After the summer months pass and deliver us to the heat of late August, another installment of incoming freshmen whom are unwilling and unmotivated to get involved in student life will arrive here at Nicholls State University, with their pencils sharpened and their headphones in ear.
Campus involvement is essential to having a well-rounded college tenure; however, few students capitalize on the benefits of joining clubs and organizations. Nicholls State greatly encourages its newcomers to become engaged in all facets of student life, whether it is academics, athletics, or social as well as service organizations.
These organizations not only help students branch out and meet new people, but they enrich their experience as a student. In most cases, can help students develop personal and businesslike skills that can be used in a professional manner later in life.
Featuring over 80 organizations, Nicholls has something to offer everyone looking to contribute in some way. Student Life Director Dr. Tommy Ponson believes campus involvement helps students flourish spiritually, academically, and even socially.
 “Getting involved will truly define a person’s relationship with the college,” Dr. Ponson said. “The benefits are priceless, establishing life-long friends and the exchange and expansion of intellect. Student organizations foster a reason to take pride in your school because those who branch out typically enjoy their college experience more than the average student.”
However in most students’ circumstances, getting involved is difficult when financial obligations must be met. Consequently, a large number of students must work to provide for themselves.  “Unfortunately, economics is one major factor that deters students from becoming active in an organization,” Dr. Ponson said. “When students have to work, they have less free time to dedicate to a group that they would enjoy contributing to.
Admissions head counselor Laurie Larose has implemented several ways for incoming students to learn how to join clubs that interest them. “During orientations, where we host aspiring college students, a large portion of our program is dedicated to teaching these students how to get the most of their college experience,” Larose said. “We invite every club on campus to set up an informative table to explain the positive ways membership can benefit its members.”  
Aside from Greek life, Nicholls offers several religious fellowships, service organizations, and academic organizations. Shiena Normand, biology senior from Niceville, Florida has joined numerous organizations in her first year at Nicholls.
Immediately after acquainting herself with campus life, Normand soon began to reap the benefits of holding leadership positions.
“Transferring from another state to a school where the majority of people went to high school together is intimidating, Normand said. “By getting involved it allowed me to meet other students and gave me more opportunities to do other things, whether it be for school or for the community. I’ve met people that I am proud to call my best friends!”
Previously at Northwest Florida State College, Normand was very involved at her old school before finishing her two years and transferring to obtain her bachelor’s degree.
“I came to Nicholls with the full intention of being as involved as I was at my previous college,” Normand said. “I am currently involved in several different organizations on campus including the Student Government Association, Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority, Orientation Team, Pre-professional Medical Association, Biology Society and Women Involved in Self Empowerment.”
WISE is a student-run organization on campus that Normand is the president of, which focuses on spreading awareness about domestic and sexual abuse towards women and children.
Normand has seen tremendous personal growth through her many extracurricular endeavors.
“With these different organizations you are meeting people who have the same interests as you and who are just as passionate as you,” Normand said. “I’m involved in organizations that I believe in. Because I have been given the chance to lead and have my voice heard by so many people, it just gives you this sense of fulfillment and helps you turn into a well rounded individual. I have learned so much just by talking to these different people and being allowed to develop my leadership and management skills. Networking is also a nice perk of being involved. I was recently given an internship and given an opportunity to work for a real political campaign. My employers were impressed with my resume and the fact that I’m so involved on campus.”
Normand encourages all students, regardless of major and classification, to open their minds and free their schedules to become more involved on campus.
“Your college experience is what you make of it. The more you put into to it, the more you learn and get out of it. I encourage all students to join a club or organization that you are passionate about! The majority of these organizations on campus are all student-run, that means the students are the ones making the choices and organizing all these events.”
For those who do not adhere to the advice of Dr. Ponson, Larose, and Normand possible long-term ramifications might be felt by not engaging themselves more throughout their college years. According to Dr. Ponson, the time we live in might play a factor in the need to get involved. “Today we live in a period of ‘who you know’ rather than ‘what you know,'” Dr. Ponson said.
More information on student clubs and organizations can be found at the campus life tab of nicholls.edu.