As I sit here and write this piece and reflect on my college experience, there are some things that I would have changed in my first year of college. One of the biggest things I would have changed is getting more involved in activities or clubs on campus. I wanted to get the college experience first so I did not get really involved in anything on campus until the second semester. Being involved can help students in many different ways. 

Casper College provides us as students with so many activities, clubs, organizations, and events for students to take part in. The college offers at least 30 clubs or organizations. There are events like game nights, bingo nights, watch parties, intramural sports, and other events for us to participate in. There are times that clubs and organizations will host some kind of event to get more students involved and to treat us to something fun. Being involved can help us meet new people, make new friends, reduce stress, and help our bodies mentally and physically. Joining campus activities helped me learn time management and other life skills — and to be honest it can help build our resumes. 

According to a 2023 Gitnux article about college students in extracurricular activities, “Students in extracurricular activities are 12.6% more likely to graduate compared to nonparticipants.” Getting involved can help us grow and learn so much. It can also help us as students to do better in school. 

Some activities, clubs, or organizations are not for everyone, but we just have to try to get out of our shells and be involved. It is not going to hurt us to try something new. A lot of the activities require little to no commitment or time before participating. 

I have found from being in some clubs, organizations, and going out to some events that it is a decompressor and helps me to just take a moment to refresh myself before going to do homework or study for a test. I think that being involved in extracurricular activities helps me practice so many skills. I honestly recommend that every student join a club, organization, or intramural sport. At the very least, attend an event. 

Some clubs and organizations were established from majors or classes that students take. Other clubs and organizations were established to have more entertaining events on campus. If you are interested in any clubs, organizations, or other activities I suggest visiting with friends and professors, as well as taking note of the posters that are hung up around campus. A lot of information is sent out via email too. Let’s try something new! Get involved and be active.