At the university level, many students seem to focus on the dictionary definition of education, which states that education is the giving or receiving of systemic information, but says nothing about what else you can gain from your time at these institutions.
We all are receiving systemic information, no matter what major you pursue during your time enrolled. Students in highly competitive fields all have the same requirements fulfilled, a degree in their field and information gained. If we wish to stand out from the crowd upon graduation, we need to build our résumés in ways other students might not.
Universities are filled to the brim with both professional and student-led organizations and opportunities. From honor societies to departmental organizations, there are options to not only boost to our résumés but also to get support and experience alongside colleagues. The networking and experiences we gain is worth our time and effort, especially when we enter the workforce with a stronger skillset and more connections than some of our peers.
Our editor-in-chief and sports editor, Maddie Sims and Brian Quijada, are two examples of just how beneficial involvement can be, especially as they near their graduation date. Their résumés are stacked with Press Club and TIPA awards, published works, and professional memberships, so it is no surprise they stand out against the crowd thanks to the extra mile in involvement they chose to take during their time at Lamar.
While college, on the basic level of coursework, is difficult, the benefits that come from the extra workload can be astronomical. So, sign up for a club, run for office, write for the paper— just take advantage of the endless opportunities.
We might be busy now, but our future selves will thank us for the time and effort in not only earning a degree but also for pushing ourselves to a top place in a highly competitive world.