Making it to your third year of college is an amazing achievement, but it’s also kind of a weird position to be in. Being just past the halfway point of undergrad may cause you to feel like your exploratory years of college are behind you. But why is becoming involved as a third-year so difficult? Typically, the first year of university allows you to get a feel for your major and participate in any of the many clubs and activities on campus. But since my first year at UC Davis took place in the heat of the pandemic, I and the rest of the Class of 2024 were not able to experience the campus in all of its glory. Many organizations were either on hiatus or meeting virtually, making it difficult to recruit new members.
Thanks to newly developed vaccines and our campus testing program, most clubs have returned to their pre-Covid status with many new opportunities to become involved in. However, the vast majority of people looking to join clubs are first-year students, which can be awkward for an older student. I’ve experienced those dreaded introductions more than once: name, year, major, and fun fact *sigh*. It’s never fun to look around and realize that you are the oldest new member of the group, but here is why you shouldn’t let that discourage you from trying something new:
Learning from more experienced club members can be a fantastic experience, even if they are younger than you
In my experience joining sports clubs (women’s crew and rugby), many of the current members are second-years who are already established members, and some have been playing the sport for years prior to college. Learning from them, as well as more senior members has been an incredibly rewarding experience in terms of learning different body positions and developing strength. When the team is running drills, age does not factor into the process of learning how to become a better player. We are all on equal footing as teammates who are trying to work together.
You won’t always be the oldest person joining, and you can form a community with people in the same position
While the majority of new club members are likely to be in their first or second year, there are always a few juniors and seniors who are going through the same thing. Having the opportunity to relate to others who are trying to get involved while being close to graduation is a great way to bond with your teammates and realize there is nothing wrong with discovering your passions later than your peers.
The most important thing to remember is: You are never too old to learn something new!
No matter when you choose to join a club or organization, there is often a steep learning curve as you navigate new people and experiences, while still making sure to engage with your classes. Your value as a student-athlete or organization member is determined by your dedication and commitment, not by how close you are to graduation.