The beginning of college can be an intimidating time for new students. As Chad Wright Jr., a political science major from West Farmington, Ohio, put it: “You’re dropped off here with 40,000 strangers while your family is hours away.” While this uncertainty can leave students feeling isolated and lonely, it doesn’t have to be that way. With over 600 different clubs and student organizations at The University of Alabama, plus a multitude of welcoming events, new students have a diverse array of opportunities available to meet new friends and build a network of support at the Capstone. Now a heavily involved junior and the current director of new organizations and Initiatives for the SOURCE, Chad’s expert knowledge of UA’s involvement opportunities can help any student build a community and make the University their home away from home.
When Chad arrived at UA, he wasn’t entirely sure how to get involved on campus. Where should he go? Where could he find friends or a community of people to talk to? Fortunately, he found answers to these questions when he discovered a few Student Life departments within the area of Student Engagement: the Center for Service and Leadership (CSL), University Programs (UP) and the Office of Student Involvement. He found that each of these departments offered involvement opportunities that spoke to his interests. Wasting no time, he dove right into this new world of engagement on campus.
Through the CSL Chad joined Al’s Pals, an after-school program where UA student mentors help local Tuscaloosa elementary students complete homework and reinforce learning initiatives, all while leaving time to play and have fun. Chad then joined University Programs as a collaboration coordinator where he worked with fellow students and professional staff to plan and execute events for students on campus. Lastly, he was appointed to The SOURCE Board of Governors (an initiative of Student Involvement) as the director of new organizations and initiatives.
In this director role, Chad assists new student organizations on campus with their registration process and works with them to establish rules and by-laws that ensure their organization’s behavior is within the Code of Student Conduct.
“I have about five to seven office hours with the SOURCE each week. I spend that time working with new organizations on campus or helping old organizations go through the renewal process. I also plan some event programming and workshops to help new organizations learn how to handle their finances or how to be open and mindful during new member recruitment. Helping a new organization achieve their goals is rewarding because it’s such a unique thing to do,” he said.
With classes and volunteering taking up so much time, his days can often be pretty busy with few breaks. Oddly enough, this doesn’t bother Chad one bit! He acknowledges the difficulties that come with such an active student lifestyle but reiterated how rewarding it is.
“Being so involved helps me keep my time management skills in check and teaches me discipline. I do still struggle sometimes, but I love being able to chase my passions, do what I love and continue to grow. I also get to meet new faces every single day, so there’s not a day where I’m not making a new friend.”
Another immense positive to Chad’s experience with different organizations and departments is the vast amount of professional and leadership development he’s accrued over time. His activities across multiple positions provide him the experience employers seek, and his supervisors’ guidance and insight help develop his leadership skills.
“My bosses. . . all help me grow as a leader while allowing me to use my leadership skills that I already have. They have really taken me under their wings and taught me more than the necessary training for University Programs or CSL. They empowered me to grow within myself.”
Chad’s opened many doors through his involvement with Student Life and has gained long-lasting friendship among his peers. He wants his story to be an example for students who might be struggling to find their community.
“Getting involved is so important so that you can find a reliable community and benefit yourself. Learn what your passions are, then use that to find what organizations or clubs on campus that you think would be fun to be a part of. It helped me because finding my community was more like finding my family, and I’ve definitely found it here.”