Ava Kharitou serves a volleyball during practice. Cici Stender
Cici Stender
Freshman Ava Kharitou wastes no time in finding positive experiences
On most Wednesday nights, students are winding down. For University of Wisconsin-Madison Freshman Ava Kharitou, her day is far from over. At 10 p.m., she heads to club volleyball practice, just one part of her full slate of weekly commitments.
Mondays begin with chapter meetings and a time to connect with friends. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Sundays are reserved for the volleyball court. On Wednesdays from 10 p.m. to 12 a.m., practice allows time for some professional networking for the future. Thursdays and Fridays permit rest in anticipation of the weekend’s tournaments and social events. Without discipline and a little bit of spontaneity, this schedule would not be possible, especially with the addition of academic stress.
This is just what Kharitou’s average week looks like. Yet she’s able to juggle it all.
“I even feel like I could be in more — and I know that’s crazy — but if I want it all on my plate, I can just make my plate bigger,” said Kharitou. “If I want to be involved in more, and I really am motivated by the club, I will make the time to be in it.”
Kharitou considers all of the opportunities UW-Madison has to offer to improve her social life, future opportunities and mental health. To show her commitment, Kharitou has joined four student organizations, including the women’s club volleyball team, Delta Gamma Sorority, Delta Sigma Pi Business Fraternity (DSP) and Business Badgers and Beyond.
“It’s important to me just because it shows all the different things I value. I value the team aspect of volleyball. I value sisterhood in my sorority. I value my career in DSP,” said Kharitou. “So, I guess why I really like it is because I’m willing to put in the time and make sacrifices because I’m connected to everything. There’s nothing I’m not 100% all in for and really happy about.”
Joining a club within a new environment and unfamiliar faces can be nerve-racking for students. However, according to Bentley University, becoming a part of an organization with student involvement can generate positive connections and help a new student find a sense of belonging.
“In the beginning, [joining clubs] forces you to get outside your comfort zone. It’s not like you have a friend that you already know with you. You kind of just have to meet them along the way,” said Kharitou.
Evidence shows that socialization among students “positively influences learning,” sometimes even more than a student’s in-class experience, according to Kimberely Haines. Club organizations foster the development of community and relationships with other students who share similar interests.
“I think there is a place for everyone in any club you’re at, but I’m constantly reassured that I made the right decisions to join them because everyone’s so welcoming,” said Kharitou.
Not all students have the same experience Kharitou has had and find the “perfect fit” right away. It can be difficult to find a suitable club with supportive members, which is why having many resources, like the app ClubCrush, is important to discover an array of opportunities within a campus. ClubCrush uses your personal interests and preferences to get personalized club recommendations, aiding in an easier transition for students.
“I feel like a lot of people are searching for belonging in college. That’s the goal. But also, I felt so overwhelmed,” said Kharitou. “But then I realized everyone’s in college here, and they all want you to succeed.”