College students getting involved in campus activities while serving God can make a difference in their lives and the lives of others. Even activities outside of campus, though outside your comfort zone, are also quite good to involve yourself in. As a commuter at a college not affiliated with the UCC, going to classes and then immediately returning home could be an easy habit for me. However, this does not help students who stay on campus, or commuters, to form connections and friendships with other students and professors and real ties to their campus. By joining activities and clubs such as a Christian fellowship group, choir, and others, students can find a sense of belonging that can help maintain a healthy mind and perspective when stress over classes, tests, and papers roll in. Concert choir, concert band, and WUPJ radio are some of the activities that help me to achieve a sense of belonging and involvement.

Perhaps, at the beginning of the next semester, when all the activities have their booths in the Student Union, instead of walking past, taking the candy and pen and not looking at what they do, you could look at their fliers and talk to them for a second. By doing so, you might just surprise yourself by learning about the awesome activity you never knew existed. I see many ways that college students can benefit from getting involved in college organizations. For one, I decided to get involved in the WUPJ Radio and use my time slot to play Christian music. The music is from groups like Lost and Found (a CD I purchased at the 2008 NYE) and other favorite Christian artists. At the end of my first day on WUPJ, there was a group of students outside the station door. They were there to say thanks for playing Christian music and to say they enjoyed my show. I have just learned that, because of my commitment and the enthusiasm of listeners, my radio show has been promoted to rerun status, which means my show will now be recorded and played back at different times. As a member of the UPJ Campus Ministry, I know that I received vision and creativity to help me make a difference and touch the lives of other college students.

My leadership on campus and in my community has broadened my understanding of challenges and opportunities. In my community, volunteering for Angel Food Ministries has helped me to understand the challenge of providing affordable, quality food to the community. Angel Food has also provided an opportunity to interact with other volunteers and the community to show God's love with a servant's heart. Habitat for Humanity also is represented on many campuses and volunteers help to built affordable housing.

College life is a wonderful experience, through which students can take active roles in their life and the lives of others. New students should look into becoming involved on campus so they can get to know people who share their interests. Commuters should become involved on campus as well, gaining bonds and responsibilities that tie them further to their college.

Patrick Moon-Rhoades is a first-year member of the STEP Leadership Team and a member of St. Paul's United Church of Christ in Johnstown, Pennsylvania.