Community leaders in the making: Students benefit from college organizations

Numerous articles have been written extolling the merits of becoming involved in student organizations while attending college, but do local college students agree?

As senate president of the Collin College Student Government Association (SGA), I have the opportunity to develop leadership skills and practice public speaking, said Nicole Luna, who plans to earn an Associate of Science degree in Spring 2023 and ultimately earn a Ph.D. in Psychology. At conventions, I speak to others from colleges throughout Texas. Joining this organization has impacted my future because I am interested in politics, and now I have a greater understanding of the government system and how it works.

The college offers more than 50 student organizations in a variety of topics including academics and honors, community service, hobbies and social, identity and cultural, sports, performing arts, politics and social action, student government, and religious and spiritual.

With good time management, students can join a club they are passionate about, Luna said. Its important because you meet people who share your passion and develop your character.

Future benefits

Wylie resident Francisco Martinez said his experience as SGA parliamentarian will continue to impact him in the future.

It is a great way to know what is going on and to network. When I attend The University of Texas at Dallas (UTD), I will already know students from Collin College who are going there, said Martinez who is planning to earn a Collin College certificate in computer science and information technology and a software engineering degree from UTD.

A veteran who served in the Navy for eight years and current IT technician in the Reserves, Martinez also helped found the Student Veterans of America organization at Collin College.

As a veteran, you are interacting with students who are five to 10 years younger than you, and it is helpful to be around other veterans. In high school I wasn't very involved with clubs, and I wanted to get involved in college, he said.

Clubs for new careers

According to Karina Taylor, interim program director and professor of Veterinary Technology, the Veterinary Technician Student Organization (VTSO) was founded in May 2021 exclusively for Veterinary Technology students.

Students in this organization gain a sense of community within the profession of veterinary medicine, Taylor said. It encourages learning and academic excellence outside of their normal class schedule. The organization also benefits the community by hosting several philanthropic drives annually.

 

Like Luna, VTSO president Alyssa Rehm said she has honed her public speaking and leadership skills.

I attended our programs advisory board meeting and spoke on behalf of our club about a veterinary conference this past year which gave our members a unique experience to test newly obtained knowledge, said Rehm who is planning to earn an Associate of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology this spring. Being involved in student organizations is a great way to meet others who have the same interests.

To learn more about Collin Colleges student organizations, visit https://collin.campuslabs.com/engage/.

To apply or register for classes at the Wylie Campus, visit www.collin.edu/campuses/wylie.

Photo by Nick Young, Collin College photographer.

Reprinted with permission from Wylie The Connection magazine.