So you're the honor society guy, huh? Or maybe you're the choir chick, drama queen, or football jock. Many high school experiences dictate that certain people belong to certain "groups," making it nearly impossible to break into a different crowd or shatter the walls of the tightly-knit student council/a capella choir/cheerleading squad. The good news is, whatever your "label" in high school, it will soon be erased. Making the transition to college is more than just a road to higher education - it's also a path to discovering your hidden passions and getting a "personality makeover" for your new college life.

Take a cue from these students and seize the opportunity to reinvent yourself and emerge a totally new person.

Activities 101
College life involves more than just academics - it's also about organizations, clubs, and groups designed to join together students with similar interests. While studying and attending classes are important, it's the "other stuff" that will enhance the experience of your next four years. Friendships are formed, hobbies are cultivated, and new skills are often mastered.

Cathy Carson, assistant manager of the University Activities Office at Michigan State University (East Lansing, MI), says campus activities and student organizations act as agents of change. "Most college students are looking for a student life experience to go along with their studies, and they realize the next four or five years are about growth and change," she explains. Carson suggests letting such experiences help you grow; experiencing student life will help you realize your individual potential.

So how do you go from being the shy girl in P.E. to team captain of the swim club? First, keep in mind that you'll probably be unknown in your new digs, so how would anyone know you're shy if you don't show it? Psych yourself up and practice becoming an outgoing person. Approach people in your dorm and start a conversation. By being forced into unfamiliar situations, you're challenging yourself to take risks and experience new things. Never tried sailing? Meet a member of the sailing team and ask if you can attend the next outing.

Jumping in head first during your transition to college can often feel intimidating. David Verrier, a Michigan State University grad, found that while having the support of his roommate made him feel more comfortable, going it alone was more rewarding. "I met more people when I was by myself, rather than with my buddy the whole time," he says. "And I noticed everyone else was just as nervous about being there."

The best part about beginning this personality makeover, as David alludes to, is that everyone else is feeling the same new-surrounding insecurity. Fortunately, most of the clubs and organizations on campus are created so you can have fun, foster new friendships, and get the opportunity to break out of your comfort zone.

Never had the chance (or guts) to be on stage? Try joining the drama club or testing your funny bone with the improv group. If public speaking has been your Everest, climb aboard with campus government or a student Toastmasters Club.

You can also indulge in hobbies you're already familiar with and get involved with others who share your passion. Maybe you love basketball and played on the team in high school, but were hardly recruited to play at the NCAA level. That's how Melissa Sadler discovered intramural sports at Grand Valley State University (Allendale, MI). "It was more fun because things weren't so serious and competitive - everyone was just there to play basketball and have fun," says Melissa of her court time with the intramural team. Less competitive sports put the focus on fun and the love of the game.

Getting Involved
With so many opportunities to discover your hidden talents and skills, how do you jump in? To make the high school-to-college transition easier, most colleges offer new student orientation week. During this time, students are introduced to college life and the various ways to get involved outside of classes. Most universities offer a Student Life Center as a resource for new students to gather information about different organizations.

Another option to test the waters and try something new is to enroll in a special interest class - usually offered for one credit or taken as a pass/fail option. These university-approved courses count toward your degree. Flip through your school's course catalogue and you may discover such gems as tae kwon do, first aid, ballet, or soccer. Taking a beginning dance class for credit, for instance, may be an alternative to trying out for the highly competitive dance team.

Let's say you've looked around and checked out the many resources available to create the new you, but haven't found anything that really clicks with what you'd like to pursue. Do what Megan Stewart did - grab the reins and start your own club.

Megan broke out of the ordinary and is turning her passion into an extraordinary experience at Oakland University (Rochester Hills, MI). As a horse lover and former high school equestrian team member, Megan wants to create a club for college students like herself who feel void without horses. She's currently in the process of starting an equestrian team at her university and making herself over as an organizer and leader.

"Horses are my life," says Megan, who has been a team member, coach, and competitor of the equestrian sport, "but they take up a lot of time, which doesn't leave much left over to get involved with other activities." She's focusing most of her efforts right now on sorting through the official procedures of starting this new sport at the university level.

Megan's experience voices another concern that many first-year students face - the dreaded time crunch. While you should take advantage and enjoy the many opportunities available on campus, be sure to keep your studies in check. If you have a full class load, being a member of five different committees can be overwhelming and send you spinning into a personality meltdown. To avoid turning your personality makeover into a lifestyle disaster, keep your academics and activities balanced.

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