Busy with projects and term papers, it’s hard to imagine NYU Shanghai students having time for much else during long academic days. However, on February 2, many students flocked to the second floor Involvement Fair, where representatives from Student Government, Student Clubs and Organizations and Community Service partners greeted them with over 30 booths worth of extracurricular groups and volunteer options perfect for filling their spare time.
A diverse student body means organizations and clubs span a myriad of interests --whether pursuing personal or professional passions, or polishing transferable skills. Students circulated the fair feeling out opportunities to build community, develop leadership skills, and work with like-minded peers pursuing mutual interests.
As they made the rounds, students signed up for arts and culture, business and technology, special interest, games and sports and even discussion groups. Whether they wanted to be part of a club or get involved with volunteering through local service partners, the fair channeled many new and exciting opportunities. Many groups centered on going green, living a healthier lifestyle, and giving back to the environment and community.
For instance, by joining The English Corner, students have the chance to promote education and interaction with locals in the greater Pudong community. Volunteers hone public speaking and teaching skills while helping adults and children improve their English. Another volunteer organization, Stepping Stones, allows volunteers to provide free English education and eye care to disadvantaged children in remote regions of China.
Students can also share their stories with on-campus clubs like Queer and Ally Society, which aims to provide a safe space and foster social awareness for student equity regardless of orientation or background. Budding environmentalists can join Green Shanghai in recycling and litter reduction as a catalyst for positive change in the city --bringing awareness of environmental issues faced on campus, in Shanghai, or outwards.
Established through a competitive process managed by Student Government, official student clubs are supported by the Office of Student Life, and also are backed by a specializing faculty or staff advisor. Whether the interest is international networking, theatre, finance, literature, robotics, or performing magic, the spirit of a unified diversity was the pulse of these collective groups.
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