6. To improve the world. Many clubs are more than social groups. Fraternities and sororities, for example, often run charity drives and donate significant amounts of money to the community. Groups tutor young children, hold clothing drives, and even build houses for the underprivileged.
You can make a very real difference in the community and have fun at the same time. As Kathyrn Werntz from Alfred University (New York) advises, “Volunteer! Whether it’s in your major or not, get experience volunteering. You’ll be making the world a better place as you ease your transition into the ‘real world.’”
5. To make new friends and network. If you’ve selected a large university, you’re probably one person out of 20,000 on the campus. When you get into an organization, you become 1 out of 100. This is a great way to make a large campus smaller. It’s also the best way to make new friends. Never underestimate the importance of college friendships. In addition to providing lifelong satisfaction, college friendships are a valuable source of networking later in life.
4. To overcome shyness. I can tell you that you’ve got the rest of your life to hang out with a familiar, safe group. I can tell you that it’s hard to not fit in, to feel different. But you know all this. Here’s the bottom line: No pain, no gain. The uneasiness you feel meeting new people can help you gain the confidence you need to mature and succeed in the world outside the academic one. Joining a social group now, while you’re an undergraduate, can help you conquer bashfulness.
