This piece first appeared on the Student Affairs blog.

During my junior year at the University of Utah, I served on the ASUU election board as the assistant registrar. It was the early 90s, and we were implementing a new technology that read “scantron cards”—something most students today have never heard of—to count the ballots. Unfortunately, on election day, we encountered a problem with the card reader, causing a delay in announcing the final election results. It was a tense moment, and I found myself shuttling back and forth between our office and the anxious candidates, providing updates on the situation. This went on into the early morning hours of the next day, and finally, after many hours of problem solving, we announced the winner of the election. 

I am sure that I did not realize it at the time, but this and other student involvement experiences taught me many lessons that have been instrumental throughout my career in higher education. For instance, I learned the importance of remaining calm under pressure, listening to others with care and compassion, and how to adapt when unforeseen obstacles arise. These lessons, along with many others, are invaluable in my role as the vice president of Student Affairs and have guided me in navigating the complexities of my responsibilities every day. 

Getting involved on campus teaches students skills such as leadership, resilience, compassion, and the ability to handle complex challenges, both professionally and personally. It also serves as a pathway to grow, develop, and shape your identity — leading you to discover your passions, people, and purpose. 

For some students, getting involved on campus may come naturally, but for others, it can feel intimidating, and that’s completely normal. My advice for those unsure of how to get started is to begin with small steps and explore what interests you. It’s better to get involved in a few opportunities and commit to them wholeheartedly, rather than spreading yourself too thin across numerous activities where you can’t fully engage or benefit from the experience. 

Once you’ve become more comfortable, try tapping into your other interests. We are all uniquely multifaceted individuals with different passions that shape our identities. While engaging in academic or career-focused opportunities are important, it’s also beneficial to explore what brings you joy, aligns with your values, and connects you to your community. 

If you don’t know where to start or if you’re ready to find more involvement opportunities, Student Affairs is here to help. We specialize in providing students with involvement and leadership opportunities that are designed to help you gain skills, develop personal growth, and meet new friends.  Whether you’re attending a Crimson Nights event, volunteering with the Bennion Center, helping plan an ASUU event, signing up for a sports club with Campus Recreation Services, or joining one of the 600+ registered student organizations, Student Affairs is here to guide you into finding something that sparks your interest. 

As you explore different opportunities to get involved, remember to be open-minded. Even if you don’t immediately connect with a particular event, opportunity, or student group, the experience of trying could ultimately lead you to something that truly sparks your interests. 

Sincerely,  

Lori McDonald, Ph.D. 

Vice President for Student Affairs