How to Choose a Club (or Ten)

When you first arrive at Barnard, it's a whirlwind of excitement. I know that in a school with so much to offer and so much to do, it can be hard to find your “thing.” But trust me, there are so many opportunities on campus that there is no way that you won't find something you are interested in.

Here at Barnard, we have many student groups that are involved in theater, a cappella, student publications, and even a cool radio station called WBAR. (A friend of mine has her own radio program at 8 AM!) There are many more clubs that are focused on certain subjects such as cultural groups, dance, and sports. We have our McIntosh Activities Council (McAC) that students can join in order to have a say in some of the activities that occur on campus.

So how do you choose a club at a place where there are so many options?

I had the same question when I got here. I got here and had no idea what to join. I didn't even get involved in many activities until second semester of my first year. But eventually I found the Barnard Organization of Soul Sisters (BOSS) and the Black Students’ Organization at Columbia. I am very interested in my culture so those were perfect fits for me. I also got involved with Barnard Babysitting, as I have always adored children. I found something I loved to do and made it my own. This year I got even more involved by applying to be a Barnard Student Admissions Representative (BSAR) and continuing to babysit. 

Barnard activities fair

What I realized is that when you come here there are so many things to do, but that does not mean they are all the right things for you to do. So what do you do? You find a club that is the perfect fit for you. If you are a writer then you should join a publication on campus, if you are a dancer then join one of the various dance groups here, or maybe you are really into French and want to join a French group at Barnard. Barnard is the place that you find yourself at, and a club can be an important stepping-stone for integrating oneself on campus. And remember, it can take time to find something you're interested in. Don't feel overwhelmed and think that you have to everything or nothing at all. When you get here, come to a club/activities fair and find your own niche! It will be worth it!

Marquita

Hints that Barnard was "The One"

Name: Marquita Amoah

Class: 2016 (Sophomore)

Hometown: Bronx, NY

Major: English

Clubs/Organizations: Barnard Organization of Soul Sisters (BOSS), Barnard Student Admissions Representative (BSAR), Barnard Babysitter. Intern at a NYC-based fashion company. 

I like to tell people that Barnard was my first choice before I knew it was my first choice. My college application process was very democratic in the sense that all of my colleges were good fits for me, but Barnard was working its magic early on. There were a few hints that Barnard was the place for me. Let me elaborate: 

Down time in Union Square Park

Hint #1: The summer before my senior year, I worked very close to Morningside Heights. I used to take lunch breaks and use them to walk through Morningside Park and up onto Columbia and Barnard’s campuses. I would walk around examining and testing out the area. But guess what: I hadn't even decided at that point that I wanted to apply to either college. My body was just drawn to the area.

Hint #2: During August before my senior year of high school, I started my Barnard application. It was a hot day and I was sitting next to my mother on the bed as she watched TV. She asked me what I was typing because I looked so happy; I told her I was writing my application to Barnard. The questions were so interesting and I enjoyed answering them so much that my mother could see it in my smile. It was the first college application I completed.

Hint #3: I came to visit Barnard in October of my senior year and had an amazing experience. I had an excellent and met two really cool girls and hoped they would get into Barnard with me. (I had amazing confidence!)

With two of my closest Columbia friends since day one.

Hint #4: The admissions officer of my area called me saying she was missing a paper from me and we ended up talking for twenty minutes about my school. It was amazing!

March 23^rd 2012: I got into Barnard!!! Yay! When I called the admissions officer to tell her that I got in, she said she was ecstatic and that she knew Barnard was great for me. I accepted my admission the next day.

Hint #5: When I came to visit Barnard it was also open house for Columbia as well. Remember the two girls I spoke about earlier? Well when I was at a talent show held for all the prospective students of the university, I saw the two girls. They immediately recognized me and told me that they were going to Columbia College. I told them I was going to Barnard and we all jumped in joy! Up to this day, they are two of my best friends.

Barnard was the place for me before I even realized it. It found a way to allow me to make connections and feel welcomed before I enrolled. No other college did that for me. Barnard is the place for me and I hope it is for you too!

At this year's Kwanzaa Ball