Sahil: Just show up: Pt. 2

Showing up isn’t just confined to the lecture theatre or tute room. Getting involved with a student club or society is one way to take advantage of the scope of available opportunities at uni. Monash boasts over 100 such organisations, catering to all number of interests and disciplines.

Serving as a committee member of the Financial Management Association of Australia (FMAA) remains a highlight of my uni experience thus far. Not only has it been instrumental in helping me discover my career aspirations, but I’ve also found some incredible friends and mentors in the process. The fact that many of us on committee also study similar degrees/subjects offers a handy source of academic support come exam time.

I advocate this because it’s easy to feel disconnected from uni if you don’t participate meaningfully in student life. I experienced this during my first year, when I organised my timetable to have as few breaks between classes as possible. I’d attend my scheduled classes and, almost always, leave campus immediately after they’d concluded. Whilst at the time I believed this was an efficient way of managing my time, in hindsight it was a heavily misguided approach. Removed from extra-curricular and social activities on campus, my motivation to attend classes waned (along with my grades).

As cliché as it sounds, your uni experience – good, bad or indifferent – will reflect your attitude towards it. I’d encourage all students to be part of something on campus that engages them. If a club/society doesn’t pique your interest, there are abundant leadership programs, volunteering opportunities and sporting organisations to sink your proverbial teeth into. I guarantee that being involved will ensure your uni years are enjoyable (if not rewarding).