My daughter, a college student, talks about "shaving minutes" to make time for important things outside the demands of her school work, her full-time job, her boyfriend. Going back to college is an arduous undertaking, and the rewards are great. But she's finding, as many Clover Park Technical College students have, that the world on campus beyond the classroom is rich with opportunities and its own rewards.
But in a world of shaved minutes, why would students add more to their plates? After all, what's in it for them?
The answer is that getting involved in campus activities opens the door to not only making new friends, but to students stretching beyond their comfort zone to acquire new abilities they would not develop otherwise, skills that will serve them well in the world beyond CPTC.
New friends not only enrich a student's personal life, but may also turn into a job lead or a strong recommendation from a faculty advisor, both of which can help a future resumé stand out among others in today's difficult job market.
In addition to the social aspect of student involvement on campus, there's also the opportunity to grow in an area of interest. Getting involved in a student organization, club, or activity provides students with a way of connecting to issues near and dear to their heart, or connecting in some way to what they would like to do after college.
"I like to think of it as connecting to students' goals," says Claire Korschinowski, director of student programs at CPTC. "Often, students can learn the interpersonal and transferable skills necessary to be successful in their careers."
Such skills may include:
* Learning about running a meeting
* Dealing with all kinds of people to put on an event on campus
* Learning time management
* Meeting deadlines
* Dealing with a budget
* Learning how to be a facilitator
Trying out management skills students may not have ever used before in a safe environment leads to developing confidence on a whole different level than in the classroom. And in today's workplace, qualities such as confidence, teamwork, and leadership are more important than ever.
Lina Wilson-Mays, Secretary of the CPTC Associated Student Government (ASG), says, "Being an ASG leader has made me feel good about myself to the point where I want to reach for the stars." She adds, "I take a little more pride in how I communicate and how I dress and how I see life. It helps me realize I'm capable of succeeding."
For those who are carving out this bigger world for themselves during their college experience, they can take comfort from the conclusion of studies that show when students are involved on campus, they are more likely to be successful, accomplish their goals, and graduate.
Students don't have to sign up for everything. They simply need to put themselves out there in areas where their interests lie, and then, world, stand back.
Dianne Bunnell
Clover Park Technical College
Sidebar:To become involved, check with Claire Korschinowski in Bldg. 23, Student Center, about student programs such as...
College Committees - Faculty Tenure Review, Diversity, Health & Wellness, Policy & Procedures, and the President's Council
Clubs & Organizations - Find out how to begin a student club, or join one already established
Student Government - Attend Student Council meetings, or apply for an officer position
Student Activities Board (planning events for students) - Student volunteers are needed for events, or openings on the Board
Volunteer Opportunities for Students - College 101, new student orientation
(New!) Student Ambassador Program (under development) - student-led, to connect new students to campus life (tours, assistance on first week of the quarter, being a connection to face any barriers at the beginning of an individual's college experience)
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