The Start of the Something New: Get Involved

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Class of 2019 and Transfer students, congratulations for successfully THRIVING (not surviving) at your NSO!

Now it’s week 1, and whether you are a new or returning student, the 2015-2016 school year is new to all of us. This really is the start of something new. It is a start to a new beginning, a new experience, and a new opportunity to experiment, take risks, mess up, and learn!

Get involved

As a recent Stanford grad (’15), one of my tips for this first week of fall quarter is to get out there and get involved, and I’m not just talking about activities. According to Astin’s theory of student involvement, student learning and personal development are directly proportional to the quality and quantity of student involvement, emphasis on QUALITY (though I de-emphasize quantity since most people around here take on way too much).

Quality over quantity

The quality of opportunities available to you are pretty sweet, but make sure that your effort to learn and get involved is also quality. That means, don’t just sign up for 1000 different mailing lists for student clubs or just show up at your classes. Consider the quality of your involvement.

  • Show up early to class and get to know the your fellow classmates and your instructor. Don’t just show up. Introduce yourself to people and talk. You might be a little afraid, but people are pretty friendly.

  • Talk to someone who hands you a flier or when you pass by an informational booth. Get to know what it is you are trying to be recruited for, and ask questions. Who knows? One opportunity could introduce you to an unknown passion or lead you into some other surprisingly wonderful opportunity.

For most students, quantity of getting involved isn’t a problem. You will quickly discover that the quarter zooms by quickly, and managing your time will be a challenge. At the same time, hiding in your room ONLY doing work is not great either. You were admitted here because Stanford believes you can make a difference not just in your own life, but in the life of others. It won’t happen in a day, but opportunities are everywhere if your eyes are open.

Enough talk. Go out there and get involved.

Fun events I recommend attending this week:

  • O Show on Monday, September 21, 2015 at 8pm in Memorial Auditorium: Check out Stanford’s 9 a cappella groups! You can find me there too :)
  • Activities Fair on Friday, September 25, 2015 at 12-4pm in White Plaza: It’s epic. Just go.
Feedback? Contact Adina Glickman at adinag@stanford.edu.