As a freshman—oh so long ago—I heard a steady stream of the same advice to “get involved” because it was “such a good way to meet people.” This advice is not wrong, but I have a lot more to say about it now that I am nearing the end of my time at USC. The organizations are not simply about meeting people, but building useful connections.
In the past, I felt like even when I did show up to interest meetings and try to do things on campus, it didn’t always result in a the life changing experience that getting involved is touted as. I wondered if I was the only one feeling like it was hard to make meaningful connections in such a big sea of people.
Over time, I have realized where I went wrong, but I can’t blame myself for it and I know that there was almost nothing I could have done back then to see things the way I see them now I went into those organizations very quietly. For example, I went to meetings for Garnet & Black, but was nervous to make suggestions toward the content of the magazine or to volunteer to do my own blog. It wasn’t until I was a junior that I felt comfortable enough to share my views and thoughts.
The people who truly make connections through student organizations are those who go to the meetings and don’t second-guess themselves in terms of introductions to strangers or sharing ideas for the organization. Understandably, though, it can be hard to feel confident when you are unsure of what you are even passionate about.
I couldn’t even tell you how it came to be that I made all the great connections I have made at USC, but it wasn’t from confidently taking charge of student organizations. I regret this, but there’s nothing I can do now.
I recently joined a brand new student organization that I am incredibly excited about. It is a group called First Word Epiphany, and was just born out of a love for poetry. Not only was I already passionate about poems, but also I feel as though participating in this group of awesome and like-minded people is bringing my shyness about student organizations full circle.
My hope for younger students trying to find their way would be that they can all find places on campus to not only be themselves but be a part of making things happen and learn along the way instead of waiting until they are almost ready to leave USC.