When the Tables Turn

From January 31 to February 1, Stockton University held its Spring Get-Involved Fair from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in A- I atrium. This is when all the clubs and organizations all advertise their groups to recruit members through tabling and the event usually takes place in the beginning of each semester. In the fall semester, my first one here at college, I was taken aback and slightly overwhelmed by all the possible teams I could join, “Should I go Greek? Maybe I should do something different and join Stockton Entertainment Team? Perhaps I could stay with my usual course and join Biological Society?” These thoughts poured through my mind and by the end of my visits to the tables, I was left with 50 pamphlets and no decision. In the fall, I decided to leave no bias and join each and every club’s email list (a decision which my piling mailbox now makes me regret) and attend each club’s meeting at least once. From there, I deduced my many club choices to just 2 to stay focused in them and still spare attention for academics, sports, etc.

Now, during the spring semester, instead of serving as the frantic freshman listening to each club’s pitch, I was tabling for Commuters on the Go and sitting on the opposite side of where I once stood. It was me who was now convincing students why my club was worth joining. The perspective had changed in less than a year and this was already evidence of me growing up. So what? I was able to learn how to convince students to join through my reflection on how others convinced me. This turned into a small learning project for me. In summary, this event was well worth attending and I would recommend it to any freshman-grad student who considers joining a club/organization.