At the start of Spring semester, many schools hold another Activities Fair and several clubs are looking for new members. Now that you’ve had a semester to settle into college and get into the groove of things, it’s a great time to start exploring and getting involved with organizations beyond the classroom!
Someone once gave me this great advice. You should start by joining:
1 professional or career-related club
1 sport or physical activity
1 club for your passion or hobby
I think this mix gives you a perfect balance because you’re not overcommitting yourself to activities, while still getting to pursue your multiple interests. If you’re like me, you’ll find tons of new clubs on campus that you’re enticed to join! Here is a quick guide to exploring all your options and narrowing them down.
1. Find out when the Activities Fair is, and look up the list of organizations that will be attending. Mark all the ones you would like to stop by (or drop in on Zoom) so you’re not overwhelmed on the day of.
2. Check in with each club and interact with the officers, asking any questions or simply learning more about what they do. This is also a great way to introduce yourself in case you would like to become an officer or board member one day.
Is there an application or interview process?
When are their meetings usually held?
How many active members do they have?
How much are club dues?
3. Pick and choose which club’s mailing lists you would like to sign up for!!! In the beginning, most clubs send informational emails that you may be interested in, but after that they end up cluttering your inbox if you decide not to join. If you’re simply signing up for the mailing list in exchange for free food or a raffle, just make sure it’s really worth it :P
4. Review the interest emails, attend informational sessions, and pick the few you would like to commit to for that semester.
5. At the end of the semester, you can look back and evaluate how you liked each activity, and decide whether or not you would like to continue next semester.
The great thing about college is that there are hundreds or thousands of activities and organizations on campuses, and you can always create your own. I guarantee if you do some research, you will find something you thoroughly enjoy and make a lifelong network or group of friends!
To close this post, I’m listing some organizations I have been a part of in college and what they do. Click on their names to learn more!
Professional or Career-Related
Operation Smile - fundraise for children who are diagnosed with cleft lip and palate
Dental Science Club - network with other pre-dental students, get service hours, learn about local resources, extracurriculars, the application process, and much more
Global Dental Brigades - plan and fundraise for a volunteer trip to bring dental care to underserved communities throughout the world; students get to assist in clinics
Volunteers Around the World - also plan a Dental Outreach Program to implement in underserved communities; students get to work alongside healthcare professionals in the clinics
Lambda Sigma Honor Society - network with like-minded students, community service, social events, and scholarship opportunities
Passion or Hobby
Project RISHI - fundraise and plan projects to help bring sustainable change to villages in India; take a trip to India to implement the projects in the summer
Girl Up - fundraise to improve girls’ access to education and promote gender equality throughout the world
The Letter Project - write letters to uplift girls in need of support
Gamma Sigma Sigma - a national service sorority, bigs/littles, community service, and social events
I wish you all the best of luck for starting a new semester and hope you get to immerse yourself in something you truly love!
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