Being a junior, I sometimes feel as if I have not accomplished or done enough. I’ve let my anxiety get the best of me the past two years and didn’t participate in clubs, sports or activities. I told myself, “It’s OK, I’ll go next time” and fell into an endless cycle. I shied away from meeting new people and putting myself out there.
I took this past summer to figure out what I wanted to spend my time doing, who I spent my time with and who I really wanted to be. I found friends during this journey who brought back a spark in my life. At the end of sophomore year, I let go of someone who held me back. The people who are in your life should be the ones who bring out the best in you and create long-lasting happy memories.
Now, here we are at the beginning of a new year. Not only is it a fresh start in classes, but also a fresh start in who we want to be. IU has hosted many events such as the Student Involvement Fair to get students involved in clubs they are passionate about and to help meet new people. Even as a junior, I attended an event traditionally known for new students and was interested in joining some of the clubs they had to offer. If you weren’t able to attend the fairs or wish to learn more about events or clubs, you can always check out beINvolved for more information.
Outside of clubs, there is a countless number of sports to watch or even participate in. It has been years since I played soccer, but you know what, who cares how good or bad you are at a sport? Join an intramural team and just have fun! I joined the IDS’ co-ed intramural soccer team because it doesn’t matter how long it’s been since I have played, all that matters is that you get yourself out there.
With a new year also comes a new football season with our very own Indiana football head coach Curt Cignetti, who led the team in our first Big Ten Conference win against UCLA. The season presents another great opportunity for students to get involved. With a promising year ahead, the tailgating fields are sure to be exciting. Attending the games can be a fun thing to do with friends or a great way to meet new people. IU has some of the best tailgating fields in the country, where anyone can join in on the fun. After three years of being a student here and visiting other colleges for game days, I can confidently say that Indiana does it best. Aside from football, Indiana has other incredible sports teams, where you can get free admission just by being a student. I thoroughly enjoyed watching the Indiana men’s soccer team last season, when they won the Big 10 Championship and the exhilarated crowd ran the field in celebration after the game. For upcoming games from all IU athletics, you can visit the IU Hoosiers calendar.
Bloomington can be as fun as you make it. The city hosts art fairs, farmers markets and pop-up/vintage clothing shopping throughout the year. There is also a list of other events and activities to participate in this September. And not too far east is Nashville, Indiana, which is a perfect place to visit in the fall with all its fun shops and hiking trails. Only a few minutes' drive away is Griffy Lake, where students can rent boats, canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards. There is no entrance fee for the Griffy Lake Nature Preserve, and it can be a fun way to enjoy the Indiana heat with new or old friends.
Branch out and try new things this year. Life can be filled with certainties of “what ifs” and I for one have learned that the uncertainties are not worth it with the limited time we have as college students.
Anna Siver (she/her) is a junior studying public relations.
