Make the most out of your college experience

Often times, as students at GSU, we tend to focus solely on our coursework. Many of us show up for class, attend class, and then go home. This is understandable, of course; most of us are busy adults, commuting a healthy distance to campus. GSU for a lot of us is a means to an end. We are here to get a degree so we can pursue the career of our choice.

When people talk about the "college experience", they are usually referring to the social experience of being away from home for the first time, making new friends, and going to parties. Obviously, GSU can't offer that part of the "college experience" right now. However, as we all know, change is coming. In 2014, GSU is becoming a 4 year institution. Ground is breaking soon on student housing, social activities are being added and expanded on, and the school is planning innovative curriculum for freshman students. A few years from now, GSU will be able to offer students something closer to a traditional "college experience."

Many of us who are currently students may not be here at GSU by the time the transition happens, having hopefully graduated and moved on to successful careers. However, just because GSU's transition may happen after we leave doesn't mean that we can't make the most out of the opportunities we have available to us right now. GSU may not be able to offer us the traditional "college experience", but there are so many other opportunities GSU does have to offer us, if we choose to get involved.

As editor of the Phoenix this semester, I have been amazed to learn of how many campus events GSU actually holds. Over the last few weeks alone, the school has hosted several significant vents at the Center for Performing Arts, such as "8" The Play; the Chicago Tribune's Chicago Live! stage show; and the esteemed Nikki Giovanni. For the first time ever, on October 26, GSU held a talent show featuring GSU students. That same evening, the school held the Annual GSU Haunted Harvest Fest, featuring family-friendly Halloween-themed activities. The school has also hosted many informative events, such as the election forum "Issues of the 2012 Elections" and the Professional Image Makeover Conference.

There are also a wide variety of clubs here at GSU that students can get involved with, such as the Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA), the Association of Latin American students (ALAS), and the Forensics Debate Team. There are also sports related clubs, such as the Softball Club and the Table Tennis club. Opportunities are growing for student to get involved on campus. Students who enjoy writing can contribute their creative works to ReConstructed, GSU's online literary magazine (or, for those who are interested in journalism, The Phoenix welcomes student submissions!) Students with an interest in politics can run for GSU's Student Senate. Those with an interest in computers can join the Computer Science Club. The clubs that I've mentioned are just a few of the avenues students have available to them for getting involved on campus. The list of student activities figures to grow as GSU gets closer to admitting freshmen.

Taking part in on-campus activities can be a wonderful way to enrich the college experience. Upon entering the real world, the opportunity to engage in activities such as these will be gone. On-campus activities offer students the chance to expand their social network and form new relationships. Furthermore, some on-campus activities can help students learn valuable new skills and knowledge regarding prospective careers.

In the 9/19 issue of The Phoenix, I ran a story entitled "Get an education, not just a degree." The story was written by University of Oklahoma student Trent Cason. I ran this story because its central message really resonated with me, and I felt that it should be shared with GSU students. Earning  a college degree is important, especially in today's society. However, it is the experiences we have and the lessons we learn that truly make our college educations meaningful. I encourage every student to make the most out of the opportunities available to them here at GSU, to make the most of their "college experience."