I’ve been attending Sinclair Community College since Fall 2009. Some would agree, as my fellow reporter Mike Huson would say that, “two years is in quotes.” Although I’ve been going to Sinclair that long, I’ve actually only attended the Dayton campus for about a year. Before, I went to the Courseview campus in Mason. For those of you who haven’t been to that campus, it just has two hallways; either your class is to the left or to the right.
With Courseview being so small, it was easy to feel included and to see familiar faces. It really was like everyone knew everyone else. However, coming to the Dayton campus was a whole different experience — it’s huge compared to Courseview. I think more than a hundred Courseview campuses could fit into the Dayton campus.
It was hard for me to find my place here. While everyone had a group of friends to hang out with, I didn’t have any. I might have talked to a few people in my classes, but I still felt like I didn’t belong. The hallways might have been swarming with people but still I felt like an outsider, until I joined the Clarion.
Up until then, I felt like I had no connection to the school. It was just where I went; nothing more, nothing less. Since becoming a part of the Clarion, I feel like I have finally found where I’m supposed to be. I now have a place where I can go and feel accepted and valued by my classmates.
Sinclair has many clubs and organizations to be a part of that could fit anyone’s interests and personality. For example there’s the International Students Organization, Choral Music Association, Brite Signal Alliance and many more. So if you are having a hard time finding your spot at Sinclair, I suggest joining a club or organization to help you feel more involved and more connected to the school. Joining a club or organization can provide you with many opportunities and introduce you to individuals who have some of the same interests as you. It can provide you with a place where you feel welcome and valued.
If you’re thinking, “I really don’t like to meet new people,” I was in the same boat. I’m horribly shy and have lived in my comfort zone most of the time I’ve been at Sinclair, but once I broke out of that comfort zone, I started to enjoy my time at Sinclair more. I cannot tell you how much I enjoy being a part of the Clarion and being around people that have the same interests as me, as well as those who value my opinion. I’ve only been a part of the Clarion since the beginning of this semester and in that short amount of time, I’ve come to feel much more connected to the school and to my fellow peers since joining. I’ve met many new people and know so much more about what is going on at the school. I feel like I now can say Sinclair is more than just a place I go to, now it’s become my school.