I'm currently a student adviser (SA) for the first floor of Younker dorm, and I have to say that being an SA is one of the most involved of all of my extracurricular activities.
SAs are crucial to the residence life experience at Grinnell, because they act as peer mentors and as a resource for students. They also help foster and strenghen floor community among residents.
Although the position is demanding and requires a lot of training, being an SA is also the most rewarding in terms of personal development. The opportunity to teach students about self governance, all the quirks of Grinnell, and the realities they may face as college students were all reasons I applied to be an SA. I've also learned from my students, whether they are first-years, sophomores, juniors, or seniors, and I've honed my listening and mediation skills, too. I also gain a sense of personal fulfillment from being an SA -- there's something satisfying about seeing others excel with your help and advice.
In addition to my role as an SA, another extracurricular activity that is very important to me is teaching a class about healthy relationships in the Toledo juvenile state home. Teaching these classes requires a two-three hour committment each week, traveling to the location, and meeting with a co-facilitator to prepare for the class. Despite the additional time commitment and travel, I find teaching the class a very worthwhile experience. I've always viewed the classes as a success if the teenage boys and girls observe their own personal growth in understanding positive relationships. The classes have even broadened my interest in working with a younger age group.
Being an involved student outside academics can enrich and help further define your interests. Whether it be mentorship or volunteer service (or anything else), you never know what you can learn from your extracurriculars.
