In the blink of an eye, here you are. Your parents just hugged you goodbye and you began getting settled in. New faces, new routines, new experiences, and ultimately, a new chapter of your life, all at your fingertips.
It’s your first day in a place that will become your home for the next few years. Here at the Institute of Applied Agriculture, the transition from high school may be slightly smoother due to the small class sizes, hands-on experience, and friendly faces. Though, by now you know the big city feel outside Jull Hall. Running through your mind might be a series of daunting questions regarding how you’ll ever find your place in a university of over 38,000 students. “Will I be eating alone? Will I be bored? Will I find friends?”
With nearly 800 clubs, fraternities and sororities, there’s destined to be something for everyone. If you still haven’t found what you’re looking for, form your own group! All you need is eight people with a shared interest. For more information, visit the Student Organization Resource Center (SORC) website.
The university wants to diminish your initial fear of making a new home. Jacob Bialk and Cameron Smith can testify that it’s possible.
Once settled into his dorm room, Bialk, a sophomore studying Agricultural Business Management, looked at his roommate and, without hesitation, asked, “What are we getting ourselves into?” He immediately began the search to find people like himself. He discovered Alpha Gamma Rho (AGR) a professional/social agriculture fraternity devoted to making better men. “When I came across Alpha Gamma Rho, everyone was instantly like my long-lost brothers. AGR not only connected me with resources I can use now, it also gave me a brotherhood that’ll last a life time. Although I never thought I’d join a fraternity, joining AGR has changed my life forever and I’ll always keep the memories and advice with me wherever I go,” said Bialk.
Smith, a junior studying Environmental Science and Technology, who has danced as far back as she can remember, was pleased to find the Ballet Company at Maryland. “Ballet Company is something that I am extremely grateful to be a part of. Through this club I have been able to continue dancing, take a break from school work, and most importantly I have met some amazing people who share the same passion for dance.”
Embrace the time you have at the University of Maryland by getting involved. Before you know it, these two or four years will have flown by in the blink of an eye and you’ll be on to your next chapter.
