As the high school class of 2025 prepares to head off to their chosen schools I want to resuscitate (pun intended) this topic. Over the coming weeks most will uproot the lives they’ve known for 18 years and move to a location that is new and exciting. One of the main topics incoming students worry about is making friends and hopefully finding “their people.” A proven way to do this is to get involved in organizations made up of likeminded individuals. That could be a religious group, a Greek organization, the dance team, a club or rec sport, and even a rescue squad. Hopefully you can identify the organization that best fits you early in your college career.
In the past I exclusively recommended joining a rescue squad to nursing students, or students on a pre-med track, even though our son was neither of those things. As I came to know his rescue squad friends it made me realize how many different majors benefited from their time on an ambulance. I can tell you that very few college ECs have the potential to captivate a hiring manager like volunteer EMT/paramedic/firefighter positions. Making life or death decisions in your free time as a college student carrying a full course load demonstrates commitment, compassion, service beyond self and grit.
Whatever organizations you choose to join, embrace the opportunity to grow and learn from both the experience, and the people you’re involved with there. It could change your life.