Entering my junior year at Fairfield, I can tell you that freshman and sophomore year went by far too fast, but fortunately for me, they have been incredible in large part due to my involvement on campus. I was your average high school kid, played basketball, but didn’t do much else. I decided that needed to change in college. The minute I joined campus, I got involved in about 3-4 clubs. Except for one of them, I am currently not in any of those other activities. Yet now, entering my junior year, those “failed attempts” at some of the clubs opened the door to other opportunities, and more importantly, helped me meet friends I otherwise might not have.

Take risks with who you talk to, what clubs you join, and what classes you take. Everything in life is trial and error, and I encourage you try that, especially in your freshman year. You can go through college without getting very involved, and probably still make great friends and have good experiences, but when you get to be an upperclassman, you’ll start to wonder if there’s anything you could’ve done differently. Don’t be in that position 2-3 years from now.

Have you ever been in a situation to learn things by trial and error? Share your story by leaving a response below.