Finding my niche: Something for everyone at the Involvement Fair

When I began my career at Seton Hall three long years ago, all of my professors, and the upperclassmen I met kept stressing the importance of getting involved on-campus. As a semi-confused journalism major not knowing exactly what I wanted to do with my eventual degree, I took the advice and promised myself that I would hit the ground running when the opportunity presented itself.

The involvement fair was where I began to find my niche at school. The first group I signed up for at the involvement fair was the official campus newspaper of the University, The Setonian. Besides the newspaper though, the fair opened my eyes to all the excellent resources and groups that are on campus. As a new student, I was amazed at how dedicated all the students tabling were. Although I did not sign up for every single group at the fair (like many freshmen do), it was very clear that the University had something for literally every type of student to join. Seton Hall always describes itself as diverse, and the involvement fair really shows off just how diverse the University is.

Weeks after becoming a staff writer for the sports section of the newspaper, I realized that this was exactly what I wanted. I was meeting new people, making new friends, and becoming a better journalist with every article I wrote. My involvement in the Setonian helped me branch out elsewhere at the University as well. That spring I began my career at 89.5 FM WSOU, and at the end of my freshmen year I was confident enough in myself that I applied to become a peer advisor, and got the job.

Three years later, being a peer advisor and working at WSOU are still two of my favorite things about this University. My real passion is journalism though, and I am most proud of what I have accomplished during my career at The Setonian and the place the paper has led me to.

As assistant sports editor two years ago, I was privileged enough to interview talented men's basketball players Jeremy Hazell and Jordan Theodore after nationally televised Big East games (and even a certain former, not-so-talented head coach). This position greatly helped me learn how to manage a staff of people; it was the first time in my life I had to do such a thing.

Last semester, I interned at MSNBC in New York City. There is no doubt in my mind that my direct involvement in the newspaper is what landed me the position. Three days a week I had the privilege to take a train during the morning rush hours into the city, walk to 30 Rockefeller Plaza, and help produce a live televised news show.

Almost exactly one year ago, I reported on one of the biggest tragedies that has ever hit the Seton Hall community. It stretched me to the limits as both a journalist and a student, but really showed me how important my major is and reinforced why I want to do this for a living.

What I have experienced and the knowledge I have gained from working at The Setonian and getting involved are largely things that will not be put on my resume; I will take them with me long after graduation and far into the future.

Nicholas Parco is a senior journalism major from Hazlet, NJ. He can be reached at nicholas.parco@student.shu.edu.