The Fun Doesn't Stop Here

Where to continue your high school activities

The afterschool activities that keep you busy in high school don’t have to end once you exchange homeroom for the lecture hall. College may mean more hours logged with your nose in the books, but that’s no reason to give up the cause that makes your heart tick. Whatever your passion may be, read on to discover a college that’s bound to suit your interests.

Spokesperson For The Masses
If you know what’s on the minds of your peers, check out the University of West Florida, recipient of Florida Leader’s Best Student Government award. Through UWF’s Freshman Committee, you’ll wield a gavel in no time. "It gives freshman the opportunity to get involved early, and it grooms them with leadership skills," says Israel Cruz, Student Government Association president. "It also shows other freshmen that they can get involved early too." Last year, SGA reformed UWF’s grading scale, introduced a student panel to judge peer drinking violations, and launched a mentoring program for at-risk children. Contact UWF’s SGA at (850) 474-2393.

Start Spreading The News
Stetson University may be just the place to look if you have a way with words and a nose for breaking news. The Reporter staff earned Florida Leader’s Best College Newspaper award for defending its right to act as students’ watchdog and for editorial excellence. "The Reporter is a committed cadre of people who are passionate and eager to learn," says Editor in Chief Jeff Hamrick. "The Reporter is constantly looking for freshmen who are willing to get involved and stay involved."
Hamrick encourages freshmen to volunteer as columnists, photographers, cartoonists, and feature writers. "Working for The Reporter is a great way for freshmen to familiarize themselves with the university," he says. "We host a series of writing workshops at the beginning of the year that helps to familiarize potential writers with news style and gives them an opportunity to socialize with the staff members." Visit www.stetson.edu/organizations/reporter/index2.html for more information.

Making A Scene
If melodrama becomes you, check out Florida State University’s student-run FreeWorks Theatre. Co-chair Sarah Becker says the group always is looking for freshmen involvement. "It’s a great way for new students to get their foot in the door and to display their talent to professors," Becker says. Getting to know the faculty is just a bonus, as FreeWorks members oversee entire productions by directing, acting, building sets, working backstage, and fund-raising.
The new Big Brother/ Big Sister program helps freshmen learn the ropes. "When freshmen sign up, they’re paired with older members," Becker says. "We hold a party for them to meet their big brother or big sister who will then show them where to begin and how to start getting involved." For more information, visit www.fsu.edu/~theatre/fwt_sen.html.

Do Unto Others
If helping those in need turns you on, then you might really dig Palm Beach Atlantic College. Debbie Nowell, director of the volunteer program Workship, says PBAC’s strong volunteer ethic comes from its Christian roots. "We have a belief that when you work and give back to the community, that is a form of worship," Nowell says. "Since the beginning of our school in 1968, we have accumulated a million hours of community service."
PBAC’s Workship program requires undergraduates to complete 45 hours of community service every year. "We hold a Workship project for all the new students when they attend orientation in the summer to introduce them to the program," Nowell says. "In addition, Workship provides service projects year-round for students to participate in, such as helping at the Real Life Children’s Ranch and the Cross Ministry." Contact Nowell at nowelld@pbac.edu.

Fight For Your Right To Party
     Want to continue talking on the stump, distributing flyers, and ranting at the naysayers? Then, join College Democrats or College Republicans.
     Florida A&M University is a great option for budding liberals—the College Democrats national headquarters cited FAMU as Florida’s strongest chapter. "We’re an accomplished chapter, because we try to combine student activism, political awareness, and community service," says Felicia Harvey, 99-00 president. Last year, members registered voters at Tallahassee Fun Day and sponsored a seminar to get students involved in the local political scene. "People are always invited to join or just show up at a meeting and get involved."
     If your political preference swings to the right, the University of North Florida may be the haven you seek. The College Republican Confederation of Florida cites UNF’s chapter as one of the most active in the state. "We’re successful because of motivated and energetic group members, as well as being active with the county’s local Republican candidates and branches," says Sonny Redlinger, 99-00 president. Building connections with local Republican politicians and discussing campus issues are the main goals of UNF’s College Republican Chapter. "We try to make a positive impression and encourage others to value their political ideology and realize that it’s alright to be conservative." Contact FAMU’s College Democrats at feliciaharvey@hotmail.com. For more information College Republicans at UNF, visit www.unf.edu/groups/collegegop.

Just Call Me Einstein
So, your GPA is off the charts and you love hanging around with other brainiacs? Then consider St. Petersburg Junior College at the St. Petersburg/Gibbs Campus, home to a renowned Phi Theta Kappa honor society chapter. "Our chapter itself has the benefits of being able to get involved on campus while preparing ourselves for the real world and making lifetime contacts," says Lee Palmer, Eta Nu chapter president.
PTK members attend conventions and serve the community through various projects. "We participate in Habitat for Humanity, the Ronald McDonald House, and we work with children at a local elementary school," Palmer says. "As a group, we love to do fun things together too, such as have beach parties and go on camping trips." If you have questions about SPJC’s Eta Nu chapter, e-mail Palmer at plpalmer@hotmail.com or visit www.ptk.org.

Ready, Set, Debate
Is it in your nature to argue? If a good debate really makes your blood flow, then check out the University of Florida’s Debate and Speech Team. Cited as one of Florida’s strongest forensics teams by the National Forensics Association, UF’s debate team does more than just compete—members become part of a family, and freshmen are always invited to join, according to Danielle Malow, 99-00 individual events captain. "Books of detailed advice and sample speeches are given to new members, as well as a series of workshops which are held in the fall," she says. In addition, peer coaching is a way for old members to take new members under their wing. Malow attributes the strength of their chapter to the unity of the group. "We are a small family in a big university, and we are friends in addition to teammates." For more information, visit http://grove.ufl.edu/~debate, or contact Malow at Charleymoo@aol.com.