Reynolds Community College, like most any college or
university, has a student life. While it may not be as expansive as that of a
four-year college or university, the quality of the student life here at
Reynolds competes with that at any college or university - active, engaging,
and fun…very fun! There are many things a Reynolds student can do to be
involved on and off campus.
One of the most common ways is to get involved is through
clubs. Reynolds has over 25 different clubs, and welcomes ideas for more. There
are clubs for spiritual beliefs, hobbies/interests, advocacy, careers, academic
pursuits, honorary, and more! Some examples of current clubs include: The GSA
Club for an LGBT presence and community; The Muslim Student Organization for
all those whom share the Muslim faith or share an interest in it; The H.E.A.R.T
Service for community engagement, volunteer work, civic engagement, and active
service; Phi Theta Kappa, a 2-year college honorary society for students with
exemplary academic achievements; CACEE for those interested or pursuing careers
in culinary, pastry, or hospitality fields; and the Anime Club for those whom
share an interest in Japanese animation. If a student finds that an existing
club does not fulfill their interests, then they can contact the Office of Student
Life to suggest a new club that suits such interests.
Besides clubs there are special leadership programs students
can be involved in. One of these is JSR LEAD, which is jointly run by First
Year Initiatives and the Office of Student Life. The program starts in the fall
semester, where a student applies and interviews for the program; expressing
their interest and motivation for such an experience. JSR LEAD continues from
the fall into the spring semester where selected students participate in
leadership and teamwork activities, assessments to get to know themselves
better (such as personality tests), and a leadership course. It is an amazing
experience that builds leaders.
Another leadership program Reynolds hosts is the Student
Ambassador program, which is a paid position. Students apply and interview just
as they do for the JSR LEAD program, and those selected undergo training, work
SOAR orientation sessions, represent the college at events, and staff greeter
tables at the start of every semester.
Finally, for those students whom are interested in
government, leadership, or politics in general there is Student Senate. A
student must apply and interview to participate. Those selected serve as student leaders that
represents their peers to college officials. They conduct surveys, investigate student
issues, and address those issues with college officials. Reynolds’ Student
Senate members have been responsible for many student-related changes on
campus, for which many of their peers are grateful.
In conclusion, there is a key concept I want all Reynolds
students especially to keep in mind. All these activities at Reynolds are like treasures
in a box. If you want to be involved, then reach out and open the box, and those
treasures will be revealed to you. Although being successful in academics always
comes first, choosing to get involved in student life activities will enrich
your college experience and open many doors! From my own personal experience I
can say that there are an abundance of exciting, engaging, and fun student life
opportunities waiting for you. Why not get involved the Reynolds Way?
Reynolds student Dylan Chaplin - Dylan is serving as a PR Assistant this summer as
well as a Student Ambassador in the fall. He also
served as the Vice-President of The H.E.A.R.T Service, which is a community
service and civic engagement club designed to create connections between Reynolds
and its surrounding communities. During his first two semesters at Reynolds he
successfully completed the college's Leadership Program, JSR LEAD. In his spare
time he likes to blog.
