As I was dancing the night away on Saturday at Snowball, I had an important realization. Amidst the freshmen grinding to Kanye West and the seniors shouting all the words to Spice Girls songs, I realized I was happy to be at Snowball. But it wasn't just about Snowball — I was happy to be at a Marquette event.

This year marked my fourth and hopefully final year as a Snowball attendee, and I am so glad to have taken part in this Marquette tradition. Snowball is only one of many, many Marquette traditions, though, and I encourage you to take advantage of all of them.

If you have ever read my column before, you know I'm not in the habit of giving personal advice, but I think this is important. Marquette offers us myriad ways to truly get involved, and each and every one of us should do so while we can. From the most awkward of square dances during orientation week to the infamously outrageous senior ball during senior week, the opportunities for attending fun events and trying new things abound.

If dancing isn't your thing, you have other options. And if dancing is your thing, you can still broaden your horizons across campus and beyond Marquette's borders. You're paying for your Marquette experience, so you might as well get as much as you can out of it.

Go to a Marquette basketball game and throw paper when the Golden Eagles score their first basket. Take in some culture by attending a play at Helfaer Theatre, going to a chorale concert or listening to one of Marquette's bands. Get in touch with your spiritual side by attending a mass in the St. Joan of Arc Chapel or by going on one of Marquette's many retreats.

Keep your New Year's resolution to get in shape by heading to the Rec and getting a free fitness assessment — it's most likely the only time in our lives that service will be free — or taking a group class. You can even join an intramural team that could win you one of the famed intramural T-shirts.

If none of these float your boat, don't worry because there are more ways to get involved than I have space to write. If you went to last week's O-Fest, you know there are more student organizations and clubs than you can count. There are groups for every college, culture, activity, professional organization and service mission. Take advantage of as many of them as possible, because in a few short years, you likely won't have opportunities to try curling or to have your own radio show at your fingertips.

Beyond clubs and student organizations, there are countless special events and guest speakers to fill the time you would have spent Facebook stalking the guy in your history lecture or pretending to study at the Brew.

You may not love every club or guest lecture you take part in, but I guarantee you will learn something, meet great people and discover at least a few of your passions along the way. Besides, you'll never know until you try.

So here's to each Marquette student. Let's all strive to make the most out of our time here. To the freshmen: you have at least three more years, so do as much as you can and start now. To the seniors: it's never too late to try something new or pick up another skill. As the new semester gets underway, let's not forget this pledge.