Finding Your Place

Students find others with like interests at the spring activities fair. Photo by Carl Socolow '77.

Photo by Carl Socolow '77.

Activities Fair makes it easy to get involved

by MaryAlice Bitts-Jackson

There are more than 100 student-led groups and organizations at Dickinson, and that number is growing. The best way to be in the know, as you carve out your place on campus? Activities Fair.

Held at the start of the fall and spring semesters, Activities Fair brings new and veteran students face-to-face with fellow Dickinsonians who are involved in a wide array of clubs and organizations. So if you’re not sure what Belles Lettres or Jive Turkeys are all about, or how to get in the Dog House, or what a cappella auditions are really like, you simply walk up to that club’s table and ask.

Just pick your passion: You’ll find sports clubs; media, performing-arts, academic and faith-based groups; community service and leadership opportunities; and special-interest pursuits, such outdoor excursions, video games, anime, social justice, cycling, DIY culture, sustainability, horsemanship and much more. Many are old favorites, but there are always a few new organizations in the mix. Those making their debut at the spring fair included Project Storytime and Composed, which bring books and music to local schoolchildren, and I am That Girl, the Dickinson chapter of a national nonprofit that aims to empower young women.

While attendees learned about campus organizations, the club leaders boosted memberships and got the word out about new and upcoming activities, social-media campaigns, giveaways and social events. Many, such as Multi-Organizational Board (MOB) marketing chair Matt Wenz ‘17, used the opportunity to solicit feedback and suggestions—a huge benefit for an organization that programs campuswide movies, concerts and other live entertainment throughout the academic year, and is always on the hunt for the next big act.

Wenz, an American-studies major, worked the tables for MOB and for the Tritons, which he serves as a board member. He also is a first-year mentor and a member of the college’s jazz band and chamber ensembles.

As Wenz noted, each organization has provided exceptional opportunities throughout his time on campus. “There is so much to try and experience, and getting involved in co-curriculars and activities can truly define your experience here,” he said, “whether meeting new people, developing new interests and skills or working with others to develop something for the benefit of the campus.

“It’s nice to be able to show others how rewarding [these opportunities are], and Activities Fair is the first step in the process.”

Learn more

Published January 22, 2015