For most of us, it’s easy to treat college as a place where you show up to learn and leave once your classes are done. You say you have plenty of time to get involved, but the truth is there isn’t.
We’re still at the beginning of the spring semester and, whether this is your first or last, there is still time to change that mindset. Take it from my experience.
Throughout most of my time attending UTRGV, I treated it like a job. I showed up for my classes and left the minute I was done. I didn’t attend many university games or participate in activities and, honestly, I regret that. I wish I took more time to connect with those around me.
As my final semester approached, it hit me that “later” was no longer an option, and my time was coming to an end. It was that realization that gave me the push to ask around if there were any positions opening for Student Media. Luckily for me, there were.
Earlier this month, I started working for The Rider as a sports reporter, and it’s safe to say that I’ve enjoyed every second of it, so far. For the first time, it feels like I’m a part of something bigger.
It’s exciting to finally put the knowledge I’ve obtained to proper use. The people here at The Rider are also some of the best that I’ve met while attending UTRGV. From the moment I started, I felt so welcomed and like we have always known each other. Strangely enough, I even met a long-lost cousin I didn’t know I had during my first week here, but that’s a story for another day.
What saddens me is that I only have a single semester at The Rider and with the people I work with. If I had known how great of an experience working here would be, I would have started much sooner.
However, there’s no point crying over spilled milk. Instead of counting down the weeks until graduation, I decided to make the most out of my remaining time, and you should, too.
Whether you’re graduating in May or still have plenty of time here, go attend that game your friend invited you to, check out that school event that caught your eye, get to know the person sitting next to you in class.
Don’t take your college years for granted. The way you decide to spend your time here at UTRGV will determine how you remember it when it’s said and done.
