Anushri Nimbvikar
PHHS ‘16, University of the Sciences ‘20
Walking onto my college’s campus in August of 2016, I was nervous that I would not be able to find my place in the university community. Like me, you might be going off to a school miles from home, with no one that you know coming with you. Even though roommates, sports, and classes will allow you to meet people of your age and major, a great way to find where you fit in is by joining clubs!
As a student at Par Hills, some of the best experiences I had were through extracurriculars, and after four years of undergrad, I can honestly say the same about college. Here are some steps you can take to get involved:
1. Keep an eye out for a club or organizational fair! At the beginning of the school year, universities usually plan out an event where clubs set up posters or tables for new students to browse.
2. Sign up for anything that catches your eye! It is a good idea to learn about any club that interests you – from Robotics Club, to Medical Brigades (my group pictured above), to Ultimate Frisbee. Even if it is not an activity or interest you have tried before, you might end up loving it!
3. Stay involved! Go to general body meetings, ask questions, and have conversations with other students in the club. Some of the best resources you can find in college are your peers, and this is an excellent way to make new friends.
4. Take advantage of opportunities! Do not be afraid to run for a leadership position, go on club trips, volunteer, or participate in tournaments and competitions. Showing your commitment to a club looks fantastic on a resume, and it can help you build valuable connections.
At the end of the day, your college experience will be defined by the relationships you build, the experiences you have, and the opportunities that you discover for yourself. So, go out there! Find your passion, do work that you care about, and make Parsippany proud!