Getting involved on campus is easier than you think A
large part of the college experience is dependent on the people you surround yourself with and the communities you take part in, so how you spend your time getting involved on campus can impact you over your college career. So many opportunities can come a student's way based on what clubs or organizations they choose to take a part in. Whether it is something to help you advance in your major, a way to highlight a hobby or an activity you have always wanted to give a try, there are so many benefits that help mold your time at UH. For myself, I took the opportunity to join organizations on campus that drew my interest, and as a result, I got to meet likeminded individuals who ended up being some of the closest friends I made at the University. After joining The Cougar, I
By Sydney Rose
was able to better the skills I needed before graduation as a journalist all while making close connections and benefiting from friendships with people who loved the same things I did. Joining a group on campus can have this impact no matter what you plan on doing with your life, it’s a way to bond over a common goal with people who get it. I cannot fully explain just how impactful meeting people in your same major in an environment outside of class is. With what many people deem as their ‘class friends,’ there is less of a connection because you are always tied to this academic setting. Being in the same organization as your friends makes the environment more freeing and fun. Having fun is the main idea when getting involved because why do something if you
don’t enjoy it? There is a multitude of selections to choose from when looking for a group to join, whether you want something that impacts the UH community like the Student Program Board or Metropolitan Volunteer Program, or an organization that highlights more of your identity, there are a wide array of options. Another thing to look out for when you get to campus is Cat’s Back, which acts as a collection of many on-campus organizations and clubs that are looking for new members. Even if you are not fully sure what you want to be a part of, this gives you a chance to talk to some members and get a feel for each group. Another lesson I learned over the years in college is that you do not have to spend the whole time you are enrolled at UH in the same clubs. People grow and
new opportunities arise that you should always leave yourself open for. It’s never too late to become a new member. It was not until my junior year that I took a part in the Residence Halls Association on campus and there was a healthy mix of people who had been in the organization for years and those who were just joining like myself. It acted as another chance for me to explore what the college experience had to offer and make new connections with people I otherwise would not have known. Putting yourself out there will forever be a massive part of getting involved, all it takes is that first step of interest in a group. There are so many opportunities waiting for you, all you need to do is find what best fits you and make the most out of the experience.
THE UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON POLICE DEPARTMENT
WELCOMES
NEW COUGARS! In addition to being a full-service police department, we provide safety ride programs, bicycle registration, and meet and greet opportunities to support the UH community. Please visit our website to learn more about our department’s programs and services.
uh.edu/police We look forward to seeing you this fall!
The University of Houston Police Department is an IACLEA Acredited Law Enforcement Agency. TRANSITIONS // MAY 2022 31
