NAU Tri-Beta
Joining a student organization on the NAU campus is a great way to make friends and make a difference. NAU Tri-Beta is Biological Honor Society “dedicated to improving the understanding and appreciation of biological study and extending boundaries of human knowledge through scientific research.” (NAU Tri-Beta website) Becoming part of the Tri-Beta family gives biology students a chance to make a difference in their community as well as meet both professors and graduate students. Tri-Beta gives members an opportunity to get to know professors on a more private level rather than strictly in-class interactions. Building a strong foundational relationship with professors can be monumental when it comes to getting into graduate school or asking a tough teacher for a letter of recommendation. Members of the Beta Beta Beta Biological Honor Society are devoted to the search of knowledge and creating interest in the field of biological sciences.
In addition to many activities such as BBQ’s and other fun get-togethers, members make a difference in the community with activities such as Adopt-a-Highway. The Tri-Beta Biological Honor Society has adopted a mile stretch of highway which they are devoted to keeping trash free. Periodically, the members get together and clean every piece of trash along this stretch of highway, making the road cleaner and more appealing to the common motorist who takes advantage of the beautiful landscape surrounding Flagstaff. Furthermore, Tri-Beta meets annually with other chapters of the Society from other schools, giving students an opportunity to meet new people and travel to new places to see what other chapters have learned and developed.
I feel it is both important and fun for students to get involved with a student organization they are interested in. There is something on campus for everyone to enjoy, they just have to go out and find it. Every major at the university has some form of club or organization and most have multiple opportunities to be involved. Joining an organization is a great way to get involved and meet people. It also provides a great place to start when finding what interests you most. Joining a prestigious or even a fun group allows students to get their foot in the door and begin meeting students and professors who may one day be needed to assist in getting jobs or being accepted into an institute for further schooling. No graduate school wants a student who did nothing but study during college. They want students who are involved in the community and have interpersonal skills.
I would recommend that every student find an organization that fits their interests and give it a shot because the possibilities are endless.