Being part of a community has always been important to me. Meetings like student council and drama club. These were the places I found community on campus. This enjoyment of involvement led me to find community service work to be fulfilling, not only for myself but for others I supported. Throughout high school, I was a part of thirteen different clubs, ranging from student government to mental health to nonprofit fundraising. Supporting my community was exactly where I needed to be. It gave me energy that fed my passion for helping others. This continued into the university space, where I joined clubs that were geared toward my interests and careers.
In high school, I started building a strong network of community members through clubs and organizations. I went to a huge high school, with my graduating class being around 900. In big schools, it is critical to find small communities within a larger community. I continued in high school with my enjoyment of government and change through student government, then co-founded a mental health club after noticing the need for mental health awareness. After I graduated, I knew I wanted to continue service-based work.
In University, I wanted to join many organizations, but I had to choose carefully. I learned that your time is limited and important. There are many opportunities at university, and as an adult, there is more on your plate. Invest your time in an organization that you feel best supports your values and aspirations. I’d recommend joining an organization out of passion for what the club stands for, not because you might need service hours.
As someone who works in the Office of Student Community and Connection, there is a club or organization for almost anything on this campus. There is a community here for you at ASU. You just have to find it, and that starts with knowing where to look. I highly recommend that first-year students go to Passport, a huge event that highlights student clubs and organizations. Look through Sun Devil Sync and list keywords that might interest you. Join a club that your friends are part of and join in on a meeting.
Getting involved on campus can look like joining clubs and organizations, but it can also mean seeking student employment. I have worked many student jobs on campus, from camp counselor to desk assistant to outreach. Each of these employment opportunities allowed me to advance in my career exploration and grow professionally. This is also a great way to meet new people and build community. You can do this by going to the ASU job portal and applying for student employment opportunities.
Finally, it is important to acknowledge that some organizations might not be the right fit, but seek out other organizations. Find other ways to get involved in the campus community. ASU prides itself on being a university that is committed to community involvement and inclusion. From just my year and a half of being on this campus, I can tell you that this is true. You have a community here.
Sammy Cristerna (He/Him)
Sophomore
BA Political Science, BA Psychology, BS Sociology