Tips from Educators Rising’s Student President

“I know exactly what I am doing!”

I jokingly muttered these words during my first week of college as I wandered around campus looking for the education building. The truth is, I had no idea where anything was, I wasn’t sure how to make friends, and I definitely didn’t know how to navigate this new terrain on my own.

As the days went on my homework list grew, but so did I! I started to find my way. I learned which professors were strict, and the best time to go to the dining hall. I figured out that parking was easiest before 9 a.m. and that rain boots are a good investment. And, eventually, I learned the No. 1 secret to college. A secret that made campus a home away from home. A secret that changed the trajectory of my college experience. I learned that getting involved is the best thing that you can do for yourself.

Getting involved in college isn’t just about filling time — it’s about building a support system, creating opportunities, and making the most of your college years. When you join clubs, organizations, or leadership groups, you encounter people who share your interests and values. Suddenly, college isn’t just a place where you go to class — it becomes a place where you belong.

The connections you make through  your involvement help lighten the weight of college. When the coursework piles up, when the stress of exams hits, or when homesickness creeps in, the people you meet through student organizations will be the ones to encourage you, support you, and remind you that you’re not in this alone. Whether it’s study groups formed through an academic club, mentors in a leadership program, or friends in a student-run organization, having “your people” makes every challenge a little easier.

Beyond friendships, involvement teaches skills that go far beyond the classroom. Time management, communication, problem solving — these are the things employers look for, and you gain them naturally when you take part in campus life. Planning an event, running a meeting, or working as a team to solve a problem all help you grow into a more confident and capable individual.

But perhaps the most valuable part of getting involved is that it allows you to make an impact. Whether you’re serving your community, leading a group, or simply showing up to support others, you become part of something bigger than yourself. And when you look back on your college years, it won’t just be the lectures or exams that you remember — it will also be the moments spent with friends, mentors, and peers who made the experience worthwhile.

So, if you’re feeling lost, overwhelmed, or unsure of where you fit in, start by taking that first step. Join a club, attend a meeting, introduce yourself to someone new. College is about so much more than just earning a degree — it’s about finding a place to grow, thrive, and make lifelong connections. And the best way to do that? Get involved.

Journey Harris is the 2024-25 national student president of Educators Rising. She is a sophomore at Tarleton State University, in Stephenville, Texas, majoring in secondary education with an emphasis in English.