Joining clubs on campus leads to opportunity

By Suu Elen Manzano |Staff Writer|

Joining a club on campus can get you more connected.
Too often, students just come in for class and fail to get involved with campus activities, such as clubs.
For my first three years here I floated from class to class, focusing on trying to get the good grade.
I never stayed on campus much longer than the time it took for me to walk from class to the parking lot.
College is about making connections and boosting your resume, all things you can do by getting involved in a club on campus
“I regret not having been more involved on campus, I wish I would have joined a club and gotten to network and socialize,” said former student Juan Gonzalez
These past couple of years, five other brave individuals and I have decided to charter a club, the International Business Association (IBA).
The IBA strives to provide business students with opportunities to meet, interact and learn through events focused on International Business.
So far it’s been a challenge but the reward will be very valuable in the long run.
I’ve had the opportunity to meet five like-minded individuals within my same field of study who are sure to make great connections in my near future.
I have been able to interact more with various faculty members such as our club adviser and student alliance coordinator who guide and inspire us as individuals.
Yet clubs encompass more than academics, most of them host events and services for their community.
The Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF) is a club on campus dedicated to increasing the number of Hispanic college graduates.
“The HSF has helped me throughout college and has guided me to a path of success and has helped me outreach to the community more,” said student Josue Rodriguez.
He fully realizes that joining a club has its advantages both inside and outside of an academic setting.
Not all students feel they have the ability or time to join a school club.
This campus is often referred to as a commuter school.
This was part of the reason I did not participate or join any clubs during my first three years on campus.
I commuted to school only two days out of the week, and worked a full-time job.
I thought I couldn’t afford to spend more time at school especially if it meant driving out an extra day.
“I commute plus I work full time so I don’t have the extra time,” said student Kayla Snipes.
This isn’t an isolated case.
The thing is, most students commute here, most students work at or close to home and don’t see how they can squeeze more hours out of the day.
These days I work slightly less so I can spend more time on campus getting involved in clubs and attending events.
My attitude has changed.
I realize that the opportunities I get to meet and network with industry professionals is amazing.
It allows me to wedge my foot in the door of opportunity and hopefully a better chance at future employment.