The Importance of Extracurricular Involvement

In high school and for most of my undergraduate career, I did as little outside of the classroom as possible. I kept to myself and (at least in my mind) took full advantage of my personal time. I’ve now found that making adequate use of my personal time actually means staying as involved with school as possible.

It’s no secret that the Newhouse curriculum is challenging and demanding. It takes a lot out of you, both mentally and physically. It’s easy to avoid pursuing extracurricular activities by justifying it based on all of the time spent on Newhouse classes. But, it’s that time spent outside of the classroom that is most valuable. It allows you to “connect the dots,” develop important networking contacts, and serves as an unconventional stress reliever.

I’m involved with the Newhouse Student Representative Committee, the Public Relations Student Society of America, Hill Communications, and Newhouse Insider (for which I’m writing this blog entry). Hill Communications, in particular, has been especially valuable because it’s allowed me to put what I’ve learned in the classroom into practical use.

I’m also helping a Newhouse alumna, Bill Doescher, write the final chapter of a book he is writing on the future of public relations. I got that amazing opportunity because of my out-of-class involvement.

Take full advantage of what Newhouse has to offer you. A big part of the Newhouse experience is making the most of the opportunities afforded to you, both in and out of the classroom.