Award-winning student news since 1978

The Brookhaven Courier

Award-winning student news since 1978

The Brookhaven Courier

Award-winning student news since 1978

The Brookhaven Courier

Student involvement yields benefits

By Diana Abou-Saleh
Sports & Managing Editor

I have taken advantage of the extracurricular activities available in school since I first moved to the U.S. My involvement has made me a responsible, outgoing leader.

My first semester at Brookhaven College was memorable. I was new and I didn’t know anyone. One of my many goals for that semester was to be active on campus. I figured the more clubs I joined, the more people I would meet.

First, I joined Phi Theta Kappa, the International Honors Society for two-year colleges. I also joined the International Club, International Movement for Peace Among People club and Serve! club, a community service-based club.

At the end of the semester, I received a call from Sheri Van Court, Phi Theta Kappa adviser, inviting me to the Brookhaven student leaders celebration dinner. After that day, I felt strongly motivated to participate in extracurricular activities.

Today, I am the president of the International and IMPP clubs on campus, vice president of scholarship of Phi Theta Kappa International Honors Organization and the sports & managing editor for this newspaper.

My involvement with these organizations has improved my decision-making skills in school and in my everyday life.

I have learned to be a better leader and speaker. I have also learned how to work as a part of a team and rely on other members so a particular task can be accomplished.

Brookhaven students are offered various options for campus involvement – including Student Government Association, Phi Theta Kappa, International/IMPP club, Serve!, Latino Dance club, Art club and more.

Students should participate in campus activities to build relationships and connections that can be helpful in the future. Students can also benefit by building up their résumés.

According to www.usnews.com, there are five reasons to get involved in college. Students become connected to their school by participating in clubs. It also helps them discover new friends with similar interests. It allows them to discover their passions and strengths. It’s a résumé builder; and sometimes, busier students do better in all areas.

In my experience, the secret ingredient in managing campus life and academic work is a daily dose of time management and organization. Lack of time is a common excuse for students to explain why they are unable attend club meetings or events.

According to The Washington Post, students who get involved on campus are more likely to be happy in college and graduate.

College is supposed to be the time of your life. Use it wisely. Discovering your niche on campus can be a bit frustrating, but Brookhaven offers helpful student resources such as Student Life in S201 and the Career Development Center in S065. To see a complete list of the clubs and organizations on campus students can visit the Brookhaven website or look in the Student Handbook.

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