Do I need an org to survive college?
College is best spent with the people who make the journey lighter. And sometimes, the community you need isn’t the one you grew up with, but the one you build along the way. One of the best ways to find that community? Joining an organization.
Universities are brimming with orgs, each with its own purpose, advocacy and culture. There are academic orgs that align with your degree program, helping you navigate coursework, hosting relevant events, and guiding you throughout your college years. Then some orgs hone your talents, whether in dance, music, photography, film, or even interests like anime or K-pop.
Perhaps you even know someone labeled “BS Org”: a student always preoccupied with org responsibilities, carrying a laptop everywhere, their free time practically nonexistent.
As a sophomore juggling multiple orgs, I can say that joining one is among the biggest commitments you can make in college. And yet, it’s always worth it. I spoke to people from different universities who thrive in their organizations while keeping their academics afloat, and their stories paint a clearer picture of what being in an org truly means.
More than just extra work
“Mas naging confident ako in taking roles inside the classroom,” Daphne, a graduating BS Nutrition student shared. Because her org nurtured her leadership skills, she no longer shies away from responsibilities.
Hadassah, a fellow Development Communication student and one of my closest friends from my org, shared how org life gave her an avenue to go beyond the four walls of the classroom and how this made adjusting to college life easier. “If may org ka, parang ang dali na makipagkaibigan.” Finding her home org made her feelings of homesickness easier to deal with, giving her a built-in support system and friendships that extended past academics.
For Cedrick, now an alumnus working in his field, his org provided the perfect training ground. “Brainstorming sessions feel natural now because I’ve been doing it since college.” Sure, you can learn anything on the internet, browse a book, or ask for advice, but really, who is the realest teacher if not life itself? Personally, I never knew I’d be able to walk for hours handing out letters to establishments to ask for partnerships, nor did I picture myself reaching out to alumni for solicitations, but guess what? Org life makes you do incredible things that are way out of your comfort zone; that enables you to grow as a person. These simple skills are what you gain from your organization, that you will soon find handy in the real world.
The commitment: A blessing and a burden
When looking for an org, there will always be pros and cons. There are still some red flags you must spot.
They demand time, effort, and, at times, even sleep. Late-night meetings, back-to-back events, and endless deliverables can take a toll.
I remember my friend ranting about how he slept at 3 a.m. just to finish his tasks, and when I was once sick but still had to push through my org responsibilities. These moments make you question, “If I weren’t in an org, would I be resting right now?”
Maxine, a BS Communications Technology Management student with four active affiliations, noted that some orgs have passive leadership styles that affect work ethics. “Delegation should be clear and concise. Hindi pwedeng i-aasa lang sa members na gagawin nila ang gusto mong mangyari without proper communication.” When an org starts feeling like a draining obligation rather than an enriching experience, it might be time to reconsider your place in it.
College isn’t just about grades and credentials. It’s about the people who make the journey worthwhile.
As a people pleaser, I had a hard time finding the right balance. I soon realized that I should never let an org take too much of my time. You’ll know if an org is for you if they value your rest as much as your work. Luckily, my academic org knows when you must take a break, and that’s why I always come back home to them.
You must also know your list of priorities and decide on what you want to focus on. It’s great that you love and serve your org, but know if it’s still worth your time. Don’t let it drain your spark.
So, should you join an organization?
The answer varies for everyone.
Daphne advised starting with one org that aligns with your values, so you can test the waters. Cedrick recommended choosing one high-commitment and another low-commitment org—one that challenges you and another where you can grow at your own pace.
Miguel, currently a member of an academic org and an out-of-school org, believes that passion and advocacy should be the foundation of choosing an org. “Quality over quantity. It’s not about stacking orgs on your resumé but about the impact you make.”
But since you came all this way to know an answer, here’s what I think: go for it.
Mistakes will always be made, but when you are part of an organization that wishes to see you grow, they will help you along the way. My first org taught me everything about my current work ethic. They also introduced me to people from my college who I’m beyond thankful to have in my life. I want everyone to feel the same way I do whenever I enter our tambayan and greet my orgmates. I want everyone to find their home in college.
At its core, an org is more than just work. Ask anyone about their org experience, and their first response won’t be about the technical skills they gained. It will be about the friendships formed over sleepless nights, the impromptu late-night inumans that turned into mentorship sessions, the laughter shared over meals after long meetings, and the family found in a sea of unfamiliar faces.
Because at the end of the day, college isn’t just about grades and credentials. It’s about the people who make the journey worthwhile.
