Let’s face it, we are all in college to get a degree and get the best grades we can.But grades aren’t the only reason we are all continuing our education. In some ways, being active on campus is more important than your grades.

I know when I first came to FGCU, one of the first things I did was join clubs and a sorority to meet more people and have the best experience. Being involved on campus creates lifelong friendships, helps build your resume and  much more.

Whether you join Greek life, clubs, being in resident housing or Student Government, go do it. The experience will be rewarding, and it will look good on your resume.  Having clubs and organizations in your background shows future employers that you can balance many different things in your life and show that you are well rounded.  Even if it’s only one or two extracurricular activities, it will enhance your resume and chances of getting a dream job or getting into graduate school.

You don’t even have to have a leadership position to enhance your experiences.  Many people think you have to be student body president or the president of a club to get the full experience, but I completely disagree. Joining the programming board my freshman year and just helping out at events provided some of the most fun I had while adding event planning to my background.

Greek life has also been the best time of my life, and I never had a major leadership position.  Being a leader on campus doesn’t mean just having a position, but it means making a difference and overall benefiting the university as a whole.  Whether it’s planning events, service-learning hours or raising money for your sorority’s philanthropy, they all matter to the campus.

Although, I think the greatest advantage in college is the overall experience, remember your grades are still important. School can be hard sometimes even when you’re not busy, but remember, it’s why we are all here.  Learn to balance your time and have the full package: good grades and a lot of extra time for fun.  Ultimately, you want to graduate in a timely manner, but balancing school, extra involvements and a night life will prepare you for managing your time for the rest of your life.

Being active on campus overall enhances your college experience and helps you enjoy your time in college all that much more. These opportunities will also introduce you to people from all walks of life, some of whom may become lifelong friends (or people to party with).

So take a break from studying, or partying your butt off, and go check out the clubs and organizations on campus. You won’t regret it.