To some, Meaningful Involvement is a concept that is simultaneously mysterious and obvious.  Sure, involvement seems easy and yes, experiences should have meaning.  But in a society that tells us “more is the answer!” how do you teach, and more importantly learn, the balance and importance of Meaningful Involvement?

Do what you love. 

Part of getting involved in college is to build your resume.  But it doesn’t end there.  You need a sense of belonging, to make friends with similar interests and to spend time in activities that you enjoy.  Find positive experiences that you enjoy to improve your college years and beyond.

Change is the only thing that remains the same.

Your interests will change, your friends will change, your groups will change and the rules always change.  You need to be adaptable, progressive and confident as you push toward your goal.

A good idea can come from anywhere.

You don’t know everything.  When you learn to listen to others, no matter how unexpected the source or the wisdom, you’ll grow by leaps and bounds.  Everyone matters and a good idea can come from anywhere or anyone.

It will probably go right.

Meeting new people and making new friends is tough work, you know you’re awkward and you’re scared they’ll judge you.  It might happen.  But guess what, it all works out in the end.  And Gosh Darn It, people (will really) like you.

Know when to give up.

There are times that you need to quit and walk away.  Do whatever it takes to learn through these experiences.

More isn’t always better; sometimes more is just more.—Barbara Benedek 

At some point in your life, you’ll realize that you have enough. You have enough to keep you interested, you have enough to keep you busy and you have enough to feel fulfilled with your life, your activities and your impact.  Grow through these meaningful experiences and resist the urge or the pressure to continue to add more and do more.  You are best served to do a what you love really well.

I’m teaching CORE 103, a first-year life-skills class at Drury University, and post my weekly blog focused on the class content.