INVOLVEMENT FAIR
For the first time in over a year, Fairfield Way was packed with students exploring table after table of clubs and organizations. UConn’s largest free event was hosted in-person once again, giving students of all years the opportunity to come together as a community and experience the Husky spirit. This was the first time most freshmen and sophomores experienced such a large event. Last year’s involvement fair was hosted online, featuring separate Zoom calls for each club. While the online event was still a great way to get to know the organizations on campus, it was not as energetic as past years.
This year’s in-person fair was a completely different experience. The air was filled with excited chit-chat as students interacted in-person for the first time in a while at such a large event. Organizations set up their poster boards and freebies in the early afternoon and stayed through dinner time, allowing students with even the busiest of schedules to attend. They drew attention to their tables by giving out candy and stickers, bringing in large props — such as a giant Pikachu blow-up costume — and showing off past projects — such as Formula SAE’s student-built car.
Divided into several different categories including academic, performance, sporting, and volunteer clubs, there was plenty to explore. The academic section featured organizations that were tailored to specific academic interests, such as the Math Club, Future Educators, and Empowering Women in Law (EWIL). Each of these organizations gave students the opportunity to interact with other students in their field of interest. For example, EWIL seeks to connect and educate women in the legal field. They host speakers, hold fundraisers, and provide resources for the Law School Admissions Test.
“EWIL is an incredible resource for anyone aspiring to go into law,” said EWIL Secretary Joanne Biju. “We bring in speakers, do workshops, and have lively discussions about our aspirations and the happenings of the world. I love being a part of EWIL because through the highs and lows, we’re always lifting each other up.”
If students were looking for a more hobby-based club, they could check out the performance organizations, such as the various a cappella groups, Page to Stage Productions, and Tap Club.
Tap Club welcomes students of all levels to participate in weekly rehearsals for their final showcase at the end of the year. “We take everyone who is willing to learn, from people that have been tapping their whole lives to people who have never tapped a day in their life,” said Tap Club Social Chair Emma Rhynhart. “We also do group bonding activities, such as Blaze fundraisers and cleaning the ice rink on campus. The people in Tap Club are like a little family, despite having known each other for only a few years or less.”
These organizations allow students to practice their craft outside of a major-based program. With over 400 organizations to explore, any student could find a way to get involved.
After a long year of Zoom meetings and virtual interactions, the in-person involvement fair was a breath of fresh air. This was hopefully the beginning of more large, free, in-person events that will be offered again to students on campus. With the return of in-person classes and meetings, the student body was excited for the future, hopefully leaving other challenges of the pandemic behind.
Photos by Meira Tompkins Written by Sydney Fournier