Sharing, giving back and offering a smile are all on her list of favorite endeavors. Alyssa Blochlinger, senior accounting major with spanish and management minors, is an avid advocate for spreading joy and aid to her surrounding community.
“Being engaged on campus is important for me because this school has given so much to me and I want to give back,” Blochlinger explained. “Being engaged in general is essential to grow as a person because you get experience in different groups, working with people, and have the opportunity to develop leadership skills.”
Blochlinger too noted that becoming involved in various campus activities cultivates helpful life and professional skills.
“These skills are helpful outside of college and being involved gives you the chance to be prepared for life after TCNJ,” Blochlinger said.
Blochlinger holds an impressive and lengthy list of extracurricular activities, including President of Women in Business, Student Advisor of Student United Way, Homecoming Queen, Treasurer of Sigma Sigma Sigma, Beta Alpha Psi, member of Omicron Delta Kappa, and member of Sigma Delta Pi.
Though she has created an extensive and strong academic and social network, Blochlinger understands that students may be intimidated or nervous to join clubs or other campus activities.
“I’m a big believer in putting yourself out there. Go to the student activities fair in the fall and spring, every year of school, and sign up for clubs that you’re interested in,” Blochlinger explained. She too added a very important element for getting involved: “actually go to the club meetings!”
Often times students will solely attend different events or meetings based on whether their friends are too attending. This repeated practice may lead to a student’s limited or nonexistent involvement in a club that they may have really benefitted from and enjoyed.
“Even if you go alone, it’s good to get out of your comfort zone,” Blochlinger stated.
She also discussed and rejected the notion that it’s too late for upperclassmen to join new clubs and encouraged juniors and seniors to still try out clubs and activities that interest them
“I signed up for a new club this year and I’m a senior,” Blochlinger said. “I think there’s a misconception that you can’t go to the activities fair once you’re a junior or senior because you’re already involved in the clubs, but I think that your interests grow as you get older.”
One extra curricular that particularly sparks the senior’s philanthropic passion is Student Union Way, an organization she started at the College her sophomore year. Student Union Way promotes positive growth in the surrounding community through volunteering, giving and advocating.
“I love volunteering and helping others, so Student United Way is an outlet for that passion of mine,” Blochlinger explained.
Whether a student is an incoming freshman, or second semester senior, being involved on campus can prove to be a worthwhile endeavor that not only offers benefits to students, but it significantly helps the local community as well.
“It’s my favorite thing in the world when I can make someone smile because of something that I did to help them,” Blochlinger said.