The summer after I graduated from high school, I realized that the most impressive parts of my education had not come from the classroom. From athletics to clubs to student government, my life was most enriched not by classroom knowledge, but through the application of that knowledge in various activities. With that realization, I decided to take advantage of the many opportunities I would have to be active at the University of Tulsa.
I can say without hesitation that it was the right decision. College is about more than just attending classes and doing research; it is a time for individual development through diverse relationships. My involvement on campus consists primarily of two endeavors; varsity soccer and membership in The Sigma Chi Fraternity. I have learned so much from these different activities that my college experience has been enhanced tenfold. Both require hard work and tenacity while returning diverse rewards.
Through soccer, I have developed better time management skills, as it has forced me to budget my time around practices and games. I have also fostered relationships with my professors while working with them to schedule due dates and quizzes around road trips. Finally, I have gained a strong loyalty to my school that comes from wearing its colors on the field.
Through my involvement in The Sigma Chi Fraternity, I have learned of the many positive aspects of a world often misunderstood by society at large. Beyond the parties exists a strong brotherhood and an organization stressing personal responsibility. I have been given a chance to hold various leadership positions, through which I have gained important skills for my post-graduation life. Greek life has also provided me a platform for entrance into other organizations, such as the Inter-Fraternity Council and the Student Association.
In the end, participation in these two extra-curricular activities has allowed me to meet new people and cultivate new ideas to which I might have never otherwise been exposed. It’s made my college life much more balanced. Through it all, I’ve experienced invaluable personal growth which has thoroughly convinced me of the merit of extra-curricular activities.
