How Clubbing Altered My College Experience

I love clubbing! Obviously, campus clubbing.

The truth is, I never thought I would join an on-campus club or organization. As a busy commuter student, I didn’t think it was necessary for my goal of graduating, or that I even had the time to fit it into my schedule. In my head, college was simple: just go to class and pass.

But reality set in as I started applying for internships and wasn’t landing any. I realized that a contributing factor could be the fact that I had nothing on my résumé to showcase who I was outside of my classes as a KSU student. I thought about this for a while, and I remember browsing Owl Life when I stumbled upon Kennesaw PRSSA. I was instantly intrigued and looked up what PRSSA was: the Public Relations Student Society of America, a pre-professional organization dedicated to preparing the next generation of public relations professionals. I was sold. I knew right then that I had to at least check it out and see if it would be a good fit for me.

It’s always a little daunting to show up to a new organization’s meeting alone, but I put that aside and pushed through. Just as I had hoped, everyone was welcoming and helpful, and I quickly fell in love with PRSSA. I knew it would prepare me for a career in public relations and open doors that might not have opened otherwise. This is also where I met my fellow Owl Access colleague, Ellie!

After a semester of being a chapter member, I decided to apply for the executive board to sharpen my leadership skills and challenge myself. I was nervous about this as well, but once again, I pushed that fear aside and went for it. I’ve since adopted the philosophy of doing the uncomfortable to learn that I am capable of anything I put my mind to.

Joining the executive board, first as Digital Media Assistant and now as Vice President of Finance, has truly shaped me into a better leader and taught me skills I wasn’t confident in when I started. It has been a meaningful way to give back to other students and to feel that I’m doing purposeful work to further a chapter that has given me so much.

Reflecting now, just two months away from graduating, I realize it has been a little over a year since I joined PRSSA. That decision completely altered the trajectory of my college experience. It led me to make more on-campus friends and encouraged me to get involved beyond our RSO. I’ve connected more deeply with my PR and marketing cohort, which has given me a greater sense of comfort and belonging in ways I never expected. I’ve made amazing friendships that I know will last well beyond our college years and into our post-grad careers.

My hope is to encourage other students to step outside their comfort zones and get involved. It could be a club, a Registered Student Organization (RSO), or Greek life, but I promise it will make a difference in ways you may not even expect.

So let’s keep clubbing, Owls! Hooty Hoo!