Clubs offer students the opportunity to get involved
By: Angela Scipione
Creative Editor
One of the easiest ways to get involved at school is by joining clubs. With over 50 clubs offered at Hudson Valley, it’s not hard to find one that fits you.
The first step is knowing what group you want to be a part of. The school website is your number one tool in finding where your interests lie. The full list is at your fingertips! If you want more information about a certain club, swing by the club fair on Thursdays in September from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
It can be intimidating to get involved in extracurricular activities when so many of us already have a lot on our plates, however, the benefits far outweigh the intimidation.
“You’re not gonna survive at college unless you’re part of some community. We’re made for community, so joining a club is just joining part of the community here at Hudson Valley,” says advisor of the Student Christian Association, Dave Worcester.
Worcester also believes that by joining a club, you may come to realize what your passion is.
“I know every student here is a world changer. They’re the new scientists, the new doctors, the new lawyers, new politicians, and I just think we have to work with that generation and guide them into who they are and what they’re identity is, what they’re called to do in life,” he said.
Animal policy major, Deanna Carr, is Vice President of Animal Outreach. She feels she has benefited from being part of her club because she was able to “meet new people and network.” It has helped her connect with people who share a love for animals. “It’s helped me realize that… a lot of people have more stuff in common when you talk about animals!”
Many club members experience the same kind of connection that Carr did. When you are in a room full of people who share the same interest, friendship flourishes.
When Sonya Ward joined the choir club, she knew what a great opportunity she had taken advantage of, saying “we’ve all become kind of like a family.”
Although it’s sometimes hard to make friends at community college, where you’re not on campus 24/7, it’s not impossible. “Some of my best friends today are some of my friends that I met in college,” Advisor of the choir club, Mary Ann Gulyas adds.
Tight bonds aren’t all you get when you join a club. It’s also about taking a break once a week from the demands of school and work.
“We just had so much fun. It was just a nice relaxing place for us to sit back and not think about tests or exams. It helped us a lot to have a different outlet. When we were stressed, we would just go [to the meeting room] and talk to everyone and we’d feel a little better,” said Sayema Matin, Vice President of Foreign Culture Club.
What some students don’t realize is the impact that getting involved on campus has for their future. The work you accomplish as a member can be applied to your resume and will give you an advantage when applying to another school or for a job. Furthermore, the leadership opportunities you can engage in will help you in an even greater way.
President of the Black and Latino Student Union, Tamia Peguero, knows how beneficial it is to be a leader.
“Not only does it look good on your transcript when you’re transferring, it gives you a chance to work with others. Being president of this club has taught me a lot about working with others. Especially others that are in your age group. And I think there are a lot of leadership opportunities like VP, treasurer, things like that in clubs that might not take all your time out, but can teach you fundamentals,” she said.
So, when you’re told to “get involved,” what you’re really earning is friends, experience, a safe place, fun, new passions, resume material, leadership qualities, and much more. Join a club today and see for yourself!