Getting Involved on Campus: Finding Community and Confidence at St. John’s

When I first arrived at St. John’s University, I was excited, grateful, and completely overwhelmed. Coming from a very small high school, move-in day felt like stepping into an entirely new world. There were so many people, buildings, and  opportunities around me, but at the same time, I wasn’t fully sure that I was ready or capable.

I knew I wanted to make the most of my college experience, but in those first few months, that felt easier said than done. Like many students, I was trying to find my place while adjusting to a new environment, responsibilities, and a sense of independence. Looking back now, I can confidently say that getting involved on campus was one of the best decisions I made during my time at St. John’s.

At first, getting involved on campus felt intimidating. It meant stepping into new spaces, meeting new people, and being willing to try things before I felt completely confident. But taking the first step outside of my comfort zone is what changed everything for me.

Whether it was attending campus events, joining clubs and organizations, living on campus, or simply saying yes to opportunities that came my way, each experience helped me slowly find my footing. I started to meet people who made campus feel smaller, warmer, and more familiar. The more I showed up, the more St. John’s began to feel less like a place I was trying to adjust to and more like a place where I truly belonged.

How Campus Involvement Helped Me Grow as a Student

Somewhere along the way, St. John’s became more than just the school I attended. It became a home away from home—the place where I grew up, challenged myself, found friendships that felt like family, and discovered parts of myself I do not think I would have found if I had stayed in my comfort zone. 

As I became more involved, I also began to grow as a leader. My campus involvement gave me opportunities to take on responsibilities that pushed me to become more confident, organized, and intentional. Through my roles in student organizations and campus leadership, I learned how much I enjoyed bringing people together and helping create experiences that made others feel welcomed and supported.

One of the most meaningful parts of my college experience was working in New Student Orientation (Instagram @sjuorientation). Having once been the student who felt overwhelmed on move-in day, it was incredibly special to later help welcome new students into the St. John’s community. That role allowed me to see firsthand how important it is for students to feel seen, supported, and encouraged from the very beginning of their college journey.

My involvement also allowed me to combine my personal passions with my professional interests. Through organizations like Kickline (Instagram @sjukickline); Marketing Club (Instagram @sjumarketing); and RedZone (Instagram @stjredzone), I was able to explore marketing, communication, event planning, content creation, and community engagement in real ways. These were not just titles or activities on a résumé; they were experiences that helped me understand what I cared about, what I was good at, and how I wanted to continue growing.

Building Leadership Skills

The skills I gained through campus involvement will stay with me far beyond graduation. I learned how to communicate with different groups of people, manage responsibilities, lead with empathy, solve problems quickly, and work as part of a team. I also learned the importance of showing up, even when something feels unfamiliar or frightening at first.

Those lessons have shaped the way I view both my personal and professional growth. College is not only about the classes you take or the degree you earn, although those are important. It is also about the experiences that challenge you, the people who pour into you, and the opportunities that help you become a better version of yourself.

My Advice for Students Looking to Get Involved on Campus

Looking back, I am so grateful that I chose to get involved. It helped me build confidence, find community, and create memories I will carry with me forever. More than anything, it helped me become a different version of the young woman who first arrived on campus—one who is more confident, more capable, and more willing to step into new opportunities.

To any incoming student who may feel nervous, overwhelmed, or unsure of where they fit in, my advice is simple: give yourself permission to try. Go to the event, join the organization, apply for the E-Board position, introduce yourself, and say yes to the opportunities that excite you, even if they scare you a little. Nothing has to be that serious at first. You are allowed to try something, realize it is not for you, and move on to something else! Getting involved should always be about giving yourself chances to discover where you feel most like yourself.

You do not have to have everything figured out right away. Finding your place takes time. But sometimes, the best parts of your college experience begin with one small step outside your comfort zone.