COLUMN: Make your college experience count

Another year has begun at the University of South Dakota, and as the semester is now in full swing, some of you may realize just how exciting of a time the next few years will be. If you’re among this majority, what follows is not directed at you. Carry on.

For those still reading this opinion article, I wanted to dispense some wisdom that most enter college with, but some may not. I am among those who, when first arriving at college, had no idea what to expect or how to cope with the major life transition with which I’d been presented. I went from an acceptance letter to an out-of-state college in a course of study which I’d dreamt about for some time, to attending a nearby university to be near a girlfriend. I didn’t engage in any activities. I was depressed and barely left my room. It wasn’t the great time that college is supposed to be. If any part of this seems familiar, then I have a few things to say, and I’ll try not to take up too much of your time doing so.

First, college is a great time — if you’re in the right state of mind for it. If you’re depressed, there is a well-trained counseling staff at the Student Counseling Center, as well as the Lost and Found organization whose goal, according to the student organizations listing, is “Helping prevent and reduce suicide and depression in teens and young adults.” If you’re deeply depressed, you can get a referral through the SCC to the clinic and get medication fairly easily. If you’re concerned about payment, take heed, because in addition to your admittance to athletic events, your student fees cover things like going to the clinic. Afraid medication might be costly? Many are now $4 per month through Walmart’s pharmacy (I know Walmart is evil, but your health is more important).

Secondly, if you feel like you just need to get out and meet some people (we are after all social animals), there is an absurd number of student organizations on this campus. Trust me. This is the fourth school I’ve attended, and I’ve never seen so many groups — over a hundred according to the organization listing. Want to play D&D? There’s a group for that. Want to learn to scuba dive? There’s a group for that. Socialist? Democrat? Republican? Religious? Non-religious? There’s a group for that. Hate cancer? Like money? Want to build houses? Want to study rocks? There are groups, I assure you. And if you like sports, I’m given to understand that there’s 19 intramural athletic activities. And Greek organizations abound. I don’t know much about either sports or Greek life, but my point is simply that, whatever your interest(s), there are people on campus with whom you can engage.

Finally, if you’ve only come to college to be closer to a girlfriend or boyfriend, good luck. It does actually work out some times. Not for everyone, or even that many, but I know people for whom things turned out OK.

College is what you make it, and despite a rocky start, it’s been the best nine years of my life.  Maybe you’ve had a rocky start as well. Things can get better. Much better. Welcome home.

Reach columnist Josh Vlasman at [email protected]