Fostering Connections in Student Organizations at JMU

By: Meghan Johnson

Photo courtesy JMU Creative Media.

Learning does not always take place in the classroom. There is no denying that while the point of college is to go to class, do well and eventually get a job, there is a whole other aspect of college. Student organizations can take up just as much time (if not more) than time spent inside a classroom. This article will give you some insight into just how important these organizations can be. 

Why Student Organizations Matter 

Student organizations are the backbone of a lot of students' college experience. Here at JMU, there are over 450 different clubs and student-run organizations to choose from. All of the organizations have a different purpose, unique goals, and mixed group of people. Nearly every student is a part of something; this fact is something that JMU students should be proud of. 

Student organizations can make a big campus feel small, and in a school of over twenty thousand, that’s a big deal! But just joining an organization does not mean that your college experience will automatically improve. Students have to work to be involved in the club and foster connections. How can students create these connections within organizations on campus? 

The Importance of Just Showing Up 

We all know the feeling of being in bed on a Sunday morning and not wanting to go to a meeting. The week just keeps filling up, and you stay busy. You might even end up not wanting to go to the event you signed up for. However, we also know the feeling of having someone cancel on you at the last minute, or worse, having no one show up at all. Just showing up is one of the most important things you can do as a student, friend and member of an organization. 

Going alone to an event may be scary, but the end result is worth it. When you show up to an event, you express to the people who put on the event that you care. It’s also an indication for the other members: you want to be involved, and you are open to making friends in the organization. If you can't show up for yourself, find someone else to show up for. Find a leader you look up to, a new person you want to be friends with, or an old friend from high school. Make those first texts and keep each other accountable. You’ll find your social networks growing exponentially! Sometimes it is easier to show up for others than for yourself. 

How to keep connections alive through leadership roles 

In a leadership role, you will not only be giving back to an organization you are passionate about, but also learning more about yourself. This includes learning about your leadership style and understanding how to navigate a position of power with your peers. You make friends with like-minded individuals who are also on a leadership team. Leadership positions are resume builders, helping to develop your soft skills: the ones you might not necessarily learn about in a classroom. 

The connections you create with others who are also in leadership positions are different from other friendships. These professional working relationships are a balancing act. You’ll develop skills for both giving and receiving feedback, and learning how to take criticism (especially from friends whose opinions you value) is important. Taking the time to get to know the people on leadership teams will set you up for success after graduation. You might think of interacting with leadership teams as practice for postgrad! 

Student organizations are an important aspect of your college experience. Take the time to show up, become a leader and foster connections within these organizations. When you look back, you’ll see just how far you’ve come thanks to your chosen student organizations.