Despite the multitude of clubs offered at MECA, nobody really knows the true extent of these organizations, from the responsibility that comes with it, to the challenges that students face inside and outside of said clubs, especially when it comes to information and motivation.
Stemming from the very best intentions to connect with the community, many club presidents create their clubs with one goal in mind: to share what they love with their peers. Senior Kristabella Rodriguez, president of ASB (Associated Student Body) and the Helping Hands Club, agrees. She expressed that Helping hands, National Honor Society (NHS), and Interact Club are all outlets for her to provide a meaningful service for her community.
“[They] all represent how much I love giving back and being a part of something that makes people smile,” Rodriguez said.
Sophomore Evan Barba, president of the aviation club, adds onto this idea. He believes that these clubs among others are,“very well rounded [and] easy to follow,” mentioning how each group caters to the needs of its attendees and taking into account the general level of capability and understanding before taking action.
Even despite the initial success, some major flaws still seep through. Those who do choose to create their own clubs find their own way to meet or make an attempt towards leadership, taking chances and building their knowledge from experience.
The staff have taken notice of this too, remarking on the independence of the clubs, and their remarkable ability to be entirely student run. Physical Education and study skills teacher, Matt Johnson thinks that being the head of a club makes for good practice in leadership.
“[It’s] kind of a way to show initiative,” Johnson said.
There are many cases when students join whatever clubs they see. Senior Ariannie Avila, head of the running club, expressed her concerns over students joining on impulse. Many of the students who sign up attend very few meetings, if any.
“[Students] impulsively join clubs just to be in something,” Avila said.
As seen by the numerous advertisements and posters strewn across classroom walls, many clubs try to put themselves out there, using any means necessary to keep attendance up, but at times, none of it seems to work.
Rodriguez points out that, “we get so accustomed to posters that if they aren’t bright and [eye-catching]… nobody reads them.” The same goes for any google classroom notifications, emails, and loudspeaker announcements, as each method falls short of success as the year drags on.
Still, should the notifications work, the spread of information still leaves many students with more questions than answers. Students like freshman Jocelyn Pena dislike how unorganized meetings are.
“We don’t know when the club is going to be [held.] We don’t have a set schedule,” Pena said.
The inconsistencies in the timing of meeting dates leave many students confused and searching for clarity in a sea of missed club days and countless emails sent only moments before the start of an event. On the other hand, other responsibilities can also prevent students from making the meeting dates. Senior Julia Pollard, president of Interact club, finds it difficult to strike a good balance in time management.
“It’s hard to find a balance and find time for a club [with] a job […] and school,” Pollard said.
Among other things, several students may find it hard to offset their responsibilities in order to make space for their interests, adding to the ever-growing list of challenges. In spite of all of the difficulties that come with clubs, those in charge of them continue to put their best foot forward, taking note of the responsibilities and improvements to be made. Senior Jazmyn Meza, among other club leaders, faces challenges in keeping a club’s momentum running.
“Getting the momentum going […] You start out strong and then dwindle out,” Meza said.
With the way things are now, many clubs have found themselves attempting to keep their attendance rates up, taking in all willing members with the hope of keeping them throughout the year. Despite it all, not all hope is lost, as some students continue to be optimistic about the issues regarding the clubs, intending to combat them with a simple change of pace.
“Being a president of a club, you have to think strategically,” argues Barba.
A process by which presidents take it upon themselves to adapt and make necessary changes for the greater good of the club, ultimately reaching towards an end goal of higher success.
