by Caden Fabbi
You have no idea what you just walked into.
Perhaps that’s the reason why first-year students are often nervous to begin their post-secondary education journey.
Indeed, starting a new chapter of one’s life is not easy; however, you just walked into one of the most colorful and memorable experiences you will ever have. College is not simply going to class and going straight home every day.
College is an experience that, if crafted correctly, will not only be one of the best of your life, but will also teach you lessons that will remain ingrained in you forever.
I suppose I should introduce myself before I continue with such colossal claims. I’m a junior studying political science, and am involved in a wide variety of campus activities – most notably the Associated Students of the University of Nevada as the Speaker of the Senate.
I moved to Reno from Las Vegas prior to my freshman year full of curiosity, and I was nearly unprepared for the opportunities and sheer fun floating around this community.
Hidden within the University of Nevada’s mission statement are inklings of what the university does for the community. My personal favorite is that the university “improves economic and social development by engaging Nevada’s citizens, communities, and governments.”
Higher education creates citizens, and the citizens that come out of their collegiate experience should be engaged in their community. So why not practice by engaging in your community now—your community that is the University of Nevada.
Research shows that students who are engaged on campus for their college experience are not only more likely to graduate, but are also more likely to graduate in four years. The psycho-social development that occurs through on-campus engagement only helps when students go into the job market.
College is about finding yourself, and being involved on campus will allow you to create your own identity. Convinced yet? The sad thing is, words can’t do justice to the experience.
So contact your ASUN senators and ask them how you can get involved. Go to events and meet some new people. Rush or join a club or, better yet, start your own. Our job in the ASUN Center for Student Engagement is to help you find your niche. So let us because when you walk across the stage at your graduation, don’t you want to say that you tried everything that you’re curious about?
Welcome to the University of Nevada. The college experience awaits you.
Caden Fabbi studies political science. He can be reached at dcoffey@ unr.edu.
