During my time in college, I have found the most important thing one can do for themselves is to put themselves out there and explore who they are.

The easiest way to do this is to get involved on campus. Students can get involved in many ways, such as joining a club, running for student government and attending on-campus events. The key to on campus involvement is to think about what you are interested in and doing research on what the university provides.

Weber State, along with other institutions, has many clubs and organizations students can join. Some of these may also provide scholarships and waivers.

For example, I have found most of my enjoyment throughout college in my participation in the WSU Ballet Folklórico, which is a Latin American folk dance group. Through my participation, I have been able to connect to my heritage, make new friends and also earn a scholarship. It has also helped me in my classes. I have found myself more engaged in class discussions, as well as more comfortable in contributing to the conversations held in class.

One of the most significant outcomes, however, would be that I am much less stressed than I initially would have been. College is stressful, and being in the Ballet Folklórico works as an escape from the worries of due dates and deadlines. It works as a healthy way to give myself a break, not only because I am dancing, but because I am also giving myself some time to interact with others rather than keeping to myself all the time.

However, if you’re not interested in the commitment that comes with joining a club or organization, you can also attend events hosted on campus.

There are times where parties are held on campus as well. Earlier in the year, I had the chance to go to WSUSA’s Neon Dance, and it was a good opportunity to get out of my comfort zone and spend time with my friends. More than that, it served as a safe environment to socialize and interact with other students in a fun context, which is something other attendees brought up.

Of course, parties are not for everyone, but there are also other events available, like movie screenings and speeches on interesting topics.

College does not only have to be about attending class and doing homework. It does not have to be tedious and stressful.

College is a chance to discover one’s self, to make new connections and to have fun in the years spent here.