Northside is often bustling with students participating in sports practices, honor society meetings, and I-Night dances. Especially in the last weeks of semester one, club meetings bring communities together for holiday celebrations. 

Senior Matt Bernardino shared that Asian Club has continued their tradition of a White Elephant, a classic gift exchange with the possibility for swaps thrown in the mix. Matt has been a member of Asian Club since his freshman year, after being drawn in by an extroverted upperclassman at Clubapalooza. White Elephant functions as a general celebration of the holidays, a chance for the community to unite. When asked about his favorite part of the meeting, he explained it was “coming together with people he knew.” On the topic of Asian Club in general, he voiced that it was important to him because it is a “space just to be Asian.”

Jewish Student Connections (JSC) had multiple meetings during the holiday season, including a meeting centered around Chanukkah. Chanukkah is an eight day celebration of religious freedom, sometimes called the “Festival of Lights.” The Chanukkah meeting this year was well attended, including snacks and a game of dreidel, a traditional game which involves a spinning top and bets on chocolate. 

Aviva Rubenfeld, co-president of Jewish Student Connections, planned the festivities for the club. She felt compelled to join JSC as she was looking for a community of Jewish people at Northside. While on board, she’s found it “rewarding to have a good impact,” by supporting her community. On the topic of what she would say to a prospective member or attendee, she said, “just come to one meeting. I’ll be there to talk to. There’s no prerequisite to coming, just come to have fun. There will be food!” 

Muslim Student Association (MSA) also has holiday activities of their own. Ms. Cooper, the club sponsor, expressed her “appreciation for the spirit of sharing and inclusion, as students seek to learn more about each other’s cultures and backgrounds and open up about the traditions that are important to them. Northside is so fortunate to have a diverse community where we can learn from each other!” 

Nuzhat Azam, a board member of MSA, shared “as a freshman, the first club that caught my eye was MSA. I felt represented and welcome by the club…What inspired me was seeing other lonely muslim students finding their own community through MSA, just like I did.” 

MSA hosts Iftar events, Iftar being the time when Muslims break their fast. It’s described as a moment “meant to be shared with your community.” This year, Northside’s Muslim Student Association also hosted an Iftar Night to celebrate the spirit of Ramadan and break the fast on March 5 from 5:20-7:30 PM in Northside’s 2nd floor atrium.

Nuzhat adds, “I would highly recommend MSA, even if [you are] not Muslim. We host enjoyable club activities that anyone can participate in! If you are looking for a community, join MSA!”

For more opportunities to meet with an existing club or join a new club community, students can check The Hoofbeat’s full list of clubs at Northside and reach out to the club presidents and sponsors.