Choosing to attend a community college is a multifaceted decision that offers education at a reduced cost, a flexible schedule, and the ability for personal growth. Despite the benefits of attending a community college, being a commuter student can be pretty alienating.
Typical college experiences like a roommate, or living independently generally do not exist at a commuter school. When classes end for the day, many students flow out into the parking lot, rather than staying on campus with friends or classmates.
As a result of these campus culture differences, it can feel like attending community college is a tad isolating. Getting involved with the clubs at Bucks can be a great way to combat these differences.
Three clubs on campus, the BC3 Music Society, the Chess Club, and the Biology Club, are all available for any student to join. Despite the broad range of interests and missions associated with these clubs, a common theme seemed to emerge: the need for members.
Clubs and organizations are made great by the community that supports them, and what club wouldn’t benefit from a little more support?
For the music lovers, the BC3 Music Society presents a unique opportunity to hone your craft- without the pressure of taking dedicated music courses. Club President Sophia Derstine made it clear that BC3 is a melting pot of musicians of all types.
The current club is made up of 30 plus singers and instrumentalists. Throughout the semester, club members meet every Tuesday and Thursday from 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. in the music and multimedia center.
Eventually, these musicians split into smaller groups- with the end goal of forming small bands. Because the bands are formed and operated by the students, the students retain full power over the genre of music they play.
These bands will perform at 2 showcases- once in the fall, and the second in the spring. Additionally, if all goes according to plan, the bands will perform at a variety of smaller events throughout the semester. Specifically, reviving karaoke nights and open mic nights are among club goals for the year. Aside from this, President Sophie Derstine simply hopes to bring people together- possibly the most important function of a club.
The Chess Club is another organization managed with the goal of togetherness. On Mondays -Thursdays between the hours of 12:15 p.m. – 2:15 p.m., the Chess Club holds court in the cafeteria.
Unlike typical academic or service clubs, the chess club truly represents the term “social club”. The cafeteria does not have doors, but if it did, the proverbial doors would be flung wide open for new members.
No chess experience, supplies, or even knowledge is a requirement to join- everything you need will be provided by the school or by current club members.
Chess club co-President Matthew Duffin said, “This semester I’m really hoping that a lot of people make friends at this club- because that’s what it’s all about you know? Anybody can pick up and play chess, that’s the easy part.”
“The best part in my opinion is getting to know people, because that’s the connection. The connection is what you’re really doing it for when it comes to clubs at Bucks County Community College.”
The Biology Club is also seeking new members. Their first club meeting served as a brainstorming session for possible club events this year.
Ideas like fossil hunting, planter painting, trips to the zoo, trips to Longwood Gardens were tossed around. Biology club is filled with fun, friends, and applied learning of scientific concepts.
Any parties interested in Biology, or in fun, biology related experiences should contact club President Ruby Parker, or attend biweekly Tuesday meetings in the science center. Just like the other two clubs mentioned previously, the Biology Club would love to see some new faces- science major or not!