The Benefits of Getting Involved

By Alisa Pierce
Assistant Web Content Manager

My first year at Texas State was plagued by anxiety. Texas State’s student populace was larger than my hometown population by a wide margin, and I had no idea how to cope with moving into such an enormous environment. I was used to small town life, which was just as stereotypical as one might imagine. It meant knowing most of my classmates since kindergarten, knowing the way home by heart, and, for the most part, knowing exactly what each day would have in store. That all changed whenever I moved to San Marcos.

It was hard to be a freshman. I was constantly unsure of myself. I didn’t know how to interact with such a diverse body of students, so making friends was difficult. I would often find myself hanging out with people at a party and then never speaking to them again. It was hard for me to make long lasting friends, and if I hadn’t had my roommate (who is from my hometown) with me, I would have been overcome with loneliness.

Thankfully, things got easier when I began to branch out. It took a full year for me to become comfortable enough in my surroundings to get involved in organizations around campus, but despite the long acclimation time, I found that things worked out just the way they were supposed to. I found a small group of friends that I began to spend most of my time with, and they encouraged me to become involved in extracurricular groups. I applied to be a staff member at KTSW 89.9, Texas State’s radio station, and that changed my college career for the better. Even before I began actually working for the station, my confidence rose. I was proud of myself for being hired, and that filled me with hope for the upcoming year. I was empowered as my turbulent first year came to a close, and I looked forward to becoming a sophomore.

As my second year began, I found myself in a more positive environment. I loved working for the station, and made even more friends within it. I didn’t stop with the station, however. I looked for even more organizations to join, which led me to rush a sorority. This was a successful endeavor, and became one of the best decisions I’ve made. I gained a strong, diverse group of women as sisters, who support and encourage me daily. I found a home away from home in the station and in my sorority, which left me proud, inspired, and happy.

I cannot express how important it is to become involved with clubs around our university. If I had not branched out, I would have not made the friends that I have now, or experienced the events that have become wonderful memories. I would still be confused, lost, and perhaps moving back to that small town I was so used to. I am incredibly happy that I have found my niche on campus, and encourage every student to do the same.

Feature photo courtesy of Chi Beta Delta.