Just Do It: Active students get in the groove

"College is more than going to class," says Ryan Lindquist, associate director of the UNM Student Activities Center. "Today's employer isn't necessarily looking at only GPAs." At the September Parent Talk, three stellar students with Lindquist's philosophy joined him to relay their experiences outside of the classroom.

Sevy Gurule, active on campus since freshman year, climbed the student employment ladder. She worked her way up from residence hall advisor (RA) to a student director position overseeing all hall advisors. She also chaired Relay for Life, which raises funds for cancer and provides experience managing human and financial resources. Gurule studied abroad in both India and Egypt. She informed parents in the audience that living on campus offers built in activities, but that opportunities are everywhere - for example, she learned about the trip to Egypt from a billboard flier. When asked by a parent how to nudge students to be more involved, Gurule suggests they be encouraging and perhaps send a note about an activity related to the student's major or interests. Gurule's advice to hesitant students? "Just do it," she said. "It only takes one step."

Jenny Shroba, a commuter student double majoring in biology/psychology with a chemistry minor, had a full academic plate, but she felt disconnected from campus life. To get involved, Shroba took the helm of the ASUNM Community Experience's Spring Storm, which required organizing students to volunteer at more than 40 non-profits for one action-packed spring day.

Rob Salazar says attending a small high school fueled a desire to get involved on the big campus. At the Student Activities Center, he connected with student government and landed a SAC job. "I didn't want to sit around my dorm room and do nothing," he said, noting his involvement also extends to student honor societies. "It also helps you stay in the groove of studying," he says of his full calendar. Salazar and Shroba also served as new student orientation leaders.

Lindquist said Student Activities staff is available to lend a guiding hand, too. "If students are struggling to find something of interest, we are always willing to help them find a match."
For more information, visit http://sac.unm.edu, or call 277-4706.

To view taped editions of the Parent Talk Series, visit, http://parent.unm.edu/parent-talks/