By Jennifer McDonald
It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a lonely college student must be in want of a fulfilling extracurricular. At least, that was the case for me; while wandering the Club Fair, I put my name on nearly every sheet of paper. Being a freshman consists of feeling like you’re in the wrong place, constantly – both in terms of stumbling around, searching for the correct building or classroom, and in terms of feeling like a complete outsider, even when surrounded by other people. I needed a space where I could be myself; really be myself. Authenticity is important when you feel like you’ve been introducing yourself again and again for the past month, with the same old facts about yourself that feel so impersonal. What’s your major? Where are you from? This well-intentioned small talk had thoroughly exhausted me. I wanted to present more of myself than just these basics. I felt a bit desperate for it if I’m honest. Luckily, one of the papers I signed my name on was that of the Creative Writing Club membership sheet; and little did I know at the time, it would be just the safe haven I’d been searching for.
I still remember exactly how I felt during the very first meeting. I hadn’t laughed so hard all week. It was a feeling of total relief, being in that room. At that moment, I felt comfortable – at home, even. It was the first time I’d felt that way since arriving at Stonehill. I remember, distinctly, the welcoming atmosphere that presented itself immediately. Everyone introduced themselves, shared their favorite books and authors, and was genuinely very excited to be there. That permeable eagerness in the air is something that has remained consistent across every Thursday night meeting, and it’s what keeps me looking forward to the club every single week. When faced with mountains of homework or a class that is crawling by, minute by minute, I find myself thinking, “At least I have creative writing by the end of the week!”
And this is crucial for me; my homework is overwhelming, the social scene is intimidating, but Creative Writing is just a room full of students who want to share their little stories with each other. Everyone is on a level playing field; the writing activities we do often decide the subject for us, and we work with what we are given. Some write with a more somber tone; most people write with a more pedantic tone. However, no one is judged for what they do.
And that is so liberating. In every other space, everything I do receives a judgment value of some kind. I constantly feel like I’m being measured up in some respect. My papers get a grade, for instance. Although this can be affirming – particularly if the grade is good – it feels incredible to do something for the inherent value of doing it, and the personal happiness it brings me. For this reason, I encourage my fellow freshmen to pursue their own version of the Creative Writing Club. It’s important to feel a part of something and to feel really yourself, rather than some glossy version of yourself you must turn on time and time again when speaking to others.
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