You need to go to more campus events

Earlier this October, social media influencer Jonathan van Ness made his way to the University of Michigan to broadcast a live performance of his podcast, Getting Curious, and discuss the importance of voting as a college student. The “Queer Eye” star sat down with a number of academic leaders and they discussed what it means to be a college student during an election and why it’s important for students to vote. While lighthearted and fun, it meaningfully opened up an important discussion of how young students can use their voices on a larger scale. 

After leaving the event, I began to wonder why I haven’t attended more on-campus events like Ness’. While learning about voting is important, there are so many other things that I am interested in and would love to learn more about. Getting involved doesn’t have to mean attending political events; students should explore opportunities related to their different interests, backgrounds and cultures. Every semester, the University hosts hundreds of on-campus events that are catered to students and are often free. These events are the perfect chance for students to learn more about their own interests and identities, expand their perspectives and find active communities to become involved in.

Unique hobbies and interests offer crucial breaks from the rigorous classwork U-M students often face. It’s important for students to explore their interests, regardless of whether they are taking a class on them or not. The University has events that range from art and music exhibits, to musical productions to scientific panels. Attending an event like a workshop, where students can develop skills and enhance existing ones, empowers them to grow personally and professionally. There are also events that are less participatory; want to relax and listen to some music by a world-renowned artist? Or experience an in-person reading by a poet or writer? The University frequently offers free tickets to live performances, which are a great way to explore your taste in the arts.

Our university is made up of a population that is diverse beyond gender, race and religious background. Student social identities range from socioeconomic class to ethnicity. These identities  shape the way we live, how we view the world and even our interests as we grow as individuals. And while college is an exciting time of life, it can often feel daunting when it comes to finding out who you are as a person. Campus events provide opportunities to meet people who have similar passions, while offering different perspectives that encourage complex and well-rounded conversations that can alter or enhance our outlooks. Learning is key when it comes to understanding identities. While it is important to stay true to our own personal identities, embracing difference can allow for progression and growth. 

One of the major struggles of college, especially as a first-year student, is finding a space where you can take a break, as well as finding a community to be a part of. Living on campus away from home can feel isolating and may lead to feelings of stress and anxiety. Recently, Active Minds reported that 64.7% of students feel lonely and isolated; these feelings often correlate with a decrease in social skills as well as negative impacts on academic achievements. When you find yourself actively spending time among your peers and making genuine connections, you end up creating a space of belonging. This is a good way to create support networks where you can find others who may be struggling as well. This helps students understand that everyone experiences stress or loneliness during their time in college. 

Students may find themselves swamped with school work and other extracurriculars, and they may not have the time to attend different events. Fortunately, many of these events only take up an hour or two of your day, and they can range from early in the morning to later in the evening. The opportunity exists for all, as long as you make the time for it. That doesn’t mean you should skip studying for that midterm or putting aside that essay you’ve been writing, but it’s imperative that students prioritize their well-being and give themselves time to recharge. 

Students may also worry about how these events may cause a distraction to their studies, however they may have the opposite effect. Experts have observed a positive correlation between students’ involvement in different organizations with cognitive development, multicultural awareness and an increase in well-being.  

I urge you to step out of your comfort zone and see where it leads you. I was one of those people who was worried about how to manage my time and, in all honesty, I’m still figuring it out. But even as an introvert who spends at least five hours studying every day, I have found that campus events are an opportunity to get out there and explore, meet new people and have fun. The whole point of college is to find your interests and find your identity in the context of the world. Maybe that event or club meeting you’ve been putting off is a great place to start.

Isabelle Porzondek is an Opinion Analyst who writes about anything that’s making her brain itch. She can be reached at porzo@umich.edu.

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