Involved Student Analysis

What does it mean to be an involved student? An involved student is not just someone who goes out to the pool and hangs out with friends a couple times a week. A student that is involved is also very engaged in the university. As I spend more time engaging myself in events on campus, I am beginning to realize that little by little I start investing myself into the university in different ways. I am getting involved with campus ministry groups, starting up a club, and also starting new friendships.
Before, attending the soccer game, I was thinking of different ways to introduce myself to people I would meet there. Sometimes it helps to prepare oneself for upcoming events so it is not awkward when you arrive there. The problem with this is that the more I thought about it, the more I realized my introduction would sound rehearsed. When something as important as a first impression or introduction sounds rehearsed, I feel as if it also loses meaning. To me, starting off a conversation should come naturally to a person. When it comes naturally it is because you are truly interested in getting to know the individual and starting friendships.
During the soccer game, I met quite a few people and even found others I had previously met. Whenever something interesting would happen in the game, I found myself talking to the person next to me about
how close the ball was to a goal or what a good save the goalie made. It was not rehearsed and it was not preplanned, instead it was a natural conversation that came to me in the moment. The more natural a conversation is the more genuine I am with the comments I make and the more engaged I am in the conversation. It was fun going with my group from class because I felt comfortable having people there that I knew. Not only did attending the game get me out of the dorms, but it also helped me to realize that attending university events is exciting and a great way to meet new people!
Once the game was over, we headed back to South Village.
I was still talking to people from the game while riding the shuttle back. I got back up to my room and realized that I was happy and proud of myself for going out and getting involved. I suddenly found this part of me that wanted to become more engaged with people and groups on campus. Since then, I have connected myself with two campus ministry groups, and I am also helping a senior start up a club that he has a passion for. It is amazing how attending one event has opened my eyes to the new possibilities that will open up, as long as I am willing to go out and get
involved!
Involvement is great, but engaging is better. Sure I could go out and get involved with groups but it means so much more if I actually engage in conversations and different events. At first I was worried that things would be awkward at the game. When I got to the game, I was proved wrong. I met many nice people that were great to talk to and cheer on the soccer team with. After attending the soccer game I realized how vital it is to a student’s development to become engaged in university activities. I am very excited for not only the rest of the semester but also for the rest of my college career at Florida Gulf Coast University.