North Central College is home to various clubs of different interests and people. However, there are some on campus that go unnoticed or are not as well-known as others. The student activity fair, held during fall term, gives students a chance to check out the many clubs on campus.
Some of those clubs that may not garner the attention of students are OUTreach, Green Scene, There’s Something About Books, PHAME and Mock Trial. The Chronicle has set out to uncover these hidden gems.
PHAME, Positive Healthy Active Minds Evolving, has the main goal of reducing the stigma around mental health on North Central’s campus. The club holds regular events throughout the year that include letter writing to inpatients at Linden Oaks, stress-relief events and story sharing. Mikayla Strasser, president of PHAME, said she loves when “members get to share their stories and inspire others to open up who might not have done so before.”
Strasser emphasizes that this organization may be for students if they are looking for a positive and welcoming group on campus with a very flexible commitment. “I’m constantly amazed by what strong and beautiful people we have on our campus, and I love that we can give them a platform to inspire others,” she adds.
Green Scene is a volunteer and political activism club that takes a hands-on approach to tackle environmental issues. The club appeals to students involved in society and the environment, science and the environment, and the sustainable business field. President Anna Halverson said, “When planning events, we try to make sure we have programs that will be appealing to all of these concentrations, as well as students from different majors.”
In the past, Green Scene members have written to local and state representatives in regards to environmental issues.
There’s Something About Books is a club for students who are passionate about novels. The club, consisting of 21 members, gets together to discuss the latest book the group selects. In the past, members have read “The Help,” “Room” and “Wild.” The club even provides the book they are reading for members.
President Arika Falk said the pace in which they read a book is very laid-back. She also said that “everyone can relate to each other and learn from each other in some way.” Falk said being a part of the club feels like they are all a part of a family, and everyone has something to relate to. “We support each other and make sure everyone is taken care of.”
OUTreach is a club that promotes understanding and awareness of issues the LGBTQIA+ ally community face. The club is a safe environment for any student of any background. President Alex Peters: “My favorite part … would have to be the diverse groups of people I get to meet with every week and the open environment we try to create for kind and informative conversation.” Peters encourages new people to join the club for the informative conversations and the kindness of the members involved.
Have you ever wanted to act like a lawyer for a day (or term)? The Mock Trial club competes against schools across the nation with a different case they are given each year. These cases consist of affidavits of witnesses and the facts and guidelines of that case from The American Mock Trial Association. The cases they receive are usually criminal or civil.
Kyla Singleton, director of public relations for Mock Trial, said students do not need to be majoring in law because there is so much more to learn from it. “You learn how to create strategies, think outside the box while competing and it really opens up your mind,” said Singleton.
Besides traveling, meeting new people and learning about law, Mock Trial also helps build confidence. Prior to Singleton’s involvement in the club, she had to give a closing statement in the mock trial class, which is a credited course during fall and winter term. She “had a panic attack and fled the room in tears because (she) had such a fear of speaking. Now (she is) able to confidently argue with other attorneys and present five-minute openings during (their) rounds.”
