Gina Nespoli
Sep 11 2006 12:00AM
Summer has come and gone. For incoming freshman and returning students at PJC, choices you are faced with can seem a bit overwhelming. Coming into a new environment with fewer friends then you are used to is not the easiest thing to deal with. Clubs are a great way to form new friendships and use leadership skills you thought you never had. There are a number of clubs and activities that are available for students, all of which are funded by student activities fees which you pay as a part of your tuition.
The University of West Florida and PJC both have what is called “Baptist Collegiate Ministries” or for short, BCM. BCM is a Christ-centered fellowship group for college students. Advised by Anthony Olesky for the past 21 years, this group has many opportunities for evangelism in the community, multiple weekly meetings, and mission trips.
On recent mission trips, BCM has been able to go to Texas and Turkey. Even though their name says “Baptist” they will not turn away any denomination of Christianity, even non-Christians. Member Justin Chavers said his favorite part about BCM was “seeing different people and interacting with them. It’s a great club to get into to meet new people and still have that atmosphere of worshipping God.”
If religious groups interest you, another is the Wesley Foundation, which also serves UWF and PJC students. The group is Methodist-based, but you do not have to be any particular denomination to be a part of the group. Students are offered opportunities for growth through leadership positions as well as Bible studies, retreats, mission work, and other forms of ministry. Sandra Davis and Charlotte Sweeney are the co-sponsors.
The Student Government Association is a national organization that holds conferences at state capitals for serious government issues affecting students. Last semester, the PJC SGA went to Tallahassee for the annual conference and talked about a number of topics, including the passing of certain student-centered bills. Being a part of the SGA is an opportunity to sharpen your leadership and public speaking skills.
“It’s a great way to sharpen your leadership skills,” said Cyndy Williams, the current-President of SGA on Pensacola campus.
If public speaking and religious clubs are not your ‘thing’, PJC offers the Literary Round Table (LRT) club. Organized by Caroline Dreyer, LRT fits just about everyone. They are currently in the process of recruiting new members and establishing a staff for their upcoming issue of “Issue.” The publication is their number one project, a literary and art magazine completely filled with student artwork, poetry, and short stories. It competes every year against community and junior colleges across Florida.
“The LRT provides an arena for student writers to meet and further develop their craft,” Dreyer said. LRT meets Fridays at 1 p.m. in Room 416.