Heading off to college is a stressful and challenging transition for anyone, especially for Arrowmen who might want to stay involved in their lodge while away. College-aged Arrowmen must balance their social life and involvement in Scouting on top of their classwork, which many find to be more difficult and time-consuming than it was in high school. However, higher education does not have to mean the end of seeking a higher vision in the Order of the Arrow. Derek Porter made this transition during his term as the 2021 national chief.
“While finishing my term as the national chief, I got to attend my classes for the first time in college, explore my campus, try to get involved, and just meet new people on campus and explore myself that way,” Porter explained.
While his college experience was unique because of his position in the OA, he still enjoyed moving into college for the first time. College provides the opportunity for anyone to learn about themselves and what they want. Porter is no exception when he found a stronger love for sports management and decided to switch his major. He also met friends who have unconditionally supported him no matter the ups and downs.
“I tried my best to balance my social life,” Porter observed. “I was really lucky that a lot of my friends were on my floor and in my building, so I was able to really get to know them super well.”
College provides an opportunity for Arrowmen to meet new friends and maybe even other Scouts and Arrowmen from around the country. No matter the pressure from college, Porter could continue his participation in the OA and manage the stress by relying on his friends, working out, and sometimes, just taking a break from everything.
“People should not prioritize Scouting over their own mental health or their own adjustment to a new environment,” Porter urged.
The move away from home is a seismic shift for any Arrowmen, and managing mental health is essential in college. No matter their age, every Arrowmen needs to find their balance between school, friends and family, and Scouts. Taking a break from the OA is understandable for older members who need to balance college life. Deciding their level of involvement in Scouts while away from their lodge is one of the most important choices for any Arrowmen, and no one but themselves can choose the answer.
“If people want to stay involved and stay in some sort of elected position during college, I think it’s important for people to realize the realities of that,” Porter commented.
While living away from home, involvement can result in additional complications, such as attending events or the responsibilities of an elected office. However, there are always ways to stay involved. The OA provides leadership opportunities that members cannot find anywhere else.
“Remember that the program will be here for when you do want to come back,” Porter remarked. “We always need people to keep fighting for the Scouting program.”
Whether an Arrowmen chooses to stay involved while in college, they will always have the option to return. During college, they can remain active, even if not to the same level as before. It is vital to remember what skills, lessons, and opportunities the OA presents. No matter what balance an Arrowmen creates to accommodate the challenges of college and the love of Scouting, the friends and memories made in Scouts are everlasting.