Towards the end of each semester, I enjoy reflecting on my level of involvement in Saint Louis University (SLU) activities outside of classes. I ask myself if I had enough time to perform well academically and if I had enough personal time for relaxation and entertainment. If either of these requirements are not met, I try to decide which extracurricular activities to cut from my schedule in the following semester. This semester, I have engaged in several new clubs and activities, mainly because I have a little extra time as a senior. I plan on attending medical school next fall, so this year feels like my last chance to explore multiple unique interests outside my field of study. Trying out new activities at SLU this semester was a great decision because it allowed me to connect with new people, learn more about the world and different academic fields, apply my pre-med knowledge and, most importantly, have fun.Â
SLU’s Mock Trial team is mainly popular amongst Pre-Law students, so I definitely did not expect to be a member during my college experience. This club involves participating in trial simulations where your team plays the roles of attorneys and witnesses in a case and competes against other colleges. I was mainly interested in this club because the case for this year involved a fictional flight company being sued for negligence. I’m currently working on my private pilot license, so I enjoyed playing the roles of expert aviation witnesses. One of the defense theories is that the negligent pilot in the case was on a certain antibiotic that may have caused him to have a retinal stroke during the flight, so I was able to play the role of an MD/PhD witness to utilize what I learned in my medical and biology classes. I also played the role of a plaintiff attorney during the most recent tournament and further strengthened my belief that medicine is the right career field for me. So far, the team has been to invitational tournaments at Washington University in St. Louis and Central College in Pella, Iowa. One of the biggest perks that I have found in this organization is traveling since I have always enjoyed it.
Another club that gives me the opportunity to travel is SLU Model United Nations. I recently participated in a United Nations simulation in Chicago with some members of the club and had a wonderful time learning about diplomacy and foreign relations as well as exploring the city. Once again, this club is not popular amongst Pre-Med students, but I found it beneficial because it helped me become more culturally competent and aware of global healthcare issues and differences in policies. It is also a great way to practice public speaking and work with other people to create solutions efficiently. The club plans on going to New York and Virginia next semester, so I hope to still be participating in this group.Â
I wouldn’t be writing this article now if I did not join Her Campus SLU. Despite the potential implications of the club’s name, male writers are allowed, which was intriguing enough for me to try it out. The club has no direct relation to medicine, but I believe the writing skills I have developed because of this club will be useful in the future. Also, there was a lot of freedom in what I could write about, meaning I was able to publish articles on interesting psychology topics like mindfulness and the relationship between listening to music and academic productivity. The club also has fun bi-monthy meetings where writers can brainstorm topics together, talk about life and destress with fun activities. It’s been a wonderful community to be a part of.Â
Trying new things at SLU can be a little scary. You may have to put yourself a bit out of your comfort zone, but it’s definitely worth exploring. Who knows? You might find something you’re really good at. It’s also never too late to pick up a new hobby or skill. Also, no one will blame you if you decide to quit a club because you don’t have time for it or it isn’t quite what you expected. While I think college is mainly for the purpose of further educating yourself for a future career, it is also an opportunity to discover more about yourself and connect with people of various backgrounds and interests. The best way to do this is to try something new at SLU.Â