Sign me up!

I was involved in only a handful of activities in college. Mostly they were groups that found me, rather than me finding them. Either I had a friend who invited me to get involved in something, or I stumbled upon it some other way. I didn’t often go looking for student groups to explore or join... but now I realize I should have.

I recently did a search on my university’s website for all their student organizations (753 total). Now I know many of these are new since I graduated, but still, it’s pretty impressive what’s available out there. Of course there are all manner of academic-related groups. It seems every college or major has some kind of student group. There are also loads of social awareness organizations, every flavor of religious student group, a rather long list of Greek chapters to consider and even several dance troupes related to obscure people groups around the globe.

But then there are more off-the-beaten path ones too.

Consider the Free Hugs Campaign. I don’t think I would have wandered too close to them. Turns out they have only 6 members, so I’m definitely in the majority by staying away. The Swing Dance Club is faring a little better. They’re 20 members strong and even gained official Recreational Sport recognition. How fun is that?!

Pizza Mania hosts an annual taste competition for local pizzerias and donates all proceeds to a local food pantry. Now that’s a group I can endorse: you eat pizza AND contribute to the community. There are lots of other groups giving back to the city through mentoring, tutoring and service opportunities, too.

Why is there only 1 member in Outdoor Adventures? Seriously, does no one else on campus enjoy the great outdoors? Even the Backgammon Club and the Hula Hoop Club have 2 members each. And then there’s the Ab Society. Yes, as in dedicated to attaining the perfect abdominal muscles. I bet the 24 six-packs in that group don’t cross paths with Pizza Mania very often.

What’s my point? There’s so much to experience and explore out there, and it’s right at your fingertips. Why didn’t I try more things? I had no idea they were there. Didn’t even know where to look to find out they were there. Check your school’s website for a list of student organizations. Get involved. Make a friend. Try something new. After all, you’re a college student. You’re going to eat pizza. You might as well do it for a good cause.

Kathy Raines, UBC College Minister