Dozens of tables lined the Quad, decorated with posters, flyers, business cards and candy. This was the scene last Wednesday at the annual Queens College Club Day. The weather was perfect, and the event was buzzing with excitement from all who attended.
Club Day is held once per school year, usually during the first few weeks of the semester. It allows the myriad of QC clubs to exhibit what they do to the general student population and to inform students on how they can get involved.
QC has rightfully gained a reputation as one of the prominent CUNY schools where school spirit and a sense of community are vigorous. It is no secret that the college’s 90 plus clubs and organizations attribute their success to school spirit.
There are fraternities and cultural clubs for particular ethnicities, nationalities and religions, such as the Caribbean Student Association, Asian Student Association and Muslim Student Association. There are also clubs for different professional interests such as the Minority Association of Premedical Students. With a multitude of clubs for various interests, there is something for everyone. It is clear that these clubs all have one thing in common: they bring people together.
When asked about the merits of joining a club, Kevin Deonarine, a junior psychology major and an attendant at Club Day, replied: “It allows you to get your mind off of your schoolwork and let you follow some of your passions, have fun, and make friends while you’re at it.”
Club Day is also an excellent opportunity for new freshmen and transfer students to find their footing in college and to start to develop their identities. Perhaps you can take up a skill you gave up a couple of years ago, connect with people who share the same heritage as you or join a group of young people who go out and do community service in NYC.
Jayden Shepard, a freshman studying business administration, was “surprised at the wide variety of clubs to explore, and the diversity that exists.” This diversity is representative of QC as a whole.
One of the remarkable things about QC clubs is that everyone is so welcoming. For example, you do not have to be black to join the Black Student Union or an environmental science major to join the Environmental Club. “Everyone is so warm and friendly, and really made me feel like part of the QC family,” noted Kevin Mohammed, another freshman with an undecided major.
Joining a club can not only be a great activity for students now, but it can also prove to be very beneficial down the road. Graduate and professional schools, and certainly employers, love to see individuals who, aside from what they study, make time for their passions, interests and involvement in the community. Being involved in clubs is an excellent way to work on your interpersonal and communication skills, and there are so many opportunities for members to shine in these clubs, such as joining the executive board or planning major events.
QC clubs are an outlet for students to find their identity and unwind from what can be a very stressful four years. “It makes college seem less intimidating,” said Kacey Weingart, an intended drama major and transfer student. Indeed, the clubs add life and personality to the college experience and make you truly feel part of the QC family.
