! So, go out there and be awesome! We can’t wait to see your journey to success!
Connect with Ian on Instagram — @ysugram_ian