On the 12th and 14th of September 2021, James Logan held an in-person club fair after a year of virtual school. Club fairs give students the opportunity to explore their interests, develop friendships with their peers, and be a part of the Logan community.
“Joining a club brings you a sense of belonging because you meet individuals who are interested in similar things as you, which can create close bonds. It’s also a great way to explore your interests while being more involved in school activities,” said Waheda Hotaki, a junior at Logan. “Knowing that you are a part of creating and being with a group of people who are genuinely happy and comfortable with one another is amazing.”
Hotaki is already part of a few other clubs, but she recently started a new one: The Muslim Students Association, which she is president of. She hoped it would “make a difference in our community” by fundraising and educating students. Starting and joining clubs also helps her gain a better idea of what she wants to pursue in the future.
Despite successful attempts to hold a club fair in 2020, COVID-19’s online schooling resulted in its own distinct set of challenges. Many clubs had to shut down because physical interaction was required between the members. While other clubs weren’t approved because of an inadequate number of students signed up. On the other hand, Ariv Gupta, a senior at Logan and president of Outdoors Club, was one of the club presidents who continued to run their club during the pandemic. Despite the circumstances last year, the Outdoors Club made it possible to meet in person while following COVID protocol.
“Our goal is to provide students with a community where they can find solace within such a busy world. With our club, we can augment students’ high school experiences so they can truly appreciate and never forget them,” Gupta said. During the pandemic, the Outdoors Club was a great way to take a break from stressful work and school days for an hour or two. The members of the Outdoors Club continue to schedule hikes in places like Mission Peak, Dry Creek, Alameda County Trail, and more.
“People are signing up for our club now that we are back in person because we have the chance to stand in front of people and introduce them to our club. Over a computer screen, no one can convince you to join a club. It’s easy to say no and pass up on the opportunity,” Gupta said.
Gupta recognizes the influx of students in his senior year has direct causation to the end of online school. Over the 18 months of being stuck at home, many students were longing for social interaction. Even though one could spend time outdoors, there was still a sense of isolation. Seeing faces behind masks and self separation exacerbated this. Transitioning to in-person school, clubs aren’t just a way for students to be more involved in school, but they’re a way for students to form connections with each other like they used to. Through clubs, students meet many people and it’s an easy way to develop friendships.
“Our whole club is about getting to connect with people in a real fashion,” Gupta said. “So yes, I’m happy we’re back in person as it gives us a higher opportunity to really connect with people and transform their experience … our organization is starting to grow and simply getting 50 people to go on a hike or 100 people to meet outside for some other activity is very impactful and we hope to continue doing the same.”
