NMU offers opportunities on an accessible scale, whereas other state schools offer opportunities that are limited by bloated competition.

Rivalry finds its way into the entire college experience. Even before college, students apply for many schools but hope for one. Competition for campus participation is pervasive at larger universities. The edge is the same. Group involvement at NMU means the same on a resume as it does from any other university. It’s the participation that counts.

Opportunities are better in a “small pond” context. Anyone can start a student group or seek out positions on campus that will benefit their career. Ultimately, those are the things that employers look for (and the things that most shape and enrich a student’s experience).

Recently, NMU students received accolade for their work on a statewide level. Dwight Brady’s BC 310 Sports and Special Events class members filmed play-by-play footage for NMU football and hockey games. Two of the filmed hockey games will be featured at the Michigan Association of Broadcasters awards in  Lansing, taking both first and second place against the entire state.

In the same week, former Wildcat tight end Robert Saleh, now defensive quality control for the Seattle Seahawks, helped lead the “Legion of Boom,” currently the NFL’s most notorious defensive line to a Super Bowl victory.

These are just two of many NMU success stories that have put the institution on the map. They reflect the advantages of campus participation.

Education is about sharing knowledge and ideas while engaging with the resources and people around to create meaningful experiences.

If you have to compete with hundreds (or thousands, or tens of thousands) of other students for that DJ position at the student radio station or that scholarship specific to your field, you probably won’t get that experience.

Opportunities are ubiquitous at NMU, but they won’t find you. There are few “win-wins” in college. Campus participation is certainly one.