Join a club to foster lasting connections

Sasha Hatinger 

Staff Writer 

Looking for a community of like-minded individuals? Perhaps a group of peers in which you have similar interests? Are you desiring opportunities for personal growth, skill development, and networking? Joining a student-led club at WCC may be your answer.

Why join a club at WCC?

Becoming a member of a club at WCC provides a space for students to feel like they are, “part of something, producing something to be excited about,” said Fynn Boldenow, social media and communications manager of College Democrats of WCC.

“I also think it’s really cool to be able to meet people outside of your area of studies,” said Tessia Knollmeyer, vice president of College Democrats of WCC.

As students, time and attention are directed toward schoolwork and studies. Setting time aside to socialize, meet new people, and become part of something bigger is possible when becoming a member of a club.

“Do something outside of academics. Have an hour at your club, where you’re able to stop thinking about your math homework … and you can just relax (and) do something you want and really enjoy. Find friends (and) community that way,” said Eli Waltman-Lewis, president of College Democrats of WCC.

Connecting with other students is an important part of getting the overall college experience. As a community college, WCC is unlike universities, in that there are no dorm rooms, etc. to make friends and connect with other students–joining a club offers a unique way to make lasting connections.

“An Esports club, just like any other club that we would have at WCC, helps foster relationships and fosters a whole network, which people can talk to each other and learn from each other and develop as human beings,” said Chris Zachow, event coordinator for the WCC Esports club and “Overwatch 2” team captain. 

How to start your own club at WCC

Interested in more than what already exists for clubs at WCC? You can start your own club and help fill the gap that is currently missing. Students who are curious about how the process works can contact Christy Main, supervisor of student activities, at scmain@wccnet.edu.

Some key things to remember when interested in starting a club are making sure the club will have at least four members to start and securing a faculty advisor, which would be full-time staff or part-time faculty of WCC, for the new club. Students are also required to have a minimum of a 2.0 GPA and be enrolled in at least three credits at WCC. As well as coming up with a logo and establishing a mission for the club, interested students must fill out paperwork, including a “registration form.” Registering your club every semester is also a requirement.

“We have three club designations,” said Christy Main, supervisor of student activities. “So, either an academic club, a diversity club, as well as a social club,” said Main. Students should decide which category their club falls into, according to Main. “… And I can say that we have clubs that are in each of those categories…” said Main.

Possibilities for personal growth

Club members at WCC have opportunities to attend events and conferences as club members. Events such as the “Washtenaw County Democratic Party” and conventions like, “Michigan Public Democrat,” are just a few occasions where members of The College Democrats of WCC can interact to foster personal expansion and development. 

“Meeting all these people can be helpful for your future for networking, which can help you get a job or land other opportunities for internships later,” said Woltman-Lewis. 

Making connections with peers through being part of a club is fundamental for personal growth and encourages students to expand their connections for their future. 

“Hopefully we can show data that proves that students who participate in clubs are getting better grades, better GPAs, (and) they’re more likely to stay for the course of their term and actually (are) able to graduate and receive their degrees,” Max Kuznia, coordinator of Esports said.

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