Collegian
PENN STATE UNIVERSITY 251
GET INVOLVED!
A message from Vice- President Kathy Ryan
Kevin and Steve are
both freshmen in a small
college. Kevin doesn't
like school. He never
leaves his room, he is
constantly bored, and
he has few friends.
Steve loves the college
scene. He knows most
people on campus, includ
ing faculty and admini
strators. He's always
busy, and he has many good
friends. What's the dif
ference between these two
students? During the
first semester, Steve
became involved with the
clubs and activities
available on campus, while
Kevin limited himself to
studying and staying in
his roan.
There are many benefits
to getting involved in
campus activities. Being
active in student life
makes meeting people and
making friends much easier,
especially during the
first few weeks of school
when everyone is a st
ranger. Another advantage
to being involved is
simply that it's fun.
An involved student is
more aware of the acti
vities available for them,
and can iniate a new pro
gram if what they want is
not offered.
Besides the social
gains of being involved,
there are also many long
term profits students
receive. Those who are
active in student govern
ment and other organi
zations learn new skills
like public speaking,
dealing with many dif
ferent types of people,
organization skills, and
decision making. All of
these leadership skills
are necessary in life
after college. Employers
look for job applicants
who have some special
qualities to offer their
businesses. An employer
Volume 6
would quickly hire a "B"
student, who had leader
ship experience, over an
"A" student with no other
credentials.
With all of the advan
tages that come along
with participation in
campus life, why aren't
more students involved?
Some people just don't
want to be bothered.
Their lives revolve
solely around their class
es and their friends.
Others say they don't get
along with the "clique"
that seem to rule the
school. Then they com
plain about what the
leaders are doing. If
that is the attitude, then
get involved, and end the
"clique." The only way
things will change is if
the students get involved.
If a particular group, or
type, of students are in
charge of getting things
done, then student
representation is
limited, and the pro
grams offered are only
geared towards certain
people.
Another reason
students give for not
joining clubs or acti
vities is that they're not
interested in What's being
offered. There are so
many different events
scheduled on campus that
this does not seem like
a valid excuse. Every
thing from intramural
basketball to cultural
events to dances and con
certs are offered. If a
student doesn't find any
of the activities interest
ing, then that student
should at least suggest
some new ideas to those
who have a hand in getting
things done.
Everyone should get in
volved in their campus,
even if only in a small
way. The activities
and programs offered
Number 1 October 89
are here to enhance
student life. In turn,
the students are here to
better the campus. The
more student involvement,
the better the campus will
be for everyone. College
isn't just learning
through books, it's
learning through ex
perience and inter
action with others.
3~Ae
Mark Piedmont Editor
Heidi McKay Co-Editor
Jeff McCleary
Toni Gazardo Sports Editor
Todd Niziol Layout Editor
Scott Hnasko Creative Editor
Gregg Friedmann Creative Asst
Michelle Sales Entertainment Editor
Richard Burde Photography
Kathy Ryan
( 'Whiting*
Caroynn Enapman
Kim Bergan
Joeseph Mahn
The office of the Collegian is in the
lower level of the Commons. If you
need to reach anyone on the paper call(313l)
Contents:
pg. 2
Pres Says
Pres con't
pg. 3
pg. 4
Entertainment
pg.s
Best Buns
(lots of pictures)
pg. 6
Creative
pg. 7
Sports
pg.B
Personally,