Heading off to college can be both awesome and scary, especially if you don't know the area or many people in your class. Being in a whole new place with all new people can make it very easy to feel lost or ungrounded. Finding an activity outside of class or dorm life can help alleviate this feeling and give you a sense community on campus.
When I first came to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, the only people I knew were a handful of students from my high school. I spent most of my time hanging out with them in my dorm room, which was fun, but left me feeling like I needed to do something more.
I participated in several different activities in high school, but college seemed like a whole different ball game to me. I felt like college activities might be too challenging or time consuming.
I decided to try and get over this fear by jumping in headfirst. A few weeks after starting school, I applied to work at the Daily Nebraskan. I had been involved in journalism in high school and this seemed like an easy transition.
I quickly fell in love with the job, not only because I got to be creative and get paid for it, but also because the employees at the DN gave me a sense of home away from home.
Whenever I had an hour between classes, I would stop by the DN to chat with my coworkers or work on homework. The DN became my home base on campus, with a large, if sometimes dysfunctional, family to match.
But the DN wasn't the only place that I found a family at UNL.
I came out as queer the summer before my senior year of high school. I went to Catholic school, so I didn't have the benefit of a Gay/Straight Alliance. I only knew two other kids in my school that weren't straight, so I didn't really have any idea what the queer community was like.
Though my friends were supportive, they really had no idea what I was going through. I did a little research and found the Queer Ally Coalition, but I was wary about joining because I thought I might not fit in.
It wasn't until my sophomore year when a girl from my Gay and Lesbian Lit class invited me to a meeting that I actually decided to go. And I'm really glad I made that decision.
QAC is a Recognized Student Organization, which means that it is affiliated with UNL but is run by students for students. Joining this group helped me connect with people who truly understood me. They became a source of support and education that I needed.
But more importantly, QAC was a place where I could feel comfortable being myself without feeling judged or threatened. It became my connection to the queer community on campus and the greater Lincoln queer community.
With a wealth of student activities and organizations on campus, it's not hard to find something to be involved in. The online RSO database is a great way to find a group that fits your interests.
There are also countless events and booths in the Nebraska Union throughout the year and the Student Involvement office on the second floor that can help students interact with different groups and become more active on campus.
Getting involved and staying active on campus can help enrich your college experience and connect you with students who share your interests outside of class. It also gives you the opportunity to meet new faculty and staff that can be valuable assets throughout your college career and well after graduation.
So go out, get involved and expand your horizons.
beahuff@dailynebraskan.com
is a member of the 
