For many people, trying new things can be a terrifying experience. But being part of a group of students that will support and see you through your college years – whether an athletic team, a student organization or a sorority or fraternity – can be one of the most irreplaceable experience you can have.

As school starts up again, we are all faced with new decisions and a schedule already so full that it makes us dizzy just looking at it. We are starting new classes and adjusting to these different schedules.

But we are also being bombarded with daily opportunities to become even more involved in campus groups and organizations. Finding time to balance work and play can be difficult, so what are the benefits of joining these groups?

When it comes to doing something fresh, many students are hesitant because they don’t think it will be worth their time and energy, especially since between class, athletics, jobs and friends, we all have so little of both.

But isn’t college all about shaping ourselves? The students who get involved on campus are more likely to be successful and well-rounded. Faced with the decision to go out and try something different, will you be someone who, four years from now, will look back and wish you took advantage of your time on campus, or will you ask yourself why you didn’t do more?

We all have the opportunity to get out there and find something we really enjoy doing. For all of the time and effort you put into it, who knows what you will get back? Taking part in extracurricular activities opens up more options and opportunities than you can imagine.

The time we have here is only as valuable as we make it, so shouldn’t we be trying to do something memorable and worthwhile? Being part of an honor society, academic group or Greek life could be a life-changing experience, but until you try something undiscovered, you will never know.