‘Why not’ join? Past and present U of M students recommend clubs for freshmen

Shanna Beyer always wanted to ride horses in college, but Memphis did not have a team or club. So the now-president of the Equestrian Club at the University of Memphis and a few friends created their own.

“Because of the club, I have become much more involved in school and social events around campus to help get the club’s name out there and advertise,†Beyer said.

Getting involved on campus is the best way to get out, meet new people and create new friendships, according to Beyer.

“The sooner someone gets involved with our club, the better,†she said.

Felecia Actkinson, recent graduate and former secretary of Planned Parenthood Generation Action, said she wanted to give a voice to those who go unheard or are silenced.

“My volunteer work with Planned Parenthood helped me reach out to others,†Actkinson said.

“Freshmen should join activities and organizations that they believe in,†Actkinson said. “College is about evolving. Just make sure whatever you choose to do to stand firm in it and do not waiver in your conviction.â€

She said students should focus on their academic work first and let the extra-curricular activities form around that.

“If you can’t make a firm commitment to both your studies and student organizations without one suffering, I would not [join a student organization],†Actkinson said. “You came to college to continue your education toward your future career.â€

Kylee Todd, member of Pi Beta Phi sorority, the new member coordinator for Tiger Elite and former student government senator, has always wanted to get involved so she could meet new people.

“What drew me to those organizations was the fact that each of those organizations drew in such a diverse crowd, and we each had a way to truly contribute, not just be a part of it,†Todd said.

Through her involvement, Todd has become friends with people she otherwise would have never met, and it also helped her decide on a major.

“I say always, always, always get involved but never over-extend yourself,†Todd said. “Part of the excitement of getting involved is getting to really connect to people and contribute to the organization.â€

The Student Leadership and Involvement office hosts the “Student Involvement Fair†on the first Monday of classes in the fall semester and the first Wednesday of classes during the spring semester. Todd recommends that new students ask someone they may know who is involved with a particular organization why they got involved.

“I think personally talking to somebody you respect and asking them why they chose to get involved in that organization and the time commitment it had on them is the best route to go,†Todd said.

Todd recommends every student get involved.

“You only have a few years to ever join these organizations, so why not?†Todd said. “See what you like, see what you don’t, learn something new about campus and about yourself. That’s college after all.â€