Tuesday, August 18, 2015

Balancing Engineering with Everything Else in College Life

College is going to be by far the biggest transition in your life up until this point.  It’s an incredibly scary and confusing time, but it’s also the best four years of your life!  You’re going to be overwhelmed with everything, particularly as an engineer.  That is why I’m going to try to explain to you how to make the most of your time here in Happy Valley while pursuing an amazing degree.

First and foremost, pursue what you love, whether that is a sports team or a club or anything.  Getting involved on campus is a must, but whatever you join, make sure it’s wholeheartedly.  The biggest mistake you can make is signing up for five different clubs and showing up maybe once a month.   

Join Greek life or dedicate your time to THON or work at the local bakery downtown.  It is totally possible to have it all.  I am a member of the engineering/science sorority Phi Sigma Rho!  I also had the privilege of participating in a canning weekend to raise money for the fight against pediatric cancer.  Devoting your time to a group of people that you share many similar interests with will help keep you from losing your head.

If you have been athletic your entire life, don’t stop in college!  Working out and staying active is crucial.  Studies have shown individuals who participate in some sort of physical activity show lower levels of stress.  We have some amazing facilities that offer killer classes.  I highly suggest you attend any one of them.


But what you do join and actively participate in, devote the little free time you have to!  Activities and passions other than anything engineering related are key to keeping your sanity. 


Emily Dunn is a sophomore majoring in Computer Science, and is a Rover for WEPO'15!

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