Extracurriculars Attract Hundreds to Fair

A typical schedule for an Emerson student reads like a ticker board at a train station. Packed solid with events, meetings, and classes, it’s a wonder how students manage — but they all do, brilliantly.

Becoming involved in extracurricular activities is a way of life at Emerson. With more than 80 student organizations, the average student is involved with a minimum of two during his/her time at the College.

“The great part about Emerson is that everyone is super-busy,” said Ilana Berzon ’12, President of EmComm, a student-operated and faculty-advised marketing communication agency. “Everyone is doing a thousand things, so they understand. It’s the environment; it’s the culture around here. But we’re doing things we’re passionate about and interested in, so it’s an enjoyable busy-ness.”

Incoming freshmen learn about Emerson’s student organizations at the annual Organization Fair. The fair is held at the beginning of the fall semester in the Bobbi Brown and Steven Plofker Gym. This year’s event was held September 10.

“The great part about Emerson is that everyone is super-busy. Everyone is doing a thousand things, so they understand. It’s the environment; it’s the culture around here. But we’re doing things we’re passionate about and interested in, so it’s an enjoyable busy-ness.”

–Ilana Berzon ’12, President of EmComm, a student marketing communication agency

“The fair is one of my favorite times of the year,” said Berzon. “People are really excited to get involved. We really believe in our organization and we love telling people our success stories and see them get excited.”

Organizations range from media production groups such as the Emerson Channel, the Emerson student-run TV station; and WERS, a student-run radio station; to political and service advocacy organizations such as the Communication Politics and Law Association (CPLA) and Earth Emerson, which promotes environmental awareness and stewardship.

Two hundred and twelve students signed up to become members of EmComm, Berzon said. “We take everyone who wants to join,” she said. She estimates EmComm will have approximately 300 members total this year.

Berzon said the benefits of joining an organization are greater than just the knowledge a student gets by collaborating with other students. “You get real-world experience,” she said. “I think it makes a difference to employers,” Berzon said of the benefits of being involved. “I know employers have been impressed with my direct client contact and leadership experience.”