To graduate from Plymouth State University without getting involved would be a waste of four years. Often times, we equate college success solely by academic performance. Yes, academics are the reason you go to college. We also focus on the social scene. Friends are a vital part of the college experience (partying is too). But a lot of time, we forget the importance of extracurricular activities.
Everyone is busy, whether you are studying for a test, writing a paper, working or just unwinding after a long day of classes there never seems to be enough time in the day. We at The Clock understand this, after all, we are all students too. Unfortunately, it has come to our attention that there seems to be less student involvement on campus than in previous years. We will go so far as saying that a lot of student organizations are struggling for fresh faces. The Clock knows this pain all too well.
Many student run organizations at PSU are struggling. Student Senate has thirteen voting members. Three years ago the number was well above twenty. The Clock needs reporters, editors and designers. We currently have a twelve people on staff, down from about twenty a few years ago.
We’re not asking you to run over to The Clock office and sign up for an article (We would like it though), or ask you to grab and election packet and run for a position on Student Senate. What we ask is that you think about getting involved on campus. We know there isn’t a lack of student organizations on campus. If you look hard enough, we are sure you will find an organization that you will love. Right now you may be asking why, we, The Clock Staff are asking you to go out and get involved. It’s quite simple; it is your right as a PSU student to experience everything that is offered. Recognized student organizations are funded by the Student Activity Fee, a mandatory fee. This fee is separate from yearly tuition, room and board rates and other University costs. Nevertheless all PSU students pay this fee. It works a lot like a flat tax- everyone pays a fee, and different programs benefit in varying ways from said fee.
So look at it this way: you are paying money so student organizations can exist. Student run organizations exist so students can have the best college experience possible. It’s a win-win situation. Homework is very important. Friends are very important, but extracurricular activities are important too. They look good on resumes, and they are an excellent way to meet new people outside of classes. So please, take advantage of your college years. Get out there and get involved.