Senior encourages students to be involved, discusses time management College students often find it hard to juggle school and work and are left with little time to volunteer on campus or in the community. Joe Vossen, senior in political science, not only has devoted time to the community, but he has done so throughout his four years at K-State. Vossen has been involved in several organizations since his freshman year, and he has advice for students who want to get involved.
Q. What campus organizations have you been involved in?
A. Well, since I've been at K?State I've been involved in Quest Freshman Leadership Honorary, Silver Key Sophomore Leadership Honorary, Phi Kappa Phi and Blue Key Senior Honorary. I've also been a member of the Student Alumni Board and a member of the Pre-Law Society. Also, I have been involved in Student Government all four years.
Q. How soon after enrolling at K-State did you begin to join campus organizations?
A. Right away. The first thing I did when I moved to K?State was apply and get accepted into Quest. I also applied for a Student Senate internship and joined a fraternity that fall.
Q. Did your volunteering begin before arriving at K?State?
A. Yeah, definitely. I had a record of being involved and doing community service before moving up to K-State.
Q. What prompted you to decide to be an active member of campus?
A. Well, my first experiences were so rewarding, so I just kept doing it. All the people I met I liked working with, and I wanted to accomplish more with them.
Q. How did you manage your time between school and everything else?
A. I just had to be able to plan. The biggest part of college is time management. You can be busy if you prioritize. Put first things first, otherwise school will be a nightmare.
Q. What has been your favorite organization you have been involved in so far?
A. I think the thing I learned the most from and impacted the most students was the K?State PROUD Campaign. I felt the effects upon the student body in ways most student campaigns haven't. I had a lot of fun at Bramlage (Coliseum). We taught people about philanthropy. The whole campus saw the results that normally only people in the honorary get to see. Q. What benefits do you see in volunteering for your community?
A. Well, I've gained skills. I've learned a lot about organizing - I wasn't always organized. I've been forced to pick up those habits. Also, oftentimes when you're working with people, you look alike and act alike. I've enjoyed working with people who have very different views.
Q. What long-term benefits do you see from devoting time to better your surroundings?
A. Friends I've made that I'll know my entire life, and I'm really thankful for that.
Q. What advice do you have for students who are hoping to be more involved?
A. If someone wants to get involved, the best advice I can give them is to talk to your friends. See what they're involved in. If you live in the dorms, check with your resident assistant. If you're in organized living, check with the elder members. People get all caught up thinking that the activities carnival is all K?State offers. All of the organizations I like best I've heard about through friends.
Q. What are your future plans, and where do you hope to see yourself in five years?
A. Next fall I'll be entering law school. I don't know where yet - the application process starts soon. In five years, I hope to be paying off law school debts practicing law.
Q. How do you hope the skills you have gained at K?State will help you in your law career?
A. Legal profession is a type of career that has a lot of influence. At K-State, I've gotten to enact change in my community. I've enjoyed that. I've also gotten a lot of practice in leadership that I hope will help me.
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