Students Keep Word

Failing to fulfill responsibilities hurts all members of campus groups
Summer vacation starts in a few weeks, and there is more to do now then ever. Classes are coming to a close, friends are getting together and the lucky seniors are graduating and scrambling to find their careers after school. While a plethora of things are no doubt nabbing students' attention, students should not neglect their commitments to student organizations or volunteer work.

Many organizations on campus see a swell of enthusiasm at the start of the semester as students come in, eager to get involved, and many students bite off more then they can chew. Organizations shape their projects and work ideas on the amount of sign-ups they get at the start of a semester. But more often then not, as the semester drags on, assignments, projects and lack of energy become pending factors in student participation, and organizers are left with a workload too large for those who have remained to fulfill.

The issue is not with the student organizations or the volunteer groups. It is the students' lack of commitment that hurts the organizations. Students should seriously consider the promise they are making when they sign up to be part of a student organization or volunteer group. When a student does not show up to a meeting or fulfill his or her responsibilities, it puts extra pressure and work on those who participate diligently. If the organization or volunteer group is student-run, the added pressure and work is put on top of the school work the leaders have as well. Backing out of a commitment is a selfish action, especially when the others working just as hard depend on group participation.

As part of the University of South Carolina's "public face," student organizations need to be run as efficiently and smoothly as possible. When a group is counting on individual participation and support, and those students back out as the semester wears on, there is a danger of the quality of these organizations dropping. Involvement of every individual is key, even up until the last day of school. Student-run organizations and the like are here to promote the university, not showcase its students' lack of commitment.

Many students join organizations and volunteer groups to build their resumes and look good on job applications. But if they are not willing to put in the time and effort into their commitments, then they have only gained words on a page but no experience or ability to show good work ethic.

Students should think before they sign up for too many student organizations and volunteer groups. It is immature to leave those in charge, who are dependent on their members' participation, with the extra load of doing all the work. Think before you commit.