Like every college, West Chester University has a lot of different entities and parts of student life. For some, their majors and school work can take up all their time; for others, part-time or even full-time jobs can be a focus because of financial reasons or simply to pay for school. Certainly, the party scene at West Chester has its effect, too.
It’s no surprise that different students have different interests and goals when coming into college. Whatever you choose to do with your time is your choice! However, there is a part of student life that is underutilized and could benefit nearly every individual on this campus: student organizations.
Here at WCU, we have over 300 student-run organizations that range from sports to service to religion to politics and everything in-between. In my experience, these organizations benefit not only the people in them, but also people within our communities.
“Any way you can get involved and make a change, I strongly advise people to do it. Being a change agent in your community as well as impacting people are profound implications that will lead to future success,” said Andrew James, a resident assistant in Schmidt Hall as well as the events coordinator for the West Chester College Democrats.
When I came to West Chester, I was told over and over to join organizations and get involved. I didn’t. I went to the involvement fair in the fall and signed up for a few email lists that I would ignore for two semesters.
I spent my free time watching Netflix, going to floor meetings or hanging out with people I had met on my floor, which was fine. If that’s how you choose to spend your time, there’s no problem with it.
But, for me, I felt bored. I wasn’t really finding the people I could connect with. It wasn’t until I decided to truly get involved at the end of my freshman year that so many doors were opened for me. I met people who are now my best friends.
There is an organization for you. It sounds cliché, but it’s true. Not only have I found some of the best people through my organizations, but I have also been able to experience conferences, networking opportunities and learning experiences without cost to me. I have bettered my resume and literally gotten jobs through my work with my own organizations.
West Chester Community Senator Rodney Kaplan spoke to me on his experiences in the Student Government Association.
“Being a senator for the Student Government Association has given me the opportunity to become more connected and engaged with both the student body and administration,” said Kaplan.“Student organizations have made my time at West Chester special, and it is my hope that all WCU students join an organization and work collectively to improve our campus and community!”
So, that club sport you’ve been thinking about since you got accepted? Join it. And if that organization you occasionally drop in on meetings for has an opening of the executive? Run for it. See a need for an organization on campus? Create it. This is your university, and this is your time to get involved.
Elizabeth Gibson is a second-year student majoring in political science. She can be reached at EG850161@wcupa.edu.