Join the family...Join the fun!
Well hello there, future Crusaders! Welcome to this week’s blog…which is all about getting involved on campus! I’m sure you’re actively involved in your high school now. But college is a new and exciting…perhaps a little stressful…journey that will start before you know it! And we want to make sure you feel at home as soon as you step on campus. Once you’re accepted, you’re part of our community…part of our family. And it’s important to take advantage of everything we have to offer. Drawing on my own experiences…I was very shy in college. I spent my first year going to class, going home, trying to hide myself from the world. It was a very miserable freshman year. To the point where I felt like I should transfer colleges because I just didn’t feel the “click” immediately. Sophomore year rolled around, I set a goal for myself within the first week of classes: Just walk into the commuter lounge and say HELLO to one person. By the end of my senior year of college, I was a senator for the Student Government Association, involved in numerous plays and musicals and inducted into the theatre honors society, Alpha Psi Omega, an Orientation Assistant, a student tour guide, fitness center instructor, member of the Madrigal Singers a capella group, Secretary of my class, member of the Forensic Speech team, and oh my goodness…so many other things! I never thought I would break out of my shell. But the beauty of a small liberal arts college will do that to you! Getting involved is not as scary as it may seem. And you know what? Many other students are probably thinking the same thing you are. On a thriving college campus such as Alvernia, you are never alone! Someone, somewhere has the same questions and concerns you do. The best thing about Alvernia is how welcoming we are! If you are interested in any of the clubs we offer, go check out a meeting! You could end finding your biggest passions. And making friends and connections that will last a lifetime. Another perk of getting involved is it looks great on your resume. Often times, employers want to see that you were involved in a club or two during your college career, or that you held an internship in your junior year, or you had a par-time job on/off campus. Not only is it important to learn the skills necessary for your major, but it’s also important to learn communication skills, bounce ideas off other students, and work together as a team. Many of the skills you need in your career are built by being part of the college community. If you’re wondering what kinds of clubs and activities Alvernia offers…you’re in for a pleasant surprise! We offer many clubs you might see in high school, such as Student Government Association, The Alvernian – student newspaper, Alpha Phi Omega – service fraternity, as well as clubs that fit with your major such as Theatre Club, Philosophy Club, Science Association, and much more! You can check out our registered clubs and organizations here, as well as all our Honors Societies. The cool thing about Alvernia is if you don’t see a club in which you are involved now…grab 4-5 friends, a faculty/staff advisor, and create your own club! One of the newest additions to our club list is “Hooked on Helping.” This club hopes to encourage an appreciation of knitting and crocheting, as well as provide opportunities for its members to learn new skills and create projects for donation for those in need. Gaming club also came on board a couple years ago for students who have a passion for gaming in any and all forms. Then you can leave your legacy at the university for years to come. Getting involved is much more than just joining clubs, too. Our Student Activities office provides plenty of events on and off campus to keep you busy! They can range from Bingo nights, to lecture series, to coffee houses…and even off campus trips to New York City, Philadelphia, and the Cherry Blossom festival in Washington D.C. It’s amazing the things that are right in our backyard! Getting involved in campus life is not only important for your career, but it will help you adjust to a new scene. We want Alvernia to feel comfortable, safe, and really like your “home away from home.” The friends you make in college will be there forever. It’s an amazing four years…and it will go by so quickly. So be sure to make the BEST of your college experience. You can go anywhere and get a great education. But it’s up to you to make it the most memorable experience of your life. Welcome home to Alvernia! You’re going to love it here! Sincerely, Megan Jaid Schroeder Admissions Counselor
