It wasn’t long ago when the Harvin Student Center was filled with energy. There was always something going on. Tables were filled with students playing Dungeons and Dragons while others competed in “Guitar Hero,” “Dance Dance Revolution” or other video games.
There were guest speakers, talent shows and many other activities that added to the college experience. Student organizations were flourishing with members and active in encouraging student involvement. Rush Week was more than an empty table with flyers. People manned the tables and answered questions from potential recruits. The Harvin Center was an actual hub of student engagement.
Then the pandemic hit and changed how we interact with each other altogether. We had to learn new ways of intermingling for the sake of personal and communal safety. We have designated tables set to encourage social distancing by keeping them empty. It’s an unfortunate consequence to a global situation that has changed the way we live with each other.
It’s been over 18 months since the beginning of COVID-19 and it’s time to live again. Surely, we have learned the importance of social distancing, masking up and taking responsible actions to ensure the safety of others but by now, we should have also been able to figure out how to adapt and move forward to enjoy to full college experience by being part of the college community.
With plenty of registered student organizations, including major-specific and special-interest groups, there are many ways for a student to enjoy the full college experience. There is the Student Government Association, which ensures the protection and promotion of student interests. There is the Baptist Student Ministry, which gives students opportunities for personal growth, leadership development and campus and community service opportunities. There is Safe Space, an all-inclusive organization for the LGBTQIA+ community and their allies that provides a judgment-free zone for everyone. Other organizations include the American Association of University Women, Cobra-Ota’s, Geoscience Society, Glam Squad, the Student Art Association and many others. Let’s not forget the Press Club, which is always looking for writers, photographers and artists to contribute to the Foghorn News and the Siren magazine.
There are many opportunities to engage the college community, even in these days where we are still uncertain of how to socialize. Even if we are encouraged to mask up and socially distance, we don’t have to stop living and enjoying all the opportunities college affords us.
In his first interview with the Foghorn News, in 2008, DMC president Mark Escamilla said, “It’s not who you know, it’s who knows you.” Take this opportunity to network with each other and get involved, not only to get to know your peers but to allow your peers to get to know you.
