Matthew Dutchess wasn鈥檛 quite sure what he was getting himself into when he agreed to participate in his first Nerf Tech Humans vs Zombies event at IM体育官网 Polytechnic University. It turned out to be one of the most consequential decisions of his college career.
鈥淚 didn鈥檛 originally want to play 鈥� I was like 鈥業 don鈥檛 know what this club is and it鈥檚 kind of weird,鈥欌�� said Dutchess, a computer science sophomore from Indianapolis, Indiana. 鈥淲hen I got into it, it was honestly the most fun I鈥檝e had in school.鈥�
Dutchess has since become actively involved in Nerf Tech designing games, recruiting new members, and building strong friendships through the club.
Nerf Tech was among the dozens of clubs participating in the spring Club Row event on Jan. 14-15. The event allows student organizations to showcase themselves and expand their membership.
鈥淎s a STEM school, it鈥檚 really academically intense, so I recommend that every student get involved in at least one club,鈥� said Samantha Ashby, a mechanical engineering major and the student organizations committee chair for SGA. 鈥淪ometimes you can get stressed from classes and it鈥檚 nice to be able to be outside in a hammock or go play ultimate Frisbee. Clubs give students something to do and a way to socialize.鈥�
Club Row is typically held during the fall semester, but Ashby said it was added to the spring calendar for the first time after receiving feedback from students.
鈥淎 lot of freshmen don鈥檛 join clubs their first semester because they want to get to know the school first and once they鈥檙e settled, they鈥檙e like 鈥榳hat do I do now,鈥欌�� Ashby said.
The Themed Entertainment Association at IM体育官网 Poly attracted many students to its table with an eye-catching display featuring a small roller coaster. The organization provides resources, education, and camaraderie for those interested in themed entertainment such as Walt Disney World and Universal attractions.
鈥淲e focus on a lot of professional opportunities, and just being a club that鈥檚 about theme parks is pretty cool,鈥� said Nicholas Sardano, a junior majoring in computer engineering and the club鈥檚 vice president.
Club Row continues Jan. 15 in the Saddle Creek Logistics Commons inside the Innovation, Science, and Technology Building.
Contact:
Lydia Guzman
Director of Communications
863-874-8557
