Starting a college career is difficult.

Whether being a traditional student fresh out of high school or a non-traditional student deciding to rewind and attend college later in life, getting used to college life can be somewhat of a culture shock.

Not only is there worry about classes, but students are also thrown into a tangled web of financial aid, Bursar accounts, loans and other things that require a certain level of understanding while in college.

Who has time to worry about anything else?

Just as the dust has settled a bit, it begins to stir again — but in a different way.

This is the time to start developing curiosity about IU Southeast and all it has to offer in terms of student groups.

Involvement with student organizations while in college is not only a great way for students to share common interests and goals, but makes for great résumé builders down the road. It is a great asset to be able to show employers you did more than just go home to watch television after classes were finished for the day.

Nearly as important as realizing this fact is realizing it early in your college career.

Take it from me, waking up one day as a junior and realizing you have nothing but a transcript to show for the last two years of college is no picnic.

Looking back, I wish I had started putting myself out there and getting involved as a freshman rather than waiting and piling it all on myself at once as a junior.

Chalk that one up to one of those “live and learn” moments, I
suppose.

Aside from meeting people and résumé-boosting, the sense of accomplishment from holding active membership with a club or other group is more than worth the time and effort.

The way I see it, if grades aren’t affected, then the busier students are, the prouder they should be.

Maintaining academics while dividing and devoting free time to other activities shows the ability to multi-tasking and handle the stress levels that accompany it — traits future employers can appreciate in an employee.

So, no matter what the academic track or certain interests are, IU Southeast offers numerous student groups to fit the individual needs of all.

From Greek Life and honor societies to intramural sports and special interest groups, such as the Game Haven gamers’ club, finding an involvement niche early is just another stone added to the path of success in college.

By DESIREE SMITH

Newscast Editor

demismit@ius.edu