Activities Fair 2017 – A Freshman Perspective

In the early hours of a Thursday morning, the grand entrance that is Viking Boulevard is crammed with stalls showcasing plethora’s of Geneva’s finest clubs. Energetic sales pitches spill from the animated lips of club members and crowd the ears of the Freshman that were crammed into the narrow space. The vehement collaboration of hobbies and passions continues to the Geneva Commons; even more booths are displayed here and the energy has reached an exhilarating peak.

As a Freshman myself, I felt the thrill of the Activities Fair, felt the passion and elation that all the clubs were displaying. On any PLC day, I would definitely prefer to be catching up on much needed sleep, and this Thursday was no exception. However, when I arrived at the activities fair I immediately felt a new sense of ambition. I was fully prepared to put myself out there, pursue my passions, and even meet new people. All these people came out to support their clubs, to tell people about the things they’re passionate about. It was sort of encouraging to see all of the eager faces of people who had no shame in the things they enjoy.

Nevertheless, this newfound confidence and determination was immediately replaced with trepidation for what lied beyond the first stall.

As I started to move slowly down the hallway to the Commons, this anxiety turned to general exasperation. The corridor that used to emit an air of bravery and self confidence, now just seemed clamorous, disorderly, and completely unenjoyable. Everything seemed way too hot and the students that were pressed too close seemed almost sticky. The walls of the corridor suddenly felt like they were falling down on me and my peers. However, as I made my way through the swarms of students gathered in the cramped space, I picked up several flyers of clubs that seemed especially intriguing.

Out of all the clubs presented at the Activities Fair, I found these in particular the most compelling.

1)Environmental Club:
“Environmental Club is for people who love the outdoors, hanging out with friends, doing things for the local and global community, and making a difference at GHS! As a club, we do service projects, Earth Week for GHS, seed collections at Fermilab, and much more.”

This club captivated me because I firmly believe that we humans have been poisoning our lovely Earth and ruining the environment. This club is addressing that problem by raising awareness about environmental issues. Environmental Club was one of the first clubs that I picked up a flyer from, and they definitely did not disappoint. If you’re someone who cares for our environment I would absolutely give this club a try!

Where: at the Culinary Corner area of the Commons
When: 8:00 am on Thursdays during PLC time.

2)Open Studio Club:
“Open Studio has a simple purpose: to give artists a time and place to make art, collaborate with other artists, and make new friends!”

As a person who likes to consider herself an artist, this club immediately appealed to me. This club is a perfect place to perfect your art style, and a perfect club to join if you’re just beginning to get into art. Open Studio left a very warm and welcoming impression on me, so if you’re a person who is struggling with self-acceptance concerning their art, definitely got check this club out!

Where: room D162
When: every Thursday until 4:00

3)Viking Pals:
“Viking Pals is an after-school club combining students with special needs and the general student body of GHS. Come and help make it a great time for all!”

Viking Pals is one of those unique clubs that students tend to skip over in search of flashier clubs. This club will offer an amazing and memorable experience to anyone who is looking to be a leader in their community and help make someone’s day a little better. If community service and making new friends is your kind of club, then make sure to give Viking Pals a try!

Where: room B129
When: Thursday September 21st

As the fair eventually came to an end, students trickling out of the Commons and back to their classrooms, I was left in a dazed state. It may have been extremely sweaty and excessively loud, but I did learn about some pretty exceptional clubs!