Sports, language, and interest-centered clubs. Extra curricular clubs are a major part of any american university. From the moment you step foot on campus as a freshman to when you walk the stage as a graduate, you’re encouraged to join this or that club. How are you supposed to balance time between them and classes? How do you know which club is for you?

Personally, I’ve always been skeptical of school clubs. I was sort of in my high school’s after school GSA (Gay Straight Alliance), but it was more akin to sitting in a room with my friends and talking. When I joined my college’s GSA, I couldn’t get what I wanted out of it while getting through the semester. Today, though, I’m able to manage going to one of my favorite college clubs while maintaining my excellent performance in classes; it was just a matter of finding the right club and people.

After I fell out of my school’s GSA, I was absent from any clubs for nearly two years. I figured I had to focus on my schoolwork and had no time to spare for them, however, my view on school clubs would soon change.

When I was a Junior in college, one of my best friends got very into Super Smash Bros. He began to watch videos and learn how to play competitively, so he would show and tell us all about it. Since I had the game at my apartment on campus, he would often come over and we would play together. He eventually learned of a club on campus that would get together and have Smash Bros. tournaments every Friday. He went one week, but I was too nervous to tag along; however, I decided to check it out the next week he went.

This club fit in perfectly for me. I grew up playing these games, so I already enjoyed them. The club met at times when me and my friends would already hang out, so the time was already set aside to kick back and relax (as much as you can in a small gaming tournament), and the guys who ran and attended it were insanely welcoming and friendly. After being intimidated for a few weeks, I finally settled in, and now I’m bummed that I’ll be leaving the club after I graduate.

I want to stress not to force yourself to join a club. You can try them out for a few weeks, and you can stop going whenever you want, whether you don’t like one or you don’t have the time to commit to it. If you eagerly want to find a club to join, try looking for one that either peaks your interest or that you’re already interested in. If you can find a club that fits well into your downtime schedule, that’s even better! Clubs shouldn’t be forced or stressful, find one that you enjoy and can attend with ease!

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