Campus clubs offer students connections
On-campus clubs are beginning to gather again, providing an environment for students with common interests to connect, share, and support one another. The focus is on having fun, meeting new friends and getting involved in the local community. According to Amy Baker, a therapist and head of the Trauma Support center at UCC, bringing people together through shared interests can help improve personal well-being.
“I think one of the things that people often under-anticipate is how social we are as beings,” Baker said, “One of the best ways, I think, to improve your mental wellness, is your relationships with other people and a club is a very good way to do that.”
Various group activities are already being put together by the clubs for the coming weeks and months. Events are mostly on the UCC campus but also extend to the surrounding communities. Wrestling club president Mark Hammel said that the club is hoping to participate in a wrestling tournament at Clackamas Community College on Jan. 24. Meanwhile, the Engineering club is hosting a free, open-to-visitors event where entry members will launch egg-cradles from model catapults and attempt to have the eggs land unharmed.
The Gay Straight Alliance club is hosting an event from Nov. 16 to 19. to spread awareness for the 22 trans people killed this year in the US.
“We are having a bake sale for Trans Awareness week,” said Alexander Fitzhugh, a member of the club, “We're using the proceeds to go see The Danish Girl in Eugene.” The bake sale is located in the student center from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. during the week, and will possibly include Friday.
The UCC Environmental Sustainability club is looking forward to the future and being a creative part of the changes happening on campus.
“We would like to work with facilities staff on a solar project,” said Mikayla Groothuis, the club president, “We would also like to optimize waste management procedures on campus to make them more sustainable and environmentally friendly.”
UCC clubs are open to all students looking for a group to share skills and ideas and work together on meaningful issues.
