Fair Highlights AACC Clubs and Organizations

Students at the (AACC) campus became reporters for a day as they interviewed after-school representatives last week during a Student Fair at the Student Union Dining Hall (SUN).

“This medium allows the opportunity for students to network with the faculty,” said Chris Stork, director of Student Life. “It’s also a great way for clubs to promote themselves.”

As many as 40 clubs and organizations attended and Stork emphasized the event was close to her heart since after-school activities play such a crucial role in social and career development.

Some of the groups represented include:

• Teach Institute
• Chemistry Club
• Japanese Language Club
• Anime Club
• Students Talking Awareness Against Tobacco (STAAT)
• Amaranth Literary Magazine
• Military Veterans Resource Center
• Hispanic Student Association

“Clubs allow you to feel part of the campus,” she relayed. “They also look good on resumes. As an employer, I would rather higher a well-rounded graduate than one without any involvement.”

Colin Gallagher of Stevensville spoke to Paul Carrington, vice president of the Entrepreneurs Club about the possibility of opening his own franchise some day.

“I want to own my own business,” Gallagher said. “I want to be my own boss.”

Thomas Callahan II, of Denton, was also seeking a club that might aspire his future career. Callahan wants to work as an EMT.

“I don’t want to sit in an office,” he said.

Callahan spoke briefly with Megan Miller and her sister, Shauntelle Miller, president of Baptist Campus Ministry, about his interest in music.

“We need musicians to help with worship services,” said Shauntelle Miller. "If you have a talent, we would love to have you share it.”

Megan Miller agreed that the aim of the ministry is to “share God’s love in a positive way.”

Schools for Schools had a mission as well─to rebuild schools in northern Uganda, an area that has been devastated from a war lasting two decades.

Passersby could listen to a 30-second video tape about how children in northern Uganda are forced to fight at a young age. Invisible Children aims to confront this atrocity. 

“This is one of the biggest criminal injustices going on in the world,” said Megan Man, president of the AACC branch of Schools for Schools. “They are kidnapping children.”

According to their mission statement, “Invisible Children uses film, creativity and social action to end the use of child soldiers in Joseph Kony's rebel war and restore LRA-affected communities in central Africa to peace and prosperity.”

See an Invisible Children Tony Screening of the Uganda conflict Nov. 8 from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Pascal Center.

Political causes like Schools for Schools are the basic premise behind the Young Americans for Liberty (YAL).

“We don’t like wars,” commented Kyle J. Prescott, YAL member.

According to the Facebook link, YAL seeks to recruit, train, educate, and mobilize students on the ideals of liberty and the Constitution.

“People don’t realize they need to be more involved in government,” added YAL member Lauren Calloway. “Have some knowledge about our system.”

The next YAL meeting is Sept. 13 at 5 p.m. in CRSC 214.

Another way to stay involved in governmental affairs is through articles and editorials in the Campus Current.

“Getting new writers is definitely a focal point for this semester,” said Lenny Turner, editor-in-chief.

Writers and photographers cover AACC administration, sports, arts and entertainment, science and technology, crime, and more. Visit the Campus Current website or stop by HUM 208A for more information.

Anyone interested in joining clubs and organizations at AACC can get more information on the Student Life website.

Editor's note: Patch contributor Laura Wilson is an employee of Anne Arundel Community College.