For AJ, Getting Involved is Key to SU Success
SALISBURY, MD---One of the crucial parts of any student’'s journey through college is getting involved. This is something AJ Polcari learned early at Salisbury University.
A statistics and secondary education major from Ellicott City, MD, AJ has spent the last three years becoming involved in many organizations on campus. He is the Director of Annual Events for the Student Organization for Activity Planning (SOAP). He is a Presidential Citizen’'s Scholar, tutor for the Math Emporium, and broadcaster for Sea Gull Sports Network (SGSN). In his free time, he works as a University Host and an Orientation Leader, and he also plays Club Baseball. Previously, he served on the Student Government Association (SGA).
“Sitting in a residence hall or apartment and not doing anything makes college boring,” AJ said. “I wanted to get involved to make the most of the college experience.”
The SGA was the first organization AJ joined as a freshman. Within a few weeks he became the Speaker Pro Temp and, as a sophomore, was the Director of Student Outreach.
Getting involved at SU was important to AJ and being part of the SGA is what drove him to try even more things. Going out and making the most of college is vital to feeling connected for any student.
"The most important part about getting involved on campus is the connections you make with different people,” AJ said. “Having a wide range of friends doesn’t funnel you into one group.”
SOAP is a great way for students to get involved. The many events that SOAP hosts create a fun atmosphere with activities that students may not find elsewhere. From Bingo nights to Fun Fest in the Nest, SOAP has something to do for everyone.
“SOAP’s events get you out and give a different experience than what clubs can do,” AJ said. “These events, such as racing simulators, are something you won’t get from class or clubs. It helps build a way to connect with the student body because anyone can go and there’s so many activities that everyone can do something different.”
Getting involved can be intimidating at first, but finding the right club or organization can help all students find a place in the wider campus community.
"Clubs won't come to you, so I encourage any student to go out, go to club meetings, and go be part of the campus community,” AJ said. “If you do, you’'ll feel more connected.”
SU offers hundreds of clubs and organizations for any student to join and get involved in, from gardening to esports. Students even have the opportunity to create new clubs through the Center for Student Involvement (CSIL). Getting involved is a vital step in feeling at home at SU.
“You don’t have to be as involved as me,” AJ said. “But if everyone gets involved just a little bit, it will make your campus and college experience more vibrant.”