The following piece is an opinion and does not reflect the views of The Eagle and its staff. All opinions are edited for grammar, style and argument structure and fact-checked, but the opinions are the writer’s own.
American University has a culture of involvement, with many students seeking internships and leadership positions in clubs. However, because of this, students miss out on unique college experiences that are specific to D.C.
Upon my arrival to American University, I was excited to join clubs and organizations. I also hoped to take advantage of the internship opportunities that come with living in D.C. After talking to upperclassmen, it felt like everyone had plenty of activities they did on and off campus, and I felt pressured to get more involved. With over 86% of American University undergraduates completing an internship, this pressure is a common denominator among AU’s students.
When I look back on my freshman year, though, I don’t think about the internship I completed or the clubs I joined. I think about going monumenting at night the first day I got to school, visiting museums with my friends and eating good food in the District.
At a school like American University where students are highly involved, students might prioritize internships and other activities over spending time with friends or exploring the city. However, it’s important for students to prioritize personal experiences and actively seek them out. These experiences allow students to engage with the D.C. community, creating memories and personal growth in ways that internships simply can’t accomplish.
Students at American University aren’t encouraged enough to explore social and community events in the city. The University’s U-Pass and shuttle systems give students direct access to downtown, Adams Morgan and other parts of D.C., making it even more confusing why students don’t use this opportunity to experience what the city offers. Taking advantage of these resources would create meaningful memories and allow students to grow.
So, how can students seek out experiences? One aspect of D.C. that students–including me–don’t make enough use of is the abundance of museums. With 21 free Smithsonian museums and plenty more in the area, I would expect to hear more about people going to museums regularly. However, I haven’t heard friends mention a museum since my first semester of college. I can’t imagine this being specific to my group – it is an indicator of a campus culture that underutilizes the experiences D.C. offers.
D.C. is also home to numerous professional sports teams, such as the Commanders, Wizards, Nationals and Capitals. With Capital One Arena just off the Gallery Place Chinatown Metro stop, students can easily catch a game for relatively low prices.
It’s impossible to discuss activities in D.C. without mentioning the monuments. Though it may seem cliché to visit them after the classic first-night monumenting, even passing the Washington Monument on a run is an experience few get to have. While touristy, monumenting is overlooked as an activity unique to D.C.
Joining an interesting club or completing a career-related internship are both ways in which students maximize their experience of attending a college in a city. However, students might take part in these activities due to pressure rather than their own will or interest. While people should still engage in clubs and organizations, it is important we as a community recognize the importance of the memories made in college. With only four years in D.C., students must prioritize experiences and make the most of their time at American University. This way, they can make meaningful memories and experience personal growth in a way that internships and clubs can’t accomplish.
Avyay Sriperumbudur is a sophomore in the School of Public Affairs and College of Arts and Sciences and a columnist for The Eagle.
This article was edited by Alana Parker, Rebeca Samano Arellano and Abigail Turner. Copy editing done by Luna Jinks, Sydney Kornmeyer and Charlie Mennuti.
