The Rocket

Issue date: 2/17/06 Section: Opinion

Jess Rupell - Staff Writer

Ah. Let the stress begin. We are five weeks through the spring semester and that means we are officially one-third of the way through the second half of the 2005-2006 school year. This also means that the pressures of the semester have begun to fully sink in. And yes, like many of you out there, I will admit that the stress has definitely hit.

It seems like right before my eyes, I went from little to worry about to having to agonize about my two exams and a quiz that all take place on the same dreadful Wednesday, not to mention that paper, pop quiz and mounds of reading. And on top of that, I think I have to declare February the official month of meetings, as I have had more meetings this month than I had all last semester.

From the four activities I'm already a part of to the ones I plan on joining next fall, I certainly have my plate full. Weeks fly by quicker than I can imagine, and my days never seem to have as many hours in them as I need. Juggling all these things can be tricky, not to mention time consuming. But you know what? I wouldn't want it any other way.

I have never been the type of person to just sit around and watch the world pass me by. I've always been the one screaming, "Would I be taking on too much if I joined this activity, too?!" I guess it's always been about testing my own limits and seeing just how much I could take on before I would crack. I know it may sound like I'm just an overachieving freak, and really, if that's how you see it, that's fine. But honestly, I just have this passion to experience as many different things as I possibly can. Some are career oriented, and others I just want to do to say I've done it.

I can't imagine coming to a university - any university for that matter - and only being involved in my academic classes. With so many diverse and interesting groups that are held throughout campus, how can anyone not want to get involved in at least one group?

And the people - oh the people that you meet. Aside from the people you meet in classes, getting involved in any group on campus helps you to meet people on campus that you may have never met otherwise. Besides the whole "being unbelievably busy" thing, I have really enjoyed all the new clubs and activities I've gotten involved in.

I've learned so much - about specific topics (such as 1,200 people die each day from smoking related incidences) and rules (like how to play rugby) to simply learning more about myself - who I am, what I believe and who I want to be in the future.

It's been a heck of a ride so far, and, in all honesty, I'm truly looking forward to all the new experiences and groups I will get to be a part of over the next few years. I have two words for students: GET INVOLVED.

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