An Argument for Involvement

Tiffany Fitzpatrick

The Signal

            The entire campus is recovering from I Heart UHCL Day. By recovering, I mean we’re all groaning as we think about taking down the decorations from our windows, offices and doors. We’re calming down from the anticipation of wondering what our mascot’s name will be and who will win the spirit contests. We’re shifting from focusing on spirit to focusing on work and study, though the spirit lingers. At least, that’s how it feels in this office.

            Here at The Signal, we’re in the calming down phase of I Heart and in the planning and plotting phase of issue 5. Across the plaza, in the student lounge, the hustle and bustle hasn’t slowed since I Heart. Fall Festival was last Friday and Global Expo is two weeks away. Student organizations are working on projects, putting together activities and costumes, and gathering decorations. At the same time, the students are finishing up major assignments, taking midterms, and writing lengthy papers. Everyone’s in go mode; this is what a semester in full-swing feels like. It’s busy and hectic. There’s always more than one thing going on at once. There’s always a fine line between academics, events, work and home life; and it’s always difficult to find a balance. Often, the lines between categories begin to blur.

            Oy, I think I said an argument for involvement, didn’t I? There is one. Despite the busyness, the constant go, and the pressure that comes both with and from being involved, there is an argument for it.

            I understand worrying about GPA and test scores. I know the sales pitch for being active on campus – how great it can be for resumes and the job search – isn’t as convincing as it could be.

            The argument for it lies in the experiences gained and lessons learned. Being part of a group makes it easier to do the things you normally wouldn’t and try things that sound a little crazy. Putting together events and fundraisers teaches skills that can only be taught outside of the classroom. There is an uncountable value in going to meetings on days when you don’t even have to come to campus for class and being a part of the decision-making process when not everyone agrees.

            This is where you really learn things. Dealing with conflict becomes a mild irritation rather than something to be feared. You learn to accept broken promises as a fact of life, how to gracefully handle the aftermath, and how it feels to be the one having to break your own promises. You also develop almost supernatural skills by learning things like time travel and how to be in two places at once. You learn to lead, even if you aren’t an elected leader, and you get to vote somewhere where you can actually see your vote count.

            You get exposed to various activities, interests and topics. You learn new things you like and new things you don’t. You become one of the people who know what’s going on and whom to talk to about it. You get invited to things most people don’t even notice are happening.

            You become a part of this school, permanently locked into its memories, no matter where you go later.