Andrew Deacon has taken up many leadership roles on campus. The Oakland University junior’s tenacity in making the most of his college experience is a testament to the benefits of student involvement on campus.
Deacon came to OU with prior experience in student leadership. In high school, he served on the student body leadership team. Through the role, he made an effort to better the school environment for himself and his peers.
“I think I’ve always been a student leader, dating back to high school,” Deacon said. “I started off by joining Student Government back in my freshman year just because my brother was in it, but that small choice helped me get out of my shell and try other things I enjoyed.
“I was big in my school’s performing arts department, I was the drama club president and founder of an acapella group, as well as team captain of a state-champion eSports team during the pandemic, and vice president of our ping pong club. I definitely liked to keep busy.”
Deacon stresses the importance of students taking advantage of leadership and involvement opportunities offered to them at college. Through his leadership roles at WXOU and OU Housing, Deacon was able to find himself and his calling.
“I am a firm believer that every single student in college should take this incredible opportunity to try as many things as available to them. After all, you’re paying for it in your tuition,” Deacon said. “Before coming to Oakland, I knew that I wanted to try new things that I hadn’t done before and get involved however I could. [During] my freshman year I attended a ton of different clubs and events until I found my place at WXOU. Now my current positions at WXOU and in Housing involve helping new students find their place at Oakland University, so things have kind of come full circle in that regard.
“While I didn’t see myself being where I am today before I came to Oakland, I definitely knew I wanted to make the most of my college experience and get involved wherever I could.”
When students get involved on campus, they may positively impact the organizations that they join. However, there are also personal and professional benefits to be derived from such opportunities. Deacon speaks to the benefits of joining campus organizations.
“In WXOU and Oakland Housing, I have been given an opportunity to grow personally and professionally in ways I wouldn’t have been able to without them,” Deacon said. “Being at a commuter school, it is hard to make friends just by hanging around or going to classes. My positions at WXOU and Oakland Housing have helped me meet people I normally wouldn’t have run into, and most of my lasting friendships at Oakland have come from these organizations, aside from just giving me something to do.
“Being involved on campus has given me the opportunity to develop professional skills, such as communication, teamwork, responsibility and time management, as well as experiences that I’ve brought up in interviews for internships. For students with little work experience, getting involved in a club on campus could help build the skills you need to help land your first big job.”
Deacon believes that getting involved should know no limits. Like many at WXOU, his major relates little to radio broadcasting.
“The funniest thing about all of this is I’m an actuarial science major, and aside from my involvement in the Society of Actuaries at Oakland, my major has nothing to do with anything else I do here. I think that speaks to how anybody, no matter your major, can take a step out of their comfort zone and go do things that interest them,” Deacon said. “Most of the students on WXOU had no broadcast experience prior to our station, and have a range of majors outside communications. There is so much to offer here at Oakland, why stick to only what you’ll be doing for the rest of your life [and] in your career?”
Deacon ended with some advice for those who are looking to get more involved in campus groups.
“I recommend keeping an eye out on social media. I found one of my new favorite clubs this semester, Grizz Balls Pool Club, from the Oakland University Snapchat story. My advice to all students, though, is to make the most of your time, and you will enjoy your time at Oakland far more than if you sit around doing nothing. Go to some events on campus, and join a club, you won’t regret it,” Deacon said.
Students can learn more about organizations and clubs at OU on the GrizzOrgs webpage.
