Getting involved on campus with the Student Voice was one of the greatest things I’ve done in my whole educational career. It has given me the opportunities to make friendships and gain an incredible amount of experience as well.

The Student Voice is an environment that really puts my leadership and communication skills to the test. Working with a group of people is rarely easy, especially when multiple opinions and personalities come into play, but this environment allows for personal growth and a chance to learn how to work well with others in a workplace-type setting. It also really challenged my problem-solving skills, as could be expected. The best part is, all of these abilities have and will majorly help me in my future.

Campus activities, like the Student Voice for example, offers a lot of benefits, such as making you look good on scholarship and transfer application, which, let’s face it, is a good goal to have.

Being involved on campus in any way, shape or form is easy to do and is a vital part of your educational career. It can be anything from joining a club, taking part in on-campus activities, accepting a leadership role and helping to make a difference on campus, or even being a student worker.

Campus involvement is something that both scholarship committees and four-year universities look for when you’re applying. These reports on your applications can really make or break your competitiveness, so it’s important to take these opportunities into consideration as you go about your community college journey.

For the scholarship applications, there is an essay for students to describe their community service and work experience. This is where students inform the committee of what type of services they are doing, according to Maria Perez-Medeiros, the Scholarship Office technician.

“The donors [of scholarship funds] are helping out students who are in financial need,” said Perez-Medeiros. “They want to know if you’re serious about academics so they look at your GPA, but they also want to see if you’re involved in something else.”

In the essay, students are also able to explain why they may not be able to participate in community service; some reasons being working full-time to pay for school or taking care of their families. The committee will take these situations into consideration as well, according to Perez-Medeiros.

“There are some students who just go to school, but they want to see more involvement,” said Perez-Medeiros. “They want to see that you really want to be part of either your college community or your community outside of school.”

Having some sort of experience is also extremely beneficial to those looking to transfer to a four-year university. The University of California and private schools specifically ask about your involvement and awards.

Wendy Berg, a career counselor, said it’s important to provide examples of your experience to refer to on applications.

For those of you struggling to find opportunities or are nervous about getting involved. you have to just do what you can with where you’re at, according to Berg.

“Step-up and take charge of that project and keep your eyes open for that opportunity,” said Berg.

Having a leadership role or getting involved in a club or internship really helps to stand out and essentially proves that you have those skills that you’re bragging about in your applications.

To take things one step farther, student involvement teaches you valuable life skills that can be used even after transferring.

“With the grind of being a student, many think everything is about transferring, but the end game really should be employment,” said Berg.

I’m already putting my some of my skills, I learned in the Student Voice, to the test. I write some and edit published content, including holiday emails, social media postings and blogs, at the wealth management firm that I work at. My bosses were delighted to have someone with these skills and my experience to rely on.

But for those of you who have yet to enter the job market, Berg says that just about any employer will want to see proof of communication skills, problem-solving, creativity and whether you can play well in the sandbox with others.

“Remember, no one wants to hire a professional student,” said Berg. “They want to see tangible skills that have been put to use already.”

The Career Transfer Center is an excellent resource to help students find the right path to success that works for them. Berg and other counselors are located in Fountain Hall if you need more information.

I hope that all students find their niche here at Moorpark College because not only does it help academically, and your future in general, but it is a great way to become close to people you’d probably never get to meet otherwise. It is truly an honor to have this experience.

Catch you next semester Moorpark!