By Sarah Horsley
As a freshman at a rather large university the feelings you have can be overwhelming.
The University of Louisville, and its 20,000-plus student body live and learn in the heart of a bustling metropolitan area exceeding one million in population.
Not only are students forced to take classes in which they may not be interested, learn the layout of the campus, deal with new found freedom, but a lot of time students come from far away and know few to no people.
This can be a scary thing coming from high school where the student was at the top with a secure group of friends. Heading into a new school where you know no one and are suddenly at the bottom all over again is certainly not appealing.
Take my advice, dive in feet first and do not be afraid of the water. When someone strikes up a conversation, don’t be afraid to talk back, but more importantly don’t be afraid to initiate the conversation.
Sure, academics are important and no doubt at the top of the list of priorities, but also high on the list is networking.
Building a social and business network is one of the most important things that can be done in college.
Harvey Horsley, a hiring big wig of Love Box Company Incorporated said, “When I look at someone’s credentials, I will often take the “kid” with a C average and well rounded social life over the “kid” with an A average but no extracurricular.”
Looking into what managers are looking for these days, often times it is not only what you know that takes you places, it is who you know.
Once graduation becomes pressing to a student, looking at the social pool helps find individuals who already work for companies or their parents who own them.
If the company is not one that a student is looking to work for, the executives in firmly based companies are an excellent reference at the start of any career.
For some reason, many freshmen are sheepish and a little nervous, which is understandable having been a freshman.
However, surviving and excelling in the modern world requires taking chances and getting oneself out there.
Make sure that as a freshman, countless opportunities are taken to meet new people. Don’t be afraid to go to Greek Life’s Recruitment weeks, if only to check it out, find one of several hundred Resident Student Organizations that interests you and find a friend to take to a meeting.
Take full advantage of social events on campus. Before long you will find you have more phone numbers than can fit on your SIM card.
The University of Louisville’s student life has so much to offer if you just give it a chance.
Check out what the Student Activities Board is up to. SAB always has something to offer whether you live on or off campus. Stop by the Campus Life office to check out the up and coming events.
Or perhaps just pick up The Cardinal and open it up. There are always events posted and surely you can find something interesting to you.
There will always undoubtedly be something to suit every personality and way of life. So take this and keep it close to heart, think of it as a challenge of sorts to lead a college life full of friends, fun, and the ability to build a successful future.
Sarah Horsley is a junior majoring in communication. E-mail her at opinion@louisvillecardinal.com
