One of the things I love most about a community college is the incredible variety of opportunities available to students both inside and outside the classroom. When you walk across campus, you see students engaged in learning, clubs meeting, athletic teams training, performances being rehearsed, and study groups gathering in nearly every corner. All of these moments represent the life of the college—and they represent opportunities for you.

I want to encourage you to do something that may make all the difference in your college experience: get involved.

Before I became a college president, I worked in leadership development and student activities. During those years, I saw firsthand the impact that involvement outside of the classroom has on students. The data was clear, and the personal stories were even more powerful: students who got involved in campus programs and activities not only performed better academically, they also developed stronger social networks, built leadership skills, and most importantly, were more likely to stay in school and complete their educational goals.

Being involved doesn’t look the same for everyone. For some, it might mean joining a student organization that aligns with your interests or career path. For others, it could be competing in athletics, writing for the student newspaper, volunteering through service projects, or simply showing up for campus events and making connections. The key is that involvement is about finding your place and contributing to the larger community.

College can be overwhelming at times, especially if you are balancing work, family, and other responsibilities. It might be tempting to come to class, finish your assignments, and then head home. But when you take that extra step—whether it’s attending a guest lecture, participating in student government, or joining a club, you open doors that extend far beyond the classroom. You gain experiences that strengthen your confidence, resilience, and ability to work with others.

What I’ve learned through years of working with students is that involvement is one of the most powerful tools for success in higher education. Not only does it enrich your time in college, it also prepares you for life after graduation. Employers consistently look for graduates who can collaborate, communicate effectively, and lead with integrity. These are the exact skills that are developed when you engage with campus programs, organizations, and events.

And beyond the practical skills, there’s something else you’ll find—something that may be even more valuable. You will form relationships that last. The friends you make in a student club, on a team, or in student government may very well be the friends you lean on five, ten, or twenty years from now. These are the kinds of connections that grow into lifelong friendships, built not just on shared classes, but on shared experiences.

So my message to you is simple: take that step. Get involved. Don’t let these opportunities pass you by. 

Your time at Casper College is an investment in your future, so make the most of it, both in and out of the classroom.