Finding Your Place

Grace Larson | Features | Dec. 1, 2022

At the start of each school year, students at Stanton College Preparatory School often find themselves excited for the annual club fair. Exploring the various options can take an entire lunch period, as students study the booths displayed in the gymnasium. These activities may serve as an outlet that allow individuals to decompress after a long school day. As they connect with people of similar interests, students can express their emotions through activities that reflect their passion.

“Clubs do a good job of helping students balance out their time, and give them a stress reliever from the academic rigors they face [at Stanton],” said Student Activities Director Ms. Tangela Ennis. “It’s always good to get [together] with friends and have some fun.”

This opportunity for expression allows students to connect through a shared emotional release. The stress relieving property of clubs plays a pivotal role in the unification of the student body, furthering feelings of camaraderie and friendship. 

“[Clubs] give me a safe place to make friends and express myself. [They allow] me to [have] discussions with other people to see their interests and better myself,” said senior Kania Coman, leader of African Dance in Stanton’s Multicultural Club.

Since her time as a freshman, Coman has been given the opportunity to learn new skills demonstrating her growing talent. Clubs allow students to connect with people that share a similar drive towards a common goal. By surrounding themselves with such motivation, students push themselves to work harder and improve their skills. Additionally, it allows them to engage with their peers, forging a tighter bond as they connect over shared passions.

“[Clubs] have helped me meet new people that I wouldn’t usually talk to,” said junior Akhil Chedde. “Since we’re in the same club, we have the same interests. [The difference is in] how we express it.”

Though club members share similar hobbies, they are given the opportunity to express this love in different ways. Students promote their individuality, as they learn to personalize their passion to better fit their needs.

While clubs offer the opportunity of friendship, they also give students the chance to express their creativity. As students cultivate their own identity, they learn to appreciate their unique values and interests.