The Importance of Getting Involved as a Freshman

By Evan Kern

In my first week of college, the professor for my first-year seminar gave me some advice which I think more freshmen should subscribe to: “Never be nervous to take up space in any setting, be it academic, professional or recreational.”

I was not particularly involved in my last year of high school. I was reserved, introverted, and incredibly nerdy. However, when coming to Penn State, I saw an opportunity to reinvent myself. I was never going to stop being incredibly nerdy. However, I thought I could at least put myself out there. 

When I first got to Penn State, I don’t think I had ever felt so overwhelmed. Between the involvement fairs, emails, and flyers posted around campus, how was I supposed to pick anything in particular? It was nerve-wracking because I already felt so behind, and I didn’t think I was yet skilled enough to join certain clubs. But I did anyway.

How to Get Involved

Getting involved was easier than I expected once I got past all the anxiety. In my case, I wanted to focus on clubs related to my major, public relations. I talked to my first-year seminar professor (the one with the good advice) and she gave me a list of communications-focused clubs that she thought fit my interests. From there, I had a list of specific things I wanted to seek out. I ended up joining AD/PR Club, PRSSA and Happy Valley Communications. 

However, that isn’t to say that freshmen shouldn’t join clubs that have nothing to do with their studies. Architects can be passionate about a cappella. Biologists can love badminton. Communications students can enjoy caving. You get the idea. 

If you don’t have a connection within the Bellisario College of Communications to get you started on the right path, I recommend looking at the “Rule of Three.” This method stipulates that you join three clubs: one for your major, one for philanthropy, and one for fun. There are categorized lists online that will give you a few names to look out for at the involvement fairs. From there, it is as simple as walking up to a booth and scanning a few QR codes. What a walk in the park compared to my expectations!

Things I Learned

One of the organizations I’m most pleased with myself for joining is Happy Valley Communications. With still several weeks left in my first semester, I have already learned so much. Previously, I could not have told you how to do or present client audits and competitor analyses. The concept of doing work for a real client felt far away and abstract. Even an elevator pitch was just a television concept. These are only a few of the things I’ve been working on since joining Happy Valley Communications. 

Recently, I got to meet my clients in person. Sitting down with the entrepreneurs of a real start-up business and sharing my ideas for promoting their brand was incredible. As a first-year student, I am very lucky to be at Penn State and to have these opportunities, but without making the effort to get involved, I wouldn’t have a seat at that table this early.

Needless to say, I now feel ahead rather than behind. Was it awkward the first time I was asked to do a SWOT analysis and had to be the only one in the room who had no earthly idea what that was? Yes. Have I gravitated towards some clubs more than others since joining so many in that first week? Of course. Do I still have a ton to learn? Absolutely. But I am gaining valuable experience in my field before I even start taking classes about it, not to mention the friends I’m making along the way. 

To all incoming freshmen, you may feel intimidated by the options or the pressure to start early when you don’t feel sure what you want to do yet. If there’s anything I’ve learned since joining more organizations, it’s that even the juniors and seniors sometimes don’t feel sure about what they want to do yet. Have fun, and drop one (with respect and dignity) if you aren’t. It’s also never too late to add another if you find something new.

Most importantly, take up space. Show up, participate and ask questions. Being a freshman is not the same as being meek and insignificant. You’re there for a reason.