People think that as long as you have a 4.0 GPA, then you are guaranteed a successful career. But, does a 4.0 GPA enhance your social skills and expand your knowledge in different areas than your major?
Extracurriculars definitely provide a different perspective on interests outside your major, enchaning your college experience. Just by joining one or two clubs can impact your four years at school in numerous ways.
The best way to make friends is by finding something in common with each other.
By going to a club meeting, it is guaranteed that everyone there shares a similar interest.
Kassandra Ketcho, a freshman math education student, said, “I’m a social person and love meeting new people, so joining clubs is perfect because I get to diversify my friends.”
As a freshman, as scary as it may be, joining a club or getting involved may relieve the hardest part of the first semester: making new friends.
There is a club for everyone at Monmouth, from academic clubs to religious clubs to even environmental clubs, there are many ways to do more of what you love or even find a new hobby.
Ketcho continued, “There were so many clubs from high school that I was so sad to leave, but when Monmouth had similar clubs, I was happy that I did not have to forget about them.”
Extracurriculars help you to gain more experience in different areas or even in something that you have previously shown interest in. There is a huge misconception that business majors do business clubs and teachers do the teaching clubs, but that is not necessarily true.
Clubs are so diverse, so even if it is not your primary field of interest, but you still have a knack for it, a club is perfect.
For example, if you do not want to major in English but you still like writing, a club is a great way to not lose your interest! Mary Harris, a specialist professor of communication, stated, “[Clubs] provide opportunities to network and build friendships, enhance resumes, and get more hands-on experience in a variety of areas.”
Clubs and activities also help to enhance your life skills.
Many clubs on campus do fundraising or even try to stay active in nature by cleaning up the beach.
Food or Finance clubs help provide cooking and money management skills, two things that we’ll all need eventually.
Clubs teach you the most vital life skill that not enough of us have: time management.
Being involved can foster independence and it may even encourage you to go out of your comfort zone.
College is all about preparing for the future so there is no better way to do that than to join a club and learn how to balance life.
Motivation is something that we all need in our lives and clubs can give us that.
By splitting your time between schoolwork and the enjoying aspect of clubs, it is motivating you to do well in classes. Organizations are meant to be fun and the people you meet may even help motivate you to be a better student in the classroom.
As we all know, classes can be extremely overwhelming, and extracurriculars can provide the stress reliever that is much needed.
Meetings and events are a great way to get your mind off of your to-do list.
When feeling like you’re apart of something or trying to make a difference, it may allow the campus to give you that homey feel.
By joining organizations or clubs, it can allow you to connect with the school community.
When branching out and being involved, you can gain opportunities and information that you otherwise might not have had.
By being active on campus, you are exposed to numerous peers or professors, which is a great way to network yourself and get exposed to internships or jobs.
Karalyn Hoover, a sophomore communication student with a concentration in public communication and the Outreach Director for the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA), stated, “Not only do extracurriculars allow you to find peers with similar interests but also provides you with resume builders.”
When hiring someone for a job, the employee would choose a well-rounded candidate over someone who is only immersed in their major.
Clubs help employers show that you have multiple fields of interest. Hoover continued, “Companies like to see that you were actively involved on campus as it shows leadership skills, teamwork ability, as well as a more well-rounded personality.”
There are a ton of benefits for joining a club.
Hopefully, this has inspired you to get out there and join an extracurricular activity that sparks an interest in you.
Monmouth also allows you to create your own club; with some requirements and dedication, you could create something of your interest.
It is never too late to get involved so go find a club that suits you.
PHOTO COURTESY of Hannah Dumas
