Student Orgs Opens Doors to Friendships, Opportunities Beyond the Classroom

                                                                                                                                                 By Adyson Saunders

For many college students, finding a place on campus can be just as important as finding the right class schedule. At Alabama A&M University, the Registered Student Organization (RSO) Fair gave students an opportunity to do exactly that. With organizations gathered across campus, students could stop by tables, ask questions, meet current members and learn about ways to become more involved in University life.

The fair brought together student organizations with different missions, interests and goals, but they all shared one common purpose: getting students involved. For freshmen especially, the event provided a chance to see that college life extends far beyond the classroom.

Among the students encouraging freshmen to get involved was junior Caleb Davis, a representative for Freshmen Empowerment. Davis said his organization places a major focus on helping new students connect with others and become comfortable on campus.

“One thing significant about my organization is really true to our software, it’s for y’all, the freshmen,” Davis said. “I really want to get all the freshmen out here today because the cause is mainly about networking,” Davis said.

For a student who may walk onto Alabama A&M’s campus knowing very few people, networking can make a major difference. Joining an organization can give students an immediate opportunity to meet classmates, upperclassmen and other students who share similar interests.

Davis believes students should not be afraid to explore. “Once you get here, you get to find something that you enjoy,” he said.

That message was repeated throughout the fair: students do not necessarily have to know exactly what they want to join when they arrive. Sometimes, getting involved starts with simply being willing to stop at a table and learn more.

For junior Raymond Green, involvement is about more than simply meeting people. As a member of the Pre-Alumni Association and the About Youth Empowerment Network, Green sees student organizations as a way for young people to build skills and opportunities that can follow them after graduation.

“To me, the biggest part about being in the About Youth Empowerment Network is the opportunity for growth,” Green said.

The About Youth Empowerment Network was founded last spring and operates as a nonprofit organization created by young people for young people. Green said the organization works to create platforms where young people can become civically educated, professionally developed and connected to long-lasting networks.

That focus on opportunity has already made an impact on Green’s own experience. Through his involvement, he has had the opportunity to attend the National Urban League and travel to the Black Men in Tech Conference through the nonprofit.

Experiences like those show why joining an organization can become more than another activity to add to a résumé. Organizations can become a gateway to conferences, professional connections and experiences that may not happen inside a traditional classroom.

Green said his organization is also focused on creating opportunities for young people who may not necessarily follow a traditional four-year college path. The goal, he explained, is to create more pathways for young people while helping bridge gaps in civic education and professional and personal development. For Green, being involved is about building something that can continue beyond the college experience.

That same idea of growth can be seen in the experience of junior Dylan Clark, a member of Collegiate 100. Clark said his organization has helped him grow professionally while also giving him an opportunity to serve as an example for younger students.

“Something that is significant about my org is it has given me the opportunity to grow professionally,” Clark said.

But Clark said the organization means more to him than professional development. He also values the opportunity to become the type of role model he did not have growing up.

“It also has given me the opportunity to be that example to young kids that I did not have growing up in a predominantly white school system,” Clark said.

Clark’s experience demonstrates another important part of student organizations: representation. Joining an organization is not only about what they can gain. It is also about what they can give back. Being part of a group can provide students with an opportunity to mentor others, build community and become leaders for the next generation.

The fair also gave established students an opportunity to share their experiences with students who are just beginning their Alabama A&M journey. The first year of college can come with a lot of uncertainty. Students are learning new buildings, new schedules, new expectations and a new level of independence. It can be easy for a student to attend class, return to their residence hall and miss out on much of the campus experience. Student organizations can change that.

Joining an RSO can give students a reason to stay connected to campus outside of class. It can create friendships, leadership opportunities and a sense of belonging. It can also help students discover interests they did not know they had.

The RSO Fair provided an environment where students could explore those possibilities without having to commit immediately. They could ask questions, hear directly from members and decide which organizations matched their interests and goals.

For Davis, Green and Clark, the value of being involved is clear.

Davis emphasized networking and helping freshmen find something they enjoy. Green highlighted growth, civic engagement, professional development and opportunities that can extend beyond college. Clark discussed professional growth and the importance of becoming a role model for younger students.

Although each student represents a different organization, their messages point toward the same conclusion. College is not only about earning a degree. It is also about discovering who you are, building relationships and figuring out what you want your future to look like.

As Alabama A&M students continue through the semester, the opportunities introduced at the RSO Fair will remain available for those willing to get involved. Sometimes, finding your people on a college campus starts with something as simple as walking up to a table. And sometimes, that one conversation can lead to an experience that lasts far beyond graduation.

Adyson Saunders is a member of Crew 75, Alabama A&M University’s student content team.