Last week, the club fair was held in the Webster Commons, where students got to observe various booths held by leaders proposing their clubs. This event was a great opportunity for students to get involved in a club that both interests them and helps them meet other like-minded students. For more insight, I asked Campus Chaplain Blair Spindle, Ph.D., why students should join a club. Spindle answered, “I think everyone needs to find something they are interested in.” He also added, “Research shows that people who are engaged in events on campus perform better academically and socially with other students.”
I came across two club booths, the Film and Fiber Arts Club and the Chicken and Pickin’ Club. I greeted the club leaders, Hannah Strong and Grant McNew, respectively, and individually asked them about their clubs. Strong answered, “We get to watch movies and create fiber arts.” McNew responded, “It’s about bluegrass music and fried chicken–just having a great ole time.” Creating a club is not an easy feat for students who have to balance the responsibilities of the club, homework, and work. It can seem overwhelming to some, but to the club leaders, they have accepted this responsibility and plan to chug along.
For more insight on the topic, I asked the two what made them club leaders. Strong responded, “Since last fall, I wanted to create a space where students can relax and unwind.” McNew added, “Blair Spindle texted me about being club president, and since then, I’ve felt great about the club and how I get to hang out and play music with friends.”
Though the club fair has passed, it’s not too late to sign up for a club. Students who are nervous, unsure, or doubtful about signing up still have time to decide. To help encourage some students, I asked Strong and McNew for their input on why students should sign up for their clubs specifically. Strong answered, “Students can learn new skills of craft and see new movies. It’s a chill time away from campus life that offers a safe, creative outlet for students.” McNew added, “This club has helped me become a better musician, and I think it can do the same to others. It helps you express yourself through music and helps you meet other students alike.” McNew continued, “We get creative and play Taylor Swift, rap, and other genres of music. Through this club, I hope to have a good time with everyone and a place where we can have fun, hang out, and smile more.”
Students, both new and old, should attempt to join a club. You will never know what types of relationships can be created if you don’t at least try. A quote by Nate Berkus, an American author, explains this best: “You will enrich your life immeasurably if you approach it with a sense of wonder and discovery and always challenge yourself to try new things.”
Look out for emails or updates about club sign-ups that will be sent out to students across campus. You can also meet with Chase Matson, Student Body President, in his office right by the Student Life Offices or message him through his email: cmatson@mail.snu.edu
Photo by Jalan Washington