Has anyone ever told you that you need to be an extrovert or outgoing to join a club? Well, I’m here to bust that myth — not with the overused phrase “there’s a place for everyone,” because let’s be honest: life is truly not that black and white. The pressure to define yourself in clear-cut terms can be daunting, to fit yourself in one specific box and feel the need to stay there because you’re afraid of the change that may come from exploring a new part of yourself. I know, because I’ve been there. I thought that freshman year would define me, but over the course of my three years, I’ve learned just how much room there is to grow.
The amazing thing about Hopkins is the breadth of options. Whether you’re setting foot on the courts for your first Student Involvement Fair (SIF) in the fall or wandering around two years later as a junior, new opportunities will always be available right before your eyes. Clubs here provide a unique experience to dabble in sports, service, discourse, debate and countless other areas to get involved in that you may have never imagined.
Here's what I've learned: You don't need to have it all figured out before getting involved. The real key is curiosity. Even just the small spark of an idea to put yourself out there is enough. Having the confidence to ask “Could I belong here?” is a powerful first step. Even taking a minute to reflect on whether a group has passions that resonate with you can be what motivates you to get involved. No matter if you're loud, observant, creative or athletic, groups often thrive off the diverse student body who contribute different strengths to the table.
That’s why I want to emphasize the importance of the process of taking steps to see what works for you. College is a time for finding yourself, for not locking into one identity that doesn’t feel right or complete. Take these next four years to explore, as life on Homewood provides ample opportunity to try out different experiences, to settle into what feels best, or to break out of your comfort zone when you’re ready.
So, how to get involved?
Like I mentioned before, SIF is a perfect starting point. Even if you already have a club in mind, another booth may unexpectedly spark your interest. For example, maybe you’re pre-med and you want to join a service organization. At the fair, the floor will be divided into sections, and you can explore the service area to see what each club has to offer. Signing up isn’t binding; there’s no pressure to attend the general body meetings of these clubs, just put your name on the list, and a new door has opened for you to step through if you decide. I still get emails from countless clubs I either never attended meetings for, or attended one and decided it wasn't right for me. Sometimes the first info meetings are useful, so I would recommend attending before you close the entryway fully.
When you’re at SIF, keep an open mind. If something sounds interesting but doesn’t fit your current schedule, ask yourself if you will be able to try and attend in future semesters or if there is a different way to get involved. Don’t be afraid to reach out to the officers; they’re there to help the club thrive and will be eager to talk if you show interest.
Another great resource is HopkinsGroups. This website provided by the school is the main forum where all clubs list their events, and you can see what’s going around on campus each day.
And remember, there’s no lifelong commitment to any of these organizations. If you decide one day you want to change your extracurricular trajectory, that’s okay. As I mentioned, college is a process of trial and error. The most crucial part is allowing yourself the ability to explore.
Talia Lehrer is a senior majoring in Neuroscience from Merion, Pa. She is a Sports Editor for The News-Letter.
