Coming to Hopkins as a commuter student during my freshman year (and spending the next three years doing the same), I initially had the same questions and anxieties as others - would I make a lot of friends, would I have a good time, etc. - only it was a bit different for me, as I was not always in close proximity to the rest of the college campus.
This was one of the primary motivating forces (along with my love for politics, law and Model Congress in high school) when I decided to sign up to join the staff of the Johns Hopkins University Model United Nations Conference (JHUMUNC).
Though I encourage my readers to certainly consider JHUMUNC if it sounds like the type of thing they would be interested in, but I'd rather take this space to speak about extracurricular activities in general.
Now, as I am preparing to graduate, I find myself looking back over my four years to really absorb how my college experience has impacted me. Beyond school or drinking, it was the extracurricular activities that I participated in that really made me feel like I was getting involved and interacting with my peers.
I will forever cherish some of the moments I had spent with the Model UN. I hope that as I look back, those who will still be going to school here come the Fall will either get themselves involved or seek to maximize the experience of what they are already doing.
For me, JHUMUNC provided excellent opportunities, both social and intellectual, for me throughout my four years as a Hopkins student, and for that I could not be more grateful. The people who I met, the fun times we had together, the work that I did and the results we all accomplished as a result of our hard work, determination and collective efforts are truly amazing.
By facilitating the efforts of a large group of high schoolers for a four-day weekend every year, I truly felt privileged to have the opportunity to not only pass on my knowledge and experience to younger students (many of whom attend Hopkins as either a direct or indirect result of their JHUMUNC experience), but also to offer them the opportunities which I was given when I was their age.
It is a great feeling to know that you are influencing younger students in a positive way.
I feel like this is true of many of the extracurricular activities at Hopkins - whether one becomes a member of the Blue Key Society and gives tours to prospective students, participates in a simulated activity such as Model UN, tutors or even plays a sport which draws younger students out and turns them into fans of Hopkins; what we are doing makes a difference and we should all be aware of that and proud of the positive impact we can have on the younger generation.
There is certainly no shortage of extracurricular activities here on campus, whether one wants to get political and join the Hopkins Democrats or Republicans or the ACLU chapter, or to participate more actively in the social life of campus through a Greek organization or to play a varsity or club sport (for those of us who don't have the time and/or athletic ability, club sports and intramurals are great athletic outlets).
One can also give back to the community through tutoring or joining an organization such as Cooking for Love. All of these opportunities are available to us right at our fingertips.
And even if you can't find something that suits your wants or needs, you can always try to form your own organization (either through the Student Council or RAB or other organizations).
While these activities can certainly look good on resumes, that is not (and should not be) the only reason for participating in them. They keep you involved in the campus and community, give you a sense of self-betterment, keep you in shape physically and mentally and most certainly provide a welcome break from class and academics.
So for those of you who are unsatisfied with your academic or social experience here at Hopkins, I can only urge you to get out and see what kinds of opportunities there are around campus. Chances are, you will find something that suits you. I know I certainly did.
