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Clubs offer boost to social life and resume

Caitlin Dutt

St. Thomas University hosted its bi-annual Clubs and Societies Fair January 23. The university’s 1900 students had the chance to explore opportunities on campus that can help them explore their interests, meet friends, and bolster a resume.

Meghan Coughlan, a student and member of the St. Thomas University debate society, sees clubs as a welcome addition to her university lifestyle.

“It’s an hour and a half every week of exploring my interests more and collectively talking about the things that interest me.”

She joined the STU Debate Society last year after she saw the society’s booth and decided to join. Now, as part of the society, she travels to debate competitions and participates in weekly practice debates with other members.

Meghan Coughlan  is happy she joined the STU Debate Society this year because it helped her find a space to practice her interests outside of class. (Caitlin Dutt/AQ)

She says it’s great break where she can get lost in her interests.

“It’s something outside of your school work.”

Emma Ramlakhan, another student at the clubs and societies fair, has seen the benefits of clubs first hand and that’s why she’s back there again to search for more clubs to join.

Before she joined clubs, she felt sad and isolated, especially going into the winter months. Clubs helped her gain a support network and go out more.

Sororities, such as this one at the fair, are a great place to meet friends and participate in activities such as movie nights.   (Caitlin Dutt/AQ)

“I feel far more comfortable. I feel way less stressed. I’m a lot happier. So I really feel like joining these clubs and going out and doing stuff with them has made a difference.”

But, clubs might offer more than just an easy way to meet people with the same interests as you and get out.

Trish Murray-Zelmer, STU’s employment and financial aid coordinator also insists clubs aren’t just for emotional and social support. They can be great for your resume.

“It shows leadership skills,” she says. And these proactive skills can look appealing to potential employers.

Matt LeBlanc, St. Thomas University Student Union’s Vice President of Administration oversees clubs and societies at St. Thomas University. He says clubs can help with resumes and scholarships.

“[Clubs demonstrate] to potential employers that you have passions for causes or topics and are willing to use your talents to the fullest to contribute to the community.”

Whether you’re looking for a break from school, looking to meet new people, or a way to enrich your resume, the clubs and societies fair was the place to be at St. Thomas University.