DUNMORE, Pa. — If you know a college student, you know that they’re busy. Most are juggling a multitude of activities and responsibilities — classes, part-time jobs, class projects and exams. Yet despite their jam-packed schedules, many students make the time to join student clubs, serve in leadership roles, and attend social, cultural and informational events on campus — and find they have a better overall college experience as a result.
To help both new students just starting their college experience, as well as current students who may not have yet gotten very involved in extracurricular activities, Zamarra Vrabel, a fourth-year corporate communication major and New Student Orientation Leader, organized a special Lunch and Learn event on Wednesday, titled, “Why Should I Get Involved?”
Vrabel, along with a panel of other active students on campus, shared their personal experiences and answered questions about how their involvement in activities outside of the classroom improved not only their time at Penn State Scranton, but has personally benefitted them as well.
Members of the campus’ Student Government Association (SGA), as well as clubs ranging from Dungeons and Dragons, to athletics, to the Mechanical Engineering Club and the Billiards Club, encouraged a packed room of students to make the effort to get involved and reminded them of the upcoming campus Club Fair, to be held Thursday, Sept. 4, and Friday, Sept. 5, in the View Café from noon to 1 p.m.
“There are 23 active clubs and organizations on campus,” said SGA President Gavan Quimby. “And, you can get involved in any club or attend any event, regardless of your background. We have a diverse campus community, and they want you to get involved.”
Members of the panel shared some of their favorite events, which ranged from a "silent disco" dance party to a billiards tournament at University Park, to a leadership conference at Penn State Fullers Overlook.
For those who may be more introverted, or unsure about what groups they should join, Elizabeth Analfo, a 2025 New Student Orientation (NSO) leader and third year English major, suggested students look first for things they know they enjoy.
“Start in your comfort zone; start with what you’re familiar with," Analfo said.
Making friends, getting involved with different groups, going to different events and trying new activities were common themes throughout the presentation.
“Just try it. Go to events, get out and meet people and see what you like,” said Analfo.
“Getting involved helps you build a community of people and help you know [from whom] and where you can get help when you need it,” said Alexis Colasurdo, president of the mechanical engineering club and student-athlete.
“You can’t be afraid to have fun on campus,” said Jacob Webb, another orientation leader and fourth year electrical engineering major. “This is an experience you’re paying for, it is part of your tuition, so just go out and have fun. Enjoy it.”
Vrabel said one of her regrets was not getting involved in extracurriculars or events when she first started college, and that if she could do it again, she would get involved much sooner.
“I really like being involved now, and it has really positively shaped my whole college experience," Vrabel said.
Being involved in clubs, organizations and student leadership roles also can have the added bonus of being a resume booster, helping students after they graduate, when they are interviewing for their first jobs.
Brett Gulbin, SGA chief justice, told the students being involved can help them build their resume, and provide experience in leadership roles, crisis management and people skills.
It can also help students learn how to better schedule their time and learn how to set boundaries, Colasurdo said. “Don’t be afraid to say no. You can still get involved, but take some smaller roles,” she advised, so as not to get overwhelmed or over-extend yourself.