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“You! Yes you! Aren’t you scared to excel?”
In today’s vocabulary, those words make people imagine crazy actions and destructive behavior, which they should perform in order to stand out from the crowd. There is nothing else in the minds of the youth to become notable than to do something out of the ordinary, something that would violate social standards and accepted demeanor.
However, within Allen’s walls, “to excel” can mean something drastically opposite, something that would make students’ lives more interesting and constructive. There are many extracurricular activities that can help each student to find his or her interest and give a chance to “EXCEL” by active participation and contributed efforts.
Through Oct. 25 any students can seize the moment to demonstrate their talent in poetry in the Creative Writing Contest. The activity was designed to encourage students’ interest in composition writing and creative thinking as well as to showcase the art of playing with words and emotions.
Christina Sewell, English instructor and the sponsor of the event, tells about the competition:
“Joining the competition, students compete for the three top places that are selected by the Committee of Iola and Burlingame campuses’ instructors. Based on the poetry quality, creativity and personal approach, judges narrow down the finalists and award them with the bookstore gift cards, as well as the letters of recognition.
She adds, “The advice that I can give to participants is to go through the drafts several times and have someone to proofread your pieces of writing. Don’t be afraid to make your work as personal as possible, to reveal your real senses and emotions.”
ANOTHER ACTVITY that encourages competitive atmosphere among scholars is the Academic Excellence Challenge Club, where students are able to expose their academic knowledge whether in one particular area or in multiple fields. The competitions consist of questions from science, humanities, history, business and many other arenas.
Todd Francis, chemistry instructor and the sponsor of the club, says, “The club’s doors are opened for everyone interested in knowledge sharing and tournament events. The Academic Challenge is a great way to be informed globally and enjoy social interaction, since all the competitions are held with other college representatives.”
One more advantage of the AECC is scholarship opportunities and awards for the top three places during the National Competition in April. Meanwhile, the first in-state competition is set to be held in October. The practices for team members have already started. Every Wednesday at 2 p.m. students gather in Room A-25 to learn and exchange information they have. Those interested in becoming members of the AEC team can attend a practice and help defend Allen’s reputation in the upcoming contest.
FOR THOSE who are more inclined toward college government, Allen sponsors a Student Senate organization represented by an Executive Board and official members. Student Council’s duty is to provide current learners with a profound social and volunteer experience, as well as to solve campus-life concerns.
Ryan Bilderback, director of student life and housing, states, “Being a part of the Student Senate, members acquire leadership and managerial experiences that have a huge impact on their career pursuits. I advise students to look at the Student Senate as the way to make a difference not only in the college, but in Iola, as well.”
To become a part of the Senate, one needs to show up in the Student Center or contact any Senate representatives directly. Student Senate offers not only participation, but also a chance to take officer positions and get responsibilities for particular work within Senate performance.
TO BE INVOLVED in the leadership experience on the international level, Allen offers Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society for students with a 3.5 grade point average and higher. The society’s mission is to help members to grow and develop through participation in conferences and community service events. PTK also offers financial aid and multiple scholarships to its members. The first chapter meeting is Nov. 13, when new members will also have an official induction to the PTK row.
Nicole Peters, Society advisor, shared her view on the Phi Theta Kappa association: “I believe in leadership and the impact of PTK on students’ outlook and career perspectives. I believe Allen residents will be able to honorably represent their academic institution with the work they will be doing at the national gatherings and forums.”
Regardless of its small size, Allen Community College provides huge opportunities for all students to be engaged in on-campus life. There are many options to get remarkable experiences and unforgettable memories. There is no better time to start this adventure and finally dare to “EXCEL.”