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When reflecting back on my freshman year as a senior now, who is the president of three clubs, something I wish I could have been a part of was the club community. Due to COVID-19 ,however, this opportunity was robbed from me and so many others. So now almost four years post pandemic life it’s so amazing to see so many freshman students getting involved through clubs.
Since the school year has begun, I have first hand seen so many freshman attendants. The three clubs I am the facilitator of have an attendance of more than half the club being freshman. An obvious result of this could be the massive population of freshmen. This year there are almost 500 freshmen giving the class of 2027 almost 100 extra students compared to the three other grades. There is a visible difference seen at assemblies when the freshman class requires more room then their designated section, the hallways feeling more packed and now the freshman influence in clubs.
Club life is one of the most effective ways to get involved and build community. Being able to come together once a week on a subject or topic creates unexpected connections; an hour-long meeting a week makes a major impact. Community is a key aspect at school that needed to get revamped post pandemic.
Another huge contributor to freshman involvement stems from this year’s Link Crew, the freshman leadership program being reintroduced. Having a designated space for freshmen to feel seen and supported jump started a positive atmosphere this year. As a Link Crew commissioner and leader, I promoted joining clubs. I also know so many fellow link leaders who definitely put a bug in peoples’ ears to join clubs.
Kian Vae’ena my fellow Link crew commissioner being involved in seven clubs over the past few years has first hand seen the massive amount of freshman newcommers.
“This year in the Asian Student Union there are 10 freshmen out of the 20-30 attendances while compared to last year there were barely any.” Vae’ena said.
Vae’ena discussed how important this increase is and agrees that Link is a big factor in this change.
“Link crew leaders talking to their freshman about interests leads so many recommendation on different clubs they can join, Link crew leaders can even promote their own clubs through this,” Vae’ena said.
Clubs connections aren’t just encouraged by fellow students but even at home,
“Multiple parents at different school events have come up to me and asked what clubs can they connect their students to?,” Vae’ena said.
Overall clubs being more advertised by Link crew students, parents, and guardians allows for freshmen to be more informed and encouraged to join.
The year is only just starting off, but the increase of freshman club involvement makes me proud. The freshmen attending these weekly meetings shows the drive for wanting to build community and become future leaders.
