By Manuela Lopez
Even with the virus going on, and PHS students continuing to learn from home, it is still very much possible to still join clubs. PHS offers a wide variety of clubs to choose from, and one is certainly a right fit for whatever interests are out there. There are tons that are available just waiting for new members, including DECA, NOH8, FACS, and many others! There are still so many clubs to choose from and they are around. PHS offers a vast variety of clubs that could fit anyone’s interest.
Actually, there are too many to bring to light in this article, but here are a few. [See the end of this article for a list of all clubs, their Google Classroom codes and meeting times.]
The Girls Who Code Club is not just for girls. It is “gender oriented but not gender exclusive,” said club advisor, Mr. Suarez. This club teaches coding but also offers a place for students to play video games and compete in many different genres. The Girls who Code Club is one of many that is ready for your arrival, they have activities to satisfy the most competitive of players out there! However, gaming is just for fun, learning to code can actually introduce you to a whole new world of creating apps.
Looking for a club to better your future? Then why not join STRIVE? Strive asks what you are prepared to do to get the most out of school by getting the most out of yourself. Getting better grades in school is only the beginning. Whether it be helping with grades or help your peers want to better themselves then this might be what you’re looking for. Club advisor. Mrs. Jose said, “The comradery that is built in STRIVE helps students have fun while the strive to do their best.”
During the pandemic we have all been home more, streaming more television, and eating more too. On the prowl for baking and cooking? Then join the FACS club. Learning to cook and get the most out of your food is the best way to have fun with friends. When we are back at school, then you can even bring in some of your creations. What a great time to improve or create a new skill or hobby, cooking. They even do community service to help others in Passaic.
This distance learning has made us all a little bit more nervous. What better time to learn to deal with stress than during a national lockdown pandemic? There is even a club for that. Want a peaceful state of mind? Meditation club is there to melt your daily stresses away. People can learn to be more effective in the outside world, by first looking inward. We can all use a little more peace right now, so join up!
Looking for a community to be accepted, no matter who you are? Then why not join NOH8 club, where you can be you. There is a lot of hate in the world, and people can and should learn to accept others, no matter what they look like or what they believe. Diversity starts with an understanding of others and looking past what makes us different, to what makes us the same.
Looking to dive into a new culture, or celebrate one that you are already familiar with? Then join the French or Japanese Culture clubs! The French club is a celebration of all things from France and the rest of the French speaking world. France has a lot to offer, (other than fries that is) and the French Culture Club is the place to start! Food, music, movies and language from France is a great way to make new friends and learn something new.
Like anime or Godzilla movies? How about Nintendo or Playstation? Maybe you are into Pokemon or YuGiOh? What do all of these things have in common? They are all part of the Japanese culture and so they are also part of the Japanese Culture Club. Another way to share interesting and different cultures with new friends is to join this club, where movies, shows, comics, books and even video games are shared and explored with others. What a great way to make friends during this lock-down time. You know you will be watching these shows anyway, why not share it with your friends?
If you are just so sick of being cooped up inside, the gardening or hiking clubs are also still available. Take a hike or learn how to have a green thumb! There is no better way to forget that you are cooped up than by going outside!
The coronavirus does not have to be an excuse for you not to join a club. There are so many options, with friends to be made, waiting for you. It is worth the effort and more fun than you can imagine. Not only is it fun to be joining these group activities but it’s bound to benefit you. You can learn new skills and it’ll look great for college. If you set your mind to it you can even one day lead one of these clubs. It’s never too late to start either.
There is bound to be a club that’s the right fit for you. So why not join one sometime? See you all back at school, SOON.
