Just for Fun

While Penn is known for its pre-professional orientation, I am a staunch advocate for “just for fun” extracurriculars. There is obviously so much value in joining clubs like the pre-law society or consulting groups, but not every moment of your free time needs to be (or should be) spent on resume packing.

As students, we need a break from the academic grind. When I step foot into rehearsal, I forget about my to-do list for a few hours; instead, I get to sing and dance and joke around with my castmates. It’s a creative outlet that not only distracts me from impending responsibilities, but relieves my stress in the long term.

College is, for some of us, our last chance to try something new or keep up an old activity. In this way, clubs challenge us to live in the moment rather than constantly plan for the future. You have your whole life ahead of you to work as a consultant, so why not spend these four years tap-dancing or playing club volleyball?

These clubs can be, quite literally, “all fun and games”, but that’s not to say that they don’t provide value in the same way that pre-professional organizations do; many “just for fun” clubs offer opportunities to hold leadership positions or hone employable skills like teamwork and communication. I attribute much of my success in public speaking to my theatrical background! Many long-established clubs like Glee and Penn Singers also have immense alumni networks.

So the next time you’re scrolling through pennclubs.com, don’t write off the “fun ones” just yet.

- Jules P.