The consensus of educational research points toward the benefits of students becoming more involved at the college. Research indicates that if you can get a student involved in extracurricular activities they are more likely to persist in their classes. Student clubs are one way to make that happen.
Sam Govea, assistant instructional dean for distance education, started sponsoring the Psychology Club when he was working in the Multicultural Center.
“I chose to be a sponsor because I wanted to be an encourager and motivator to students,” said Sam. “Also, I've always enjoyed working directly with students and I thought it would be a nice way to encourage more of them to consider psychology as a career choice. Being a sponsor gives me the chance to help students experience being leaders and creators, roles they need to experience as part of the college process.”
Over the past semester the Psychology Club has continued their Concerts in the Café series. They have had great success in turning the Treetop Café into a comfortable lounge area showcasing the talents of college musicians.
The club’s recent pizza fund-raisers have brought in more than $200 to support the club’s angels from the Angel Tree Project. The club was able to buy some great gifts for the children from the Genesis Woman's Shelter. For one little girl they got a Mio Pup and for one little boy they got a really nice Stars Jersey and a cool watch.
The club also took a trip to the Terrell State Hospital recently. Sam called it a “real eye-opener for everyone.” Terrell State Hospital has been helping the mentally ill since 1886. There were six students from Brookhaven College who attended along with students and advisors from North Lake College for the tour. After touring the grounds, everyone had the chance to visit with a patient who suffers from schizophrenia and ask questions. Sam plans to make this a yearly trip. Their donation needs have already given the club ideas for a spring fund-raiser to help benefit the patients.
There are almost 30 different student clubs operating at the college and each has a employee who gives of their time and energy to sponsor the group. Many clubs have two or more sponsors who split their time and share duties. Find out if you share an interest or inclination with students, and if you can contribute to their success in a whole new way. A full list of the current student clubs is online at the SPAR Web pages.
