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Written by The Juco Staff
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Monday, 30 October 2006 |
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Once you're taken care of on the social side, you may want to participate in efforts to improve your school or community. This is not only a way to feel good and to meet people. It also builds up your resume. And if there's a need on campus or in the local area that's not being met, you should consider starting your own organization. But even if you're joining the campus Star Trek club and seeking to have a good time, here are some tips to keep in mind,
Make sure that you can spare the time and effort that the activity or cause requires. Even an hour a week can be of tremendous help, so consider doing more with less time. No matter how many causes you feel passionate about, don't overschedule yourself. You won't be able to give each one 100%. Think twice before participating in any cause that engages in destructive or illegal activity.College students are known for getting into trouble-cow-tipping, annual practical jokes, and school rivalries come to mind. However, there are a number of things that may seem harmless but actually aren't:
Hazing: Once a time-honored fraternity/sorority tradition, this activity has led to serious injuries on campus and has caused severe emotional distress. Know when enough is enough Binge drinking: It's been linked to numerous deaths. Even if you're lucky and survive with a massive hangover, chugging a whole keg is still not a good idea in the long run. Racial jokes and slurs: You may think they're funny, but other people may not. Put yourself in the other person's shoes. How would you feel? E-mail: Remember the Jake Baker case at the University of Michigan? Yes, you and your organization do have the right to free speech, but campuses and law enforcement do take potential threats to public safety seriously, and what you say can damage your organization's image. If you wouldn't want your parents to read it in the papers, don't send it on e-mail. Avoid sending racial jokes or slurs over e-mail as well.
Above all, don't be afraid to be outgoing and meet people! You'll make friends, and you may meet people who will change your life in ways you can't imagine. And college is all about new directions.
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