Underwood Chess Club: Why Should Students Join a Student Club?

Why should you join a student club? There can be a lot to balance between classes, homework, midterms and finals, work, and other commitments. Overwhelmed by the workload, you may find yourself drifting away from your friends and social activities. Or you may have difficulty meeting any new friends. So, why should you add another thing to that long list of commitments? That is because joining a student club can impact your student experience and your future career. You will develop strengths, new skills and gain a sense of shared community with your fellow students. With a spotlight on the newly established Underwood Chess Club (UCC), I encourage all students to participate in campus activities.

By joining a student club, you gain a sense of community. Josh Kim, a founding member of the UCC, followed up on his girlfriend’s sudden suggestion of starting a chess club. Wanting to share his love of chess with other UIC students, the UCC was formed. Regular weekly meetings, for example, provide time for members to share stories, enjoy socializing, and talk about issues they are interested in. As student clubs attract all sorts of people from various majors, you will be introduced to a broader demographic than if you remain within your circle. UCC, for example, draws chess enthusiasts from all over UIC and gives you the opportunity to share your passion with others. 

“By joining this club, by meeting other chess enthusiasts, you will be in a community where you are accepted. . . By bringing in people of different levels, we hope to provide a diverse community, so more new members can come and will not be intimidated.”

You will learn to engage with a diverse group of people. Chances are the student club you choose to join will include a diverse group of people—a situation you will face in the working world as well. UCC, as a newly established club, has accepted members from all different years and chess levels. Meeting new students, making connections, and building relationships will also help you down the line when you are looking for a job. It does not only provide networking opportunities but also enables you to develop soft skills. “People skills,” which help us interact with others, are essential in both one’s personal and professional lives. It allows you to learn how different people react and respond to situations. 

Being a part of an organization allows you to learn new skills and put what you have learned into practice. Practicing for your interests helps your development, and many clubs also have coaching and training programs. For UCC, the club purposely matches seasoned players and beginners to allow beginners to flourish. In addition to in-person meetings, online Zoom meetings will be hosted during the summer for everyone to continue improving. In terms of learning, the faculty advisor for UCC is a chess master. By having many seasoned members and an actual professional chess master, the club provides growth opportunities. 

“For UCC, because our club has some members that have played chess for multiple years and also members who are absolute beginners, I hope to match the beginners and seasoned players in meetings to allow for the beginners to learn and grow with a fellow member and friend.”

Importantly, you will get a break from your studies. Concentrating on your schoolwork is important. However, giving your mind a break is also important. While participating in student club activities, you can socialize with like-minded students. It might be important to understand the underlying principles of macroeconomics or the political philosophy of Thomas Hobbes, but you can also learn valuable lessons from investing in your interests. If you want to join the UCC, don’t hesitate to contact Josh Kim at his Kakao ID, Joshkiminkorea, or email him at Joshkiminkorea@gmail.com. College is the time to discover who you are, so explore different things, invest in your interests, and figure out what intrigues you.