Starting college is your opportunity to start fresh. It can be overwhelming coming to a place where you don’t know many people and you spend the first week with the same people throughout. But don’t let the stress keep you from getting out of your comfort zone and pursuing new things.
We, The Index Editorial Board, encourage new students to get involved on campus and to go to the different events hosted at Truman State University or in the Kirksville community.
Your college years are supposed to be some of the best of your life, so don’t be afraid to try something new and make new friends. Go to the Activities Fair from 2-6 p.m. Aug. 29, in the Student Union Building and sign up on the email lists of the clubs that interest you. We’re not advising you put your email down on all the lists, but if you think it could be something you enjoy, do it. By joining these contact lists, you can get a better idea of what the organization is and what they do. It’ll also provide a way for you to get in contact with people with similar interests and make some new friends, even if you don’t end up joining the organization. The worst that could come out of it is having to ask to be removed from the contact list down the road.
On that note, Truman hosts a lot of events that encourage students to get out of their rooms and be part of the campus — GO! Go to that first football game decked out in purple with a few of your new friends. Go to the different events the Student Activities Board puts together. Not only do they work really hard to organize each event, but there’s also often an opportunity to get free food or little gifts. The first big event will be the Back to School Bash from 4-6 p.m. Aug. 24, on The Quad and even if you can’t stay the whole time, go for the time you can and enjoy the live music.
This is the beginning of an exciting part of your lives, and we, The Index Editorial Board, not only want you to have a great year, but want you to find your Truman identity, which might mean getting out of your comfort zone. This is a stressful time in everyone’s lives (yes, even us upperclassmen) so make the most of it and enjoy these years. They go by fast!