Back in session: the benefits of school clubs

College is a good place to meet new people. However, actually spending time with these new people can be difficult. Conflicting school schedules, work schedules, homework, sports, activities, sleep (that none of us are getting) are all things that can get in the way of strengthening new relationships. 

Sometimes, campus clubs and their meetings are the only way to spend time with people outside of school.

Clubs and organizations are an important part of college life, giving people more opportunities to meet and get to know each other in a more relaxed setting. Shared interests bring together people who might’ve never met otherwise. Consistently scheduled meetings give people a chance to plan around them in advance, whereas spur-of-the-moment get-togethers can be difficult to coordinate and can easily fall through. 

For example, there’s a group of friends I played Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) with over winter break. We all love the campaign and hanging out with each other, but we’ve had to put playing on hold during school because of scheduling conflicts. 

Admittedly, joining a new club can be daunting. There are a lot of unknowns. New people, new activities, and possibly needing to adjust schedules. Joining is so worth it, though. Clubs can foster lasting friendships and interests.

Clubs are often welcoming of new people with little knowledge of the subject matter. When I first started playing D&D not even a year ago, I knew absolutely nothing about how to create a character or play. I started playing with people that I’d met in GSA (Gender Sexuality Alliance), and they were welcoming and willing to teach me the ropes. Because of their help I can confidently create my own characters and help new players create theirs. I’ve found something that I love doing and people I love spending time with, which I wouldn’t have had without school clubs.

The social connections from school clubs and organizations are such an important part of a balanced school life. These clubs are opportunities to spend time with friends without having to coordinate everybody’s schedules. The time spent with other people can help combat feelings of loneliness and isolation. Clubs give students a support system to reach out to and rely on when times get tough. Overall, school clubs and organizations are an important part of a healthy school life.

Lynn Spahr is a Hutchinson sophomore studying journalism and the Opinion Page Editor.

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