By: Edward Backer
Editor’s Note: The following articles are written by counseling professionals from Counseling Services in partnership with the Southern Accent.
College is a time when students try to balance academics and social life while keeping pace with personal responsibilities. In the hustle and bustle of it all, it’s easy to forget the importance of community building, and the benefits that come from being actively involved in clubs and associations.
However, such co-curricular involvements do not just offer ways to pass idle time; they play a crucial role in personal growth, networking and contributing positively to one’s mental health.
Belonging to a club or an organization introduces one to a gateway of self-discovery and personal development. According to Astin’s Theory of Involvement, students who actively take part in the various activities on campus are more personally developed and perform better in academics. Whether it’s a debate club, sports or cultural organization, these groups offer a platform for students to leave their dorm rooms, explore their interests, develop new skills and build confidence in themselves.
Furthermore, taking leadership positions within such organizations can help develop management and communication skills, preparing you for many professional challenges you may later encounter. So, next time a club you are interested in is having elections, consider throwing your hat in the ring (not literally; hats are for heads).
Additionally, building a community is a great way to network for your professional career. Discussing topics with peers who have common interests can end up in life-long friendships or professional relationships. A 2015 article published in the Journal of Management states, “Networking allows you to exchange resources with others (e.g., helping one another), and it can provide you with social support, as well as trusted colleagues who you can turn to as a sounding board.”
Clubs are a great way to get involved with alums, professors and professionals in that particular industry, as well as others who share similar interests, potentially leading to internships, job opportunities and mentorship. You never know – the next Steve Jobs could be in the club that you join.
College can be stressful, and your mental health needs to be maintained. According to a 2016 study published in the Journal of College Student Development, being socially involved on campus, “can reach [the student’s] personal development of psychological well-being and potentially indirectly benefit their academic performance and persistence in college.”
These groups give students a community of like-minded peers and time off from the stress of deadlines, improving overall emotional and mental well-being. Moreover, many clubs and student organizations have opportunities to get involved in the local community, allowing you the chance to build lasting relationships with residents in the area.