Clubs help students develop new skills

During your college experience, it can seem overwhelming with the number of possibilities. Between all the people to meet, classes to take, and places to get involved on campus, there are a lot of choices to make when deciding your schedule. JJC offers 37 different clubs and activities for students to join, so there is something for everyone. Partaking in college clubs and organizations alongside your academic responsibilities allows practice for not only discipline, but also time management. This is a handy skill to have, and it’s one that future employers will be looking for after graduation. But more than just time management, students can diversify their skill sets through different clubs. For example, students joining an art club, regardless of major, have a space where they can grow their art skills. In these spaces, students are able to become more collaborative as well as make new friends with other students. Friendships form effortlessly when you share similar interests or passions with like-minded peers. Clubs and organizations allow students to branch out and meet other students outside of their immediate social circle. Aside from the skill-building and potential for personal development, joining clubs in college is a great way to make memories. It’s a chance to open up and try something new. These activities can break up long blocks of study sessions and can add something to a regular school week by adding something new to look forward to. It’s important to keep students’ mental health in mind, and a study done by The University of San Francisco shows that 64 percent of graduating seniors and 78 percent of club advisors felt the club made a difference on their campus. Club members felt that mental health advocacy, safe space, and knowledge building were the most enjoyable aspects of the club. And while students’ mental health improves, so does their confidence. Students who successfully balance a full plate of academics and extracurricular activities come away from the experience with a stronger understanding of their capabilities. This helps students build up the selfassurance needed to take on more challenges. Overall, clubs benefit both students and the community as a whole.