Missing out in several ways by skipping events

By Terrell Munford

Have you ever wondered why college students seem unwilling to attend an event at their school? Is it because the college events happening on campus do not live up to the students’ standards and expectations? Or because they do not deem it worthwhile in working toward their future goals? 

At Rider, there are events happening on campus every day where students can show their Rider pride and have a good time while taking a break from their academics and relieve some stress. Events like Cranberry Fest, R Factor, 107.7 The Bronc’s Scream Screen, and the spring semester’s Involvement Fair are aimed to garner student attention and appeal to their interests. 

Even though these events sound like a lot of fun, some college students would say otherwise. One particular reason that they might say otherwise is that there is not much hype surrounding the campus event, to the point where they choose not to go because they anticipate that the event is going to be boring or waste time. Another reason is that college students are too afraid of going to events alone. Third, college students are too afraid to socialize with other students on campus because they are accustomed to their friend group. Students may not want to open themselves to creating new and meaningful friendships.

That is why it is the university’s job to make sure that students at Rider are taking advantage of the opportunities that are offered to them because college is temporary. You have to seize all the opportunities that are knocking at your front door and be open to letting loose a little, have fun and enjoy the unexpected encounters.. One day you can reflect on all the cool experiences you had, tell your kids what college was like for you and encourage them to create memories that will last a lifetime. For Rider students, going to college events can change their perspective and open their eyes to new opportunities to find themselves. 

They can savor the moments that they will remember when they graduate and go out into the real world to pursue their long-term career in their respective field.

My message to you is that if you are a student who is not taking advantage of the events at Rider, you are missing out and it is time to get involved. Similar to high school, you start out as a freshman and then, just like that, you are a senior getting ready to graduate and move onto the next chapter of your life having missed these opportunities. Start getting involved early and find your voice at Rider, because once you do, the sky is truly the limit and new doors will open for you, setting you up for a road of success ahead.  

Terrell Munford is a junior journalism major