COLUMN: `Thresher' invites you to get involved

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by Marty Beard

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You've arrived at an interesting time in Rice history. New buildings are popping up like mushrooms, for starters.

Affirmative action is undergoing unprecedented change: whether growing pains or death throes, it remains to be seen. But that is not what this column is about.

Sure, you're probably thinking, "Yeah, yeah, it's another rambling, cheesy, dry welcome/solicitation column," and then turning the page. But before you turn the page, hear me out.

Stifle your mental (or physical) yawns and brace yourself for four (or five or six, depending on your major) years of growth and challenge.

There will be good times and bad. Obviously.

And, as a junior, I'm going to give you a little advice (so there) that I wish someone had given me as a freshman: Take it easy your first semester and you will be a more balanced person for it. Don't overextend yourself or devote yourself entirely to one organization at first (not even the Thresher ); shop around.

The same goes for choosing a major: Take a variety of introductory-level classes (unless, of course, you're already committed to being an engineer). You'll be happier this way, I promise.

But definitely do get involved. Getting involved in organizations across campus is a great way to meet people outside your college. It's foolish to limit yourself when Rice has so much to offer. You might think I'm being trite -- and perhaps I am -- but the campus is blessed with a diverse student body, and everyone has something unique to offer.

One of the advantages of being at Rice is that it is such a small school. Therefore, it is possible to rise rapidly through the ranks of practically any organization. Take, for example, our Student Association president, Maryana Iskander, who is now a senior and in her second term as president -- she first became president as a junior.

Every organization is eager for fresh blood (especially the Thresher ). There are many opportunities in almost anything you could want to do. Go to the Activities Fair and see what looks good.

There are organizations for community service, religion, academics, politics, music, broadcasting, ethnicity. There are many club sports you can play. In publishing/writing/photography, there's the Campanile , flux , the University Blue , and of course, the Thresher. And I guarantee they'd all love to have you.

Why do you want to get involved? There are many, many reasons. There's always the selfish reason: your resumé. Yes, getting involved does look good on a resumé.

But getting involved also makes you a more well-rounded person and gives you valuable experience for life beyond the hedges.

Why do you want to get involved with the Thresher in particular? The same reasons. We are a student-run newspaper, and thus working for us is a great way to gain valuable experience in writing, editing, business or advertising. Work and have fun too!

Again, welcome to Rice. Drop by the Thresher office for a visit -- there's nearly always someone here and we'd love to have you. Join us.

Marty Beard is one of two editors in chief and a Brown College junior.

This item appeared in the Opinion section of the August 30, 1996 issue.

Copyright © 1996 The Rice Thresher. All Rights Reserved.
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