This is one of those editorials where I will sound like a broken record, guaranteed. However, I cannot encourage the student body enough to get involved around campus. I know, this is the least interesting thing you want to read in an editorial, but hear me out. This past weekend was the annual USGA retreat, which I was fortunate to attend.

I had gotten to know a few of the USGA E-board, Senators and other members prior to the retreat, but spending the weekend with 20 strangers was something I was a bit anxious about. The moment we stepped onto that big yellow school bus, however, I could tell this would be a weekend I would never forget. At Empower in Middletown, Conn., we went ziplining (I know…I still can’t believe I swung through the air with only a cable to support me). Not to mention, the team-building activities were also a great opportunity for people to become comfortable with each other.

With games like “Giants, Wizards and Elves,” obstacle courses and a scavenger hunt at Dave & Busters in Providence, R.I., the whole experience was an excellent way of getting to know people better. However, what truly made the weekend memorable were the breakout sessions scheduled throughout the day. They addressed various topics and issues that directly impacted the student body back at UNH.

At the end of the trip, I could see that we had made new and close friendships. This is what the University of New Haven is all about: getting to know people and building friendships that last a lifetime. I’m sure we’ve all heard the general spiel about “getting involved” on campus, to the point where it becomes borderline obnoxious. But it isn’t enough that students get involved with organizations, clubs and sports. The important thing to take away from any organization is the relationships you build. These people, believe it or not, are the ones you’ll remember when you graduate onto bigger and better things.

Making friends is a huge part of the college experience. Sure, many of you have roommates (or, for commuters like myself, friends whose rooms you call a second home), but having other people whom you can rely on and trust is crucial.

When I walked into the Office of Student Activities the day after we returned from the retreat, I exchanged more hellos than I had ever done before. And, honestly, that makes my day. With that, I encourage all of you readers and students to get involved on campus. Whether it consists of sports, volunteering, fundraising, Greek life or any type of group, get to know the people you work with. While you do that, keep in mind that USGA is also one of those organizations that looks out for the student body’s best interests. It is open to every single undergraduate student at UNH. We aren’t scary, and we’re not the monsters that live under the bed. We’re a group of people who want to see the school grow in so many ways. The only way that can be accomplished is by everyone getting involved. Remember, you do have a voice, and there are people willing to hear it.