一辈子都是强盗

From admissions materials and tours to current students, you’ll hear a theme about 这里的生活:俱乐部很重要. I’m here to say that everyone is right.  

It all starts with Club Fair in the fall. It’s one of the most vibrant days on campus and a true showcase of everything that is Skidmore. The Case Green is filled with every club showing off their best projects, performances, platforms and more. 返回 students are reuniting with people they haven’t seen all summer. 新生面貌 a little bewildered, yet excited, by all the tables and large crowds. 这是一种经历.  

My first year, I came to Club Fair with a list of clubs that I wanted to join (all 130 其中 are listed online). It was very helpful, in one way, because it relieved the stress of trying to sort it all out during the fair. But … it also meant I had a very long list.  

I signed up for everything, including DJ Club, Investment Club, Entrepreneurship Club, Student Entertainment Committee (SEC) and Chess Club. Those don’t even include all the acapella groups that I auditioned for … 

Little did I know this one funky-named acapella club on my lengthy list — the Skidmore Bandersnatchers (Banders) — would become one of the most important parts of my entire 大学经历.  

It’s impossible to recap every Banders experience I’ve had. 但是，我会努力的.  

With the Banders, I made incredible memories and friendships that will last a lifetime.

I met my best friend, whom I went on endless adventures and traveled abroad with.

I spent spring break in California with my favorite people for an unforgettable moment ——在Dr. Phil show in front of a live studio audience.

I saw corners of the continent I never imagined — including Montreal, New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles — to sing at alumni events, alumni weddings even.

Sometimes, we’d even win the occasional competition or two. Celebrating those moments together as a group is a feeling I’ll never forget. 

But these moments and accomplishments are icing on the cake.

The greatest treasure of finding your perfect club at Skidmore is having a group of people you can always count on. Not only do I have fun with the Banders, but I feel comfortable opening up and being vulnerable with them as well.  

Skidmore doesn’t have 希腊 life. And I can’t say that that’s the exact reason clubs are so important, but it’s certainly a reason a lot of us are here. 这是不一样的 场景. Instead, social life here is about sharing passions and being more creative 或者一起开车.  

So, my clubs experience all comes down to this bit of advice: When you come to Skidmore, 早点出发.

It’s totally normal to sign up for every club possible and only end up going to two 其中. 这就是过程. Sometimes, you have to sample everything before you know the right social group for you. Plus, keeping your options open means taking advantage of the thousands of student-run events and fun. No matter what, I'm convinced you’ll 找到你的俱乐部. If you don’t, you’re encouraged to start your own.  

And, as you explore, don’t forget to catch an acapella show, there are six different groups to choose from (but, of course, go see at least one Banders show).