Staying Connected through Extra-Curricular Involvement
by Christina Gibson
I have been visiting libraries for as long as I can remember. I am undoubtedly an advocate of all things library, and I appreciate their value in the community. Despite all of this, I had never worked in a library prior to starting my library science degree. Couple that with the fact that I am completing my degree entirely online, and you can safely say that I was a bit overwhelmed.
While working on my BA in English at Brigham Young University-Idaho, it was easy to get involved. I lived, worked, and played on campus. Although I had taken a few online courses, distance learning was largely foreign. How would I get to know my classmates? How would I develop professional relationships with my professors?
I understood the importance of networking in the job search, and I was afraid I would not have that opportunity while earning my master’s virtually. So, I resolved to get involved. I have never really been the school activity type, but I knew that had to change if I was going to be successful. I scoured the iSchool website looking for opportunities for networking and getting to know my fellow students. When I stumbled upon the website of the American Library Association Student Chapter (ALASC) here at SJSU, I saw my opportunity.
I signed up for email updates and ran for the social media manager position when it opened up. Working with the ALASC keeps me connected with my classmates, professors, and library science updates. I also keep up email correspondence with my professors and add classmates on various social media sites. It takes more effort to stay connected while I am far away, but it is worth it.
Christina Matekel is this year’s social media manager for San JoséState University’s American Library Association Student Chapter (ALASC).
