When I first came to Freed-Hardeman, I didn't really know what to expect from social clubs. I'd heard a little bit about them, but I wasn't prepared for the huge impact that they were going to have on my college experience.
The first couple of weeks at school, nobody on campus was allowed to talk about social clubs; everybody was supposed to keep it secret which clubs they were in for fear of early recruiting. Then we had reveal night. Everybody decked out in their club gear and rushed the Commons, jumping and shouting their clubs' cheers. Freshmen were left to figure out which club they should run with for the night, helplessly trying to make out what the crazy, painted-up people were saying in their erratic chants. Over the next few weeks, hardcore recruitment began; we had Club Mixer where we went around talking to each of the different clubs for an evening, followed by receptions throughout the week where we really got to see the different club dynamics (and eat a lot of their food). After receptions, members of each club invited new students to different club meetings, brought them to outings with other members of the club, and tried to figure out who would be best suited for their club. By the end of it all, we were supposed to know where we would fit in best and hope that the club officers agreed with our decisions. It was all kind of overwhelming.
Finally, after days of being on edge, the letters came out. Freshmen filled the Student Center, trying to get to their mailbox and to see if they were selected to join their club of choice. Some of us were ecstatic with our news of acceptance while others may have had to sadly settle for their second or third choice. All in all though, we were just glad to be a part of something.
So what is a social club? Each club has its own stereotype -- Phi Kappa Alpha is the "country one," Xi Chi Delta is the "hipster one," and so on. Basically, it's a large group of people who all somehow seem to mesh and are connected by the bond of club spirit. It sounds sort of like a sorority, right? Oh, but it's so much different.
For starters, social clubs, specifically those at FHU, are co-ed. Guys and girls are all a part of the same thing. We have our times when we separate for guys/girls devos and retreats, but club meetings are for everyone, and they're a great way to bond with everybody in the club. It may seem like just a slight difference from a sorority/fraternity, but it definitely changes the personality of a group to have mixed genders.
Another difference between social clubs and Greek life is the basis on which clubs are founded. A description of Chi Beta Chi is that "our mission statement is to provide opportunities for our members to become active socially, physically, mentally, and spiritually. Chi Beta has so many opportunities for our members to serve God and to serve others... and we seek to grow through retreats, meetings, and by being an encouragement to one another." A social club thrives when its members actively seek to encourage each other through their Christian relationships. Each club has some way in which its members are able to grow in their walks with God and put their faith into action.
Finally, a unique part about being in a social club is the deep connection that you form with other members of your club. It's not just a huge group of friends that you get to hang out with; it's like a second family. When the stresses of college life start to get to you, you can know that there are 60 other people that are willing to pray with you and help you get through it. The members of your social club are people that you can share your worst of times with and your best of times. When you are down, they will pick you up, and when you're up, they will take you even higher.
I've gotten to know a lot of my closest friends at school through my social club, and I wouldn't give that up for the world. Being a part of something so special has made my college experience a thousand times better and has really brought me out of comfort zone in some incredible ways. I am so thankful that I have a group of friends that I know I can count on, and I hope to share so many more memories to come with them as I journey through the rest of my college career.
