COLUMN: It's never too late to get involved
Cream-colored walls and linoleum floors.
This is what I saw when I first stepped foot into my dorm room at Robinson Hall freshman year.
I remember telling my parents and roommate that it felt like we were in a jail cell. The room appeared to be about the same size as one, and the stagnant color of the walls didn't exactly make me feel welcomed.
After realizing this would be my new home for the next year, I felt dreadful. It wasn't anything like my room back home and any attempt at such would be a longshot. I wanted the familiarity I was used to, and knowing I wasn't going to have it on a daily basis was something I couldn't look past.
Fortunately, I live only an hour away from CMU. So if I really couldn't bear it I could go home on the weekends if I wanted to, which is exactly what I did. For me, it wasn't just missing the comfort of my home, but my family as well, as they are the people I am closest to.
Almost every weekend I went home, leaving campus on Friday right after class and not returning until Sunday evening. I always stayed until the last minute possible, not wanting to make the drive back up to a place I didn't consider my home.
Now, as I am in my senior year of college and reflecting on my former years, there are times when I wish I would have stayed on campus more. I feel as though I missed out on a good portion of that great college experience everyone always talks about, especially during freshman year.
However, I came to realize it's never too late to change that. I decided to become more involved on campus and did so by going Greek. Even though it was during my junior year, I don't regret joining because it has made a positive impact on my life.
I've also joined other registered student organizations on campus such as Yellow Ribbon, a suicide prevention group, and the Fashion Association of Merchandising and Design. All three RSOs I joined later in my college years but it's better late than never to become involved.
There are so many people I have met with different backgrounds and life stories that I am grateful to have met. Choosing to become a part of these organizations has allowed me to better not only myself, but the community as well. I say if you want to, then take the opportunity to get involved on campus.
By becoming involved on campus you can learn things, such as how to network with people, create new friendships and even learn about yourself as a person.
It's a choice you won't regret, no matter what year in college you are.
