Finding your place on campus

Religious and cultural clubs can benefit student life

Lucas Hodson / Asst. News Editor / The USD Vista

It can be challenging for students to find a group where they belong, but religious and cultural clubs can help many grow and be a part of a community that reminds them of their roots. It’s possible for both new and returning students to have issues making friends and finding people to do activities with outside of school. In a smaller school of just over 5,500 students, it can feel like everyone already has a tight-knit friend group. 

Clubs such as the South Asian Student Alliance, InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, and Filipino Ugnayan Student Organization, give students a place to learn, grow and find people with similar backgrounds and faiths.

USD junior and president of the South Asian student Association Siddarth Sethi believes the club is a place to share and learn about each other’s culture. 

“It gives us a place to share each other’s cultural backgrounds; it’s like a second home,” Sethi said. 

The South Asian Student Association had been dormant for a couple of years because all previous leaders graduated, and not enough members could continue to keep it running. It was not until Sethi started it back up with the help of Associate Student Government (ASG) and Student Life that SASA returned to campus. The club is still in the process of getting approval, but they are planning on celebrating events such as Diwali or the Festival of Lights, which might include candle making, food and other activities. 

While cultural and religious clubs are mostly filled with people of the specific culture, anyone can join them. This can lead to a better understanding and appreciation of other cultures, religions and backgrounds that would not be known otherwise. 

Emma Shenk, Vice President of InterVarsity, spoke about the benefits of getting involved in religious and cultural clubs. 

“If you’re wanting to learn more about somebody’s culture that is not your own, I think that there is a benefit to attending clubs that are run by people who have different backgrounds than you.”

Shenk added that being in the club enhanced her religious connection because, before, she had always been Christian because of her parents. Now she finds her meaning in religion and gets to share it with others. InterVarsity has weekly Bible study and other monthly service and social events.

For students who were not raised in San Diego or other nearby areas, finding a “second home” can be very beneficial. Being at home often provides a level of comfort, and when moving to a different state or even hours away, it can take that solace away.

“It gives them a place to let loose and feel like they are back where they grew up,” Sethi said. 

Whether it is from a religious community or a social club, having support can help ease the transition from leaving home. Most clubs host weekly meetings and monthly events, but many students get together even when they are not meeting for the clubs. More than just comfort, these communities help students grow and learn more about their culture or faith. 

USD sophomore and member of the Filipino Ugnayan Student Organization (FUSO)Ian Zhang believes that joining the club has allowed him to grow and learn more about a culture other than his own.

“It really opened my eyes because I am not Filipino, but I’ve enjoyed learning about other cultures, and gathering in similar communities.”

For most students, college is the time to learn more about oneself. It is the first time that they are away from home for an extended period, and they have the freedom to do what they want. 

Finding clubs can enhance students’ identities and teach them more about their culture and different religions so that they can learn beyond what they learned from their families.