Student Involvement Fair sneak preview: Hopkins club spotlight

There are over 400 student groups at Hopkins, many of which will be at the Student Involvement Fair on Sept. 7. We’ve highlighted a small selection here.

Tutorial Project seeks to provide a supportive environment for elementary school children through one-on-one tutoring.

“Tutorial is the only place on campus where I can be doing work one moment and then be in the middle of a cartwheel contest the next.” James Yu, 2019.

AstroJays is a student-led rocketry team that competes in the Spaceport America Cup.

“I first joined the AstroJays because of my interest in aerospace, but I soon learned that high-powered rocketry is a lot more than just building something vaguely rocket-shaped and strapping propellant to it. It involves a wide range of disciplines, from the design and manufacturing of engines to the programming of the electronics that control flight. I’m getting hands-on experience I don’t typically get in my classes.” Annika Torp, 2021.

Hopkins Women’s Rugby Football Club is a competitive rugby team.

“I joined Women’s Rugby freshman year because I wanted to push myself out of my comfort zone and try something new. Joining the team has given me a fun, athletic outlet to escape academic stress, along with a group of friends who I know will have my back both on and off the field.” Cassie Oranzi, 2021. 

Hopkins Quidditch is a fast-paced game welcome to people of all athletic abilities.

“I joined the club because when I walked past their practice, I saw them running around and laughing and it just looked like a ton of fun. I’m not a Harry Potter fan at all, but that really didn’t matter. It doesn’t matter who you are, what you like, or what you can do physically or intellectually, everyone will accept you. We’re just a bunch of weirdos playing a made-up game at the end of the day. I guess that acceptance is what I like most about Quidditch.” Jon Judd, 2020.

Notes of Ranvier is the only co-ed community service acappella group on campus. 

“The Notes of Ranvier has given me an unforgettable musical experience and a family for the next four years. From cosplay enthusiasts to Olympic athletes, Notes is a salad bowl of diversity. It pushed my comfort zone in a way no other experience on campus could.” Justin Huang, 2020.

Eclectics Dance Group is a co-ed student-run dance group that works with a variety of styles.

“After spending a year with Eclectics, I can say that it honestly exceeded my expectations. I’ve learned so much, and it’s done wonders for my stress levels during the academic year, but I would say the most impactful thing about joining Eclectics was becoming friends with the kind and passionate people that make such a student organization possible.” Julia Zeng, 2021.

Hermandad de Sigma Iota Alpha (SIA) is the only Latina-based sorority on campus.

“When I joined SIA, I was looking for a community that I could relate to in terms of my Latinx cultural heritage. After joining my precious and rare sisterhood, I found myself receiving more than I expected. I gained inspiring sisters, a strong sense of community, leadership skills and confidence in my abilities.” Kimberly González Davalos, 2019.

Out in Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (oSTEM) is a national organization that provides services and support for LGBTQA students in STEM.

“As a queer person pursuing a career in STEM, it can be daunting to seek out job and internship opportunities where I can be sure that my identity will be accepted. Being part of oSTEM has provided me with a community of queer STEM-oriented people to learn from and support, even as I go into work that has a stereotype of being competitive, cis-straight-male-dominated and unsupportive to queer identities.” Sonomi Oyagi, 2021. 

Charm City Science League (CCSL) aims to increase academic performance in Baltimore middle schools through mentoring and Science Olympiad competitions.

“I joined CCSL originally because it was the only club I found that did something related to Science Olympiad, which was a huge part of high school for me. But the most rewarding thing about CCSL is having the opportunity to interact with and mentor younger students in Baltimore and eventually watch them celebrate winning medals at tournaments after a year of hard work.” Evelyn Yeh, 2019.

Circle of Women aims to provide women access to education through fundraising for the construction of safe schools in areas with low female literacy rates.

“I spearheaded Circle of Women as [a] sophomore after discussing the global nature of female illiteracy. From that moment to now, it’s been a remarkable journey empowering our team members with unparalleled opportunities in leadership, as well as empowering girls internationally with access to schools and life skills curriculums.” Samavia Khan, 2019.

Alpha Phi Omega (APO) is a co-ed community service fraternity that volunteers on campus and throughout Baltimore.

“Joining APO allowed me to meet so many new people and become more involved around Baltimore! My connection with and appreciation of Baltimore has been strengthened by the service projects I do through APO. I’ve also been able to form lasting friendships with people and have had so much fun at family events, fellowships or even just hanging out with my big and other members.” Sofia Ryan, 2019.