Summer 2022
The Auburn Plainsman: Camp War Eagle 2022
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COMMUNITY
COLUMN | Why you should get involved in the community By SAMI GRACE DONNELLY Columnist
Getting involved off campus can be advantageous and rewarding for a college student — especially an incoming freshman. If you want to get involved, you really can’t go wrong because there are so many incredible organizations within the Auburn community, each with its own function and culture. You will find that it’s good to get a break from being around college kids all the time. Having an identity in something outside the University’s bubble can help you feel balanced. Many organizations off campus are based in volunteerism and service. Not only can they benefit you as a person, but they can also give you community and responsibility — both of which help you grow as a person. College academics will teach you a lot, but “real-life” experience is where you put it all into practice. Getting involved off
campus can help you find your niche and set your resume apart. The more people you know, the more opportunities you will have to network and find reliable people to write those much-needed letters of recommendation in your future — not to mention, friendships are always a plus. A community that bridges the gap between off-campus and on-campus life can be very nourishing and wholesome. It provides respite and helps you set healthy boundaries with academics. Connections off campus may feel more genuine than the obligatory relationships you maintain on campus. However, it’s the best-case scenario when these authentic off-campus relationships flow into on-campus ones. Off-campus organizations often hang out on campus. They may get lunch, hang out in the student center or have members that are your classmates. No matter what way they interact with
the university, it’s important to realize that they do interact with it. Even when you’re involved in something separate from Auburn University, you will always find connections on campus. Getting involved is a matter of decision — not possibility. Whether its a service organization, community groups, a local church or a job, you will be able to get involved in whichever strikes your fancy. Your biggest problem will be choosing what to hone in on. The most helpful piece of advice I received going into freshman year was “lane changes are okay.” This gives you room to change things up when you find something more suitable, and it’s okay because you’re still going in the same direction. When you first decide to get involved, it will take some time to find things you like and filter out things you don’t like. Over time, you will find things you can’t
live without — things that make you feel like you’re doing what you were always meant to do. Some things you find will fulfill you and bring enthusiasm to all other parts of your life. You will also find yourself in places that don’t really do much for you. You may realize that they aren’t as fascinating as you once thought, or you may realize that your talents would fit better somewhere else. That is okay, too, because those situations can still help you find where you’re meant to be. It’s a part of college: everyone figuring out who they want to be and where they want to spend their time. The main idea is not to be afraid of trying something new; it’s always good to get out of your comfort zone. Give yourself time to do this, and don’t be afraid to make edits to your life. Even if it’s only for a while or in small measure, getting involved off campus is something you’ll never regret.