Some people think that winter is the time of year when life slows down a little and the hardworking get a break. Any student leader on campus will tell you how absolutely wrong this thinking is.

Unfortunately, we can’t go into hibernation like some of our animal friends. The winter season just presents longer nights for all of us to work through.

One of the activities that every club and organization is faced with in the winter season is electing new executive board members for the next academic year and starting the transition process to ensure the future success of the club.

You might think that this is an exciting time for many people. Underclassmen with the dream of running a club or contributing something lasting to the college should be thriving on the energy.

But for some reason, they’re not.

There are so many opportunities for us to get involved. There is a club for almost every major at Iona. There are organizations that contribute an unbelievable amount of time and dedication to the running of the activities that students are able to take part in every day. Iona has Greek life, service groups and general interest groups.

Participation in these clubs should not just be a hobby, but a genuinely enjoyable component of each person’s college experience.

Each and every one of these clubs and organizations needs a dedicated team of leaders to make it successful.

Step up, Gaels! If you’re passionate about your club, run for that position on your club’s e-board. Who cares if you’re a freshman or a junior? If you’ve shown your club members that you’re dedicated and you want to get more involved, go for it.

College is the last chance for us to be members of organizations like this. After we graduate, we’ll be working hard towards higher degrees or trying to find jobs.

Do you think there will be ample opportunities to get all of your work done and simultaneously be the president of… well, anything?

Go after these leadership positions while you still can. If you’re nervous, look to your current club leaders. What do they have that you don’t have? If they can do it, why can’t you?

Take advantage of their knowledge and experience while they are still around. Ask questions, show them that you’re serious and make sure they help you become the best leader that you can be.

If all you want out of your college experience is to take a few classes, be marginally involved, spend lots of time in your room and skate through without much effort, go ahead.

But for those of you that want more out of Iona than a degree, now is the time for you to search out those opportunities. Challenge yourself to do more, and do it with everything you have.

Maybe you haven’t found that organization that you really love yet. Maybe you’re already in it and you participate all the time. Regardless, it’s never too early to think about where you could be a year from now.

You never know – in a year’s time you could be training your successor.

To contact The Ionian’s Julie Donato, e-mail her at [email protected]