As the year progresses, students get settled into routines, but there may be opportunities found in breaking that pattern and becoming more involved in extracurricular activities.
“Extracurricular activities provide a valuable opportunity for students to enhance various skills while enriching their college experience,” said Tammy McLain, director of employer development and relations through the Career Center at Culverhouse.
Involvement in these activities allows students to build skills necessary to success such as communication, collaboration, teamwork, problem solving and leadership, McLain said. Students are also able to see real-world applications of their classroom learning through extracurriculars.
Morgan Johnson, a sophomore majoring in civil engineering and the webmaster for the UA Society of Women Engineers, said being active in extracurricular programs can be beneficial in ways other than gaining knowledge and skills.
“My participation in programs around campus has shown recruiters that I’m dedicated to my major and that I want to be involved in more aspects than just class. They also like to see that I’ve taken on a leadership role and that I’ve found joy in my avid participation,” Johnson said.
McLain shared a similar sentiment, discussing employers’ perspectives on the importance of extracurriculars.
“Employers are not looking for a specific number of activities. However, they want to see skills, talents and habits that indicate a student’s potential as an employee. Students can acquire and heighten these skills through extracurricular activities,” McLain said.
Katelyn Rials, a junior majoring in religious studies and the team leader for the communications and outreach team at the Center for Service and Leadership, discussed the benefits of becoming involved through service.
“I believe that I gain so much from being a part of the Tuscaloosa community, and I feel responsible for giving back to the place that I love so much,” Rials said. “By participating in service, every single student can learn about the community they call home for four years and forge deeper bonds with it.”
Anna Moorman, a senior majoring in psychology and studio art and the student executive director of Engage Tuscaloosa, a service group sponsored by the UA Honors College offered a similar perspective on being involved.
“It has challenged me to see that there is more to Tuscaloosa than the University. I love getting to be in and around the school system and watch other UA students get connected as well,” Moorman said.
Opportunities to become involved in programs like these remain available throughout the year. The Source provides an easy access point for students to find organizations to become involved with.
Students can sign up for the Society of Women Engineers newsletter at any point,Johnson said. That newsletter provides information regarding meetings and volunteer events. There are many leadership positions available for students to apply for once they become members.
The Center for Service and Leadership has many partner organizations providing opportunities for students throughout the semester. Hands on Tuscaloosa has a day of service in March, Habitat for Humanity UA has multiple build days this semester, Serving Bama allows students to sign up for different service experiences through Bama Pulse, and UA Miracle will be hosting Bamathon in February.
Moorman said Engage Tuscaloosa has sign-ups at the beginning of each semester, but the organization is always willing to have new volunteers on the team.
“It is never too late to participate and explore all the wonderful student-led opportunities UA has to offer,” McLain said.
