By, Grace Shin (News Editor)

Quarter 1 has finished in the snap of a finger, and more than 20 clubs have been launched. some of which appear to be strikingly similar) leaving students clueless about indistinguishable clubs offered on campus.

During the month of August, decorative boards were displayed with information about each club offered on campus.  Students were encouraged to visit the the second floor lobby and choose clubs to join. However, the actual efficacy of these displays was questioned.

The problem of ambiguity has been underscored with students questioning the similar identities of clubs like Model United Nations (MUN) and Forensics, Art Club and Illustration Club, and Broadcast Club and Film Club. Katelyn Park, a leader of Global Issues Network (GIN) Club, commented, “For those who do not know about the difference between Model United Nations and Forensics Speech, they sound pretty much the same.” 

When asked if she thought some clubs should merge Katelyn responded, “Maybe Forensics can merge with MUN. I think they suit each other better.” Katelyn thinks there may be benefits in some clubs merging in terms of member increase and commitment, “The more people there are, the more energetic the club becomes.”

“When I went down to see the displays, the first thing that came into my mind was that there are so many clubs!” Christina Oh, Senior Vice President, echoed Katelyn’s thoughts of merging some clubs saying, “I think we should combine [some] clubs into one. We have so many clubs compared to the small student body.” She continued, “I think merging is effective for making people join more.”

Cynthia Lee, Art Club Leader, had concerns about the effectiveness of the boards, “We made a board to promote Art club, but I never went down to check. I think the majority of students think that they are too busy for a club, while others choose to go to clubs where their friends are. I think because they hear information from their friends, not a lot of people go down to check the boards.”

She suggested a better way to advocate different clubs, “We should make a digital webpage to show different clubs so that people can actually go as groups or individuals to sign up and get to know the clubs.”

Christina agreed, “My interest levels soon went down because the displays were sort of boring. I think we should have an exhibition hour for each club to introduce their objectives briefly. Or maybe have an assembly for club promotions.”

Mrs. Susie Kim, advisor of the Broadcast club and fitness club also shared her ideas on enhancing club promotion, “I think the method was good in visually informing students based on clubs, but I think we should be more specific in detail. I am a homeroom teacher of sixth grade, I once took my students to the promotional boards on the second floor, but I realized that those posters were not specific enough. They did not say whether they would be accepting middle school students. So, I was going to suggest to teachers that we need to specify the club information and recruit methods.”

Nonetheless, students are highly recommended to join clubs early in the year. Mrs. Beverly Adams, the secondary counselor said, “Colleges want well-rounded students.” She encourages students to start a club during their freshman year and continue it throughout their senior year.

“Hopefully, if you are in a club for more than three years, you will get a role of leadership,” said Mrs. Adams.

“Colleges want service, they want friendliness, and caring attributes from a student. They want a good student who is all of this, and clubs are the opportunity to tell them that you are many of them. Take three or four activities, that includes sports. Do something you truly enjoy,” Mrs. Adams concluded.