COLLEGE opens you to new experiences: meeting peers, exposure to different school cultures, grueling tasks and deadlines, countless sleepless nights, and the terror of what grade will come up in your school’s portal after each semester.
To some, university might seem black-and-white with classes, activities, presentations, and endless homework that you must face every school year until graduation. It gets tiring. Repetitive. Draining.
Joining organizations is a way for students to break away from that cycle. Students get to enjoy a new environment and foster skills inside and outside of the course they’re taking.
Others find joy in partaking in multiple organizations. It’s a way to indulge in different passions and pursuits, ignite current interests and spark new endeavors.
“BS Org” or “BS Organization” is what they’re jokingly called, a witty quip used for college students who join multiple organizations during their undergraduate years on top of their academics, as if it were their actual major in the university.
Three “BS Org” students share their experiences in an exclusive interview with republicasia.
BS Org students
Adrian Arceta, a junior electronics engineering student of Mapua University, is involved with four organizations: three related to his course and one for the Ministry of Altar Servers.
Peer pressure, he said, was the initial reason he joined organizations. However, it evolved into something meaningful for him.
“As I actively participated in events, my interest blossomed. I discovered a passion for extracurricular involvement, and the desire to contribute further led me to pursue leadership roles.”
On the other hand, Miguel, a Bachelor in Education Studies student from the University of the Philippines Open University, was sheltered from a young age. Wanting to experience organizations, he started joining extracurricular activities in senior high school.
“I felt the need to be active,” he said.
Since then, Miguel has joined 14 organizations from 2019 to 2024. In 2021, he was part of seven organizations at a given time.
These organizations vary from student councils, campus publications, and youth organizations.
Aisac James de Leon or “Laya” is an incoming senior student taking Business Administration in Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila. He has been part of eight different organizations throughout his college years. Currently, he is part of four.
These organizations vary from art, film, debate, and academic and student councils. Outside the university, he is also involved in progressive and youth organizations.
At first, Laya wanted to have a network of people that would rely on him and in return, he would be able to rely on them. It expanded to being a kind of “fieldwork” to prepare him for the real world. Yet, his biggest reason is his desire to learn and do the things he enjoys.
Joining organizations can be a pathway of learning and opening opportunities for students who wish to prosper outside of academics.
It becomes a rewarding experience, a way to grow. Organizations can be a platform for the youth to have a voice and express their eagerness to serve both the students and the country.
Choosing the right organizations
Although joining multiple organizations seems exciting, students need to ensure that they are applying in organizations that are right for them.
Joining organizations is a commitment so apply to one that can give you joy.
Laya said, “Look for the organizations that share the same interest or advocacy as you do.”
“…kapag aligned sa interests mo yan, sure na sure na magiging better person ka pagkatapos mo magsilbi sa organization,” Miguel added.
Ask around
The best way to know if an organization is perfect for you is by reaching out to current members, friends or peers who have a background with the organization.
Adrian said, “Ask about their experiences, the organization’s goals and events, and the overall culture.”
Do they recommend it? Is it a good organization to grow in? Are there any drawbacks to being part of the organization?
Do your research
Another way to know more about the organization is to learn more about its background and track record.
Go through their social media accounts. Seeing the posts about what they do can already give you an idea of what the organization is about.
Another way is to look for past events and projects and see if they are activities that you see yourself partaking in.
Upsides and pitfalls of BS Org
Being part of multiple organizations will present advantages and disadvantages.
For the good parts, Adrian explained that you will be able to connect with a variety of people: upperclassmen who can give valuable insight to classes and peers who you can form friendships with. Some even gain good support systems and find camaraderie with orgmates.
It can also present an extensive experience for your career.
“Being involved in multiple groups demonstrates versatility in applications and resumes. It exhibits initiative and a readiness to accept difficulties,” Laya said.
Moreover, you learn and you get to discover new things about yourself.
Miguel added: “Madidiscover mo parts ng sarili mo na ‘di mo inaakalang magagawa mo. Matutulak ka talagang lumabas sa comfort zone mo.”
On the downside, it’s easy to get blinded by a sense of euphoria in being active with back-to-back events, projects, meetings, and the like, seeing your hard work grow into fruition.
Yet, after the high of an intense excitement, the crash is inevitable.
For Laya, sleep and studying sometimes take a backseat due to the time crunch of juggling meetings, activities, and tasks for several organizations.
Time is often sacrificed
Miguel shared: “May times na umiiyak ako kasi birthday ng Mama ko and may ginagawa akong org work nun.”
Even during his birthday in 2022, he was busy campaigning for the 2022 presidential elections.
Juggling life, acads and responsibilities
How does one juggle these responsibilities at once?
Each student’s priorities and struggles vary. For these BS Org students, they come to see eye-to-eye that time is the common element for their struggles.
Adrian emphasized that proper time management is a skill you develop.
“I’ve learned the importance of maintaining a healthy balance. It’s great to be passionate about your organization work, but it shouldn’t consume your entire life,” he said.
For some students, it’s important to have a good support system. Adrian shared that having people to rely on and work with will help you develop and grow together while working in the organization.
Yet, getting tired is also inevitable with the seemingly never-ending list of things to do.
Laya learned how to set his priorities by choosing the activities, organizations, and people he would exert his energy on.
“Finding a balance that suits you is crucial,” he said. “If you feel that an organization is stressing you out too much, don’t be scared to leave.”
However, with the struggles and problems that may come your way, do not let them hinder you from exploring interests and new experiences.
Joining organizations is a key part of one’s college experience. It can build you into a person you would not have imagined yourself to be when you first entered university.
Adrian urged students who wish to join organizations to be open to try new things. “You’ll be surprised [at] what you’re capable of,” he said.
Meanwhile, Laya advised those who are still trying to look for that sign in submitting an org application: “Just take that leap of faith. If it does not serve you then you learn from it, if it does serve you well then you must nurture and cherish it. You will never know unless you take the first step.”
