Campus Connections: Why Getting Involved in College Transforms Your Experience

If someone had told me four years ago that getting involved on campus is one of the most important things you can do to better yourself as a student, I would have most likely moved on. Coming into college is scary and confusing. A lot of people just want to focus on this major life adjustment rather than taking action now to set themselves up for something later. 

By the time sophomore year comes around you will likely find your groove, know your way around campus, and decide what you (sort of maybe) want to major in. It represents a year of personal growth, where you try to find yourself academically and professionally. This is where getting involved plays a vital role in discovering who you are and what you want to do. 

I currently work at the Office of Student Life, where we just participated in Winter Campus Life Night (CLN), an opportunity to put yourself out there and explore the 400+ student organizations offered by GVSU. While working at this event, I remembered what I looked like when starting my college career, hoping to find an organization that would not only give me great connections but also helps me develop a more confident personality when around professionals. Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) has allowed me to do this in a way that I was not expecting and has completely changed my perspective on the importance of getting involved on campus. 

PRSSA has provided me with job opportunities and valuable connections with professionals in my career network, and it has helped me grow as a person in a way that would never have been possible. This is why getting involved is the first step in finding yourself academically and professionally. Even if you are joining the baking club, meeting new people can open the door to endless opportunities and the potential to network. 

Now, it's understandable that work, challenging courses, and living situations can make it more difficult to attend meetings. I recommend finding a club that is free of charge and attending external events they may offer. Not every club has bi-weekly meetings, but they do hold events, professional development opportunities, or even co-host events that anyone can attend. From there, you can decide which organization best fits your needs. 

I may be biased because I love helping people get involved and find their true calling— and I have lucked out with the organization I chose to be a part of— but it does make a difference in your time at Grand Valley. I know this because it has definitely left a huge impact on my life as a GVSU student.

Annie Gerrity is a senior pursuing a degree in Advertising & Public Relations with a minor in Marketing. She is currently the Vice President of Member Services for GVPRSSA.  She is a student assistant at the CLAS Dean’s Office on campus and the Marketing Project Manager for the Promotions Office & The Office of Student Life. In the future, Annie hopes to move to a big city and work either in an agency or for a professional sports team.