Clubs and Societies Galore | by Malee
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Illustration by Nicole & Sarah
In the mid 16th century, the French word ‘Société’, meaning ‘company’ started the origins of what we now know as societies.
On February 2nd 2023, Taylor's Orientation Leaders held their first Clubs and Societies day of the year, allowing all freshmen and existing students to delve in the culture of Societies and clubs that Taylor’s harbours at our shores, featuring over 53 clubs and societies.
And one has to admit… It was quite explosive, to say the very least.
Photograph by Low Zi Jing
The Grand Hall was lined with booths in the way that all participants were led to travel along the clubs one by one. Each booth stood next to their neighbouring one, ascending in numbers till the exit. But alas, the wonderful and well-thought-out attempt at organisation was futile as chaos flowered within the event. The hall boomed with students flurrying in all directions, skipping from stall to stall and jumping back and forth. It was sporadic enough that it would take the most detailed code to make up an algorithm remotely close to replicating how the students slivered their way across the event.
Photograph by Low Zi Jing
The unexpected waves of chaos that erupted throughout the afternoon, however, did not diminish the spirits of the club representatives to recruit as many members to their clubs. Majority of the clubs had come up with clever techniques to entice passersby to their booths. But it was to the passersby’s shock that they were to be bombarded with even more delights as they were given opportunities to win little Knick knacks (including a lot of candy which seemed to be a very big crowd pleaser). From spin the wheel games, archery, and various forms of games that involved the creative arrangements of plastic cups and ping pong balls (that bobbled everywhere except into the plastic cups). One could tell that very serious brainstorming sessions took place within these clubs before the event.
Photograph by Dakshayanie A/P Vellavan
While most clubs approached the event in a way Jane Austen would be proud of, with their brilliant persuasion techniques, a few select clubs chose a very contrasting method. They simply presented their ideas and leaned into the notion of showcasing the passion of the club to garner the interest of students. This was mostly seen amongst clubs centring a sport, such as the Karate club, where due to restrictions any demonstrations would be dangerous (this, however, did not stop many inquisitive minds from requesting such demonstrations, which thankfully the club representatives denied. I personally thank them, as seeing a bloody nose would not have been pleasant and I think most attendees would agree).
And fret not, even though their techniques were seen to be simple in contrast, it did not dissuade interested students from inquiring about these clubs. For the simplicity they presented, simply attracted more students towards the clubs as they represented a small beacon of peace amongst the chaos of the event.
In the exploration of it all, surprising comebacks from clubs were a featured highlight of the event. Taylor's Bangladesh Society would have to be noted in this list as their booth may have been one of the most entertaining. They featured club representatives in traditional clothing, and a ‘mango bar’ candy popularly known in Bangladesh to give us a taste of their culture. Led by their president Farsad Abdur Rashid, their booth was popular amongst many.
“During CnS, it is a way for new students from Bangladesh to access and find a community in Taylors,” says the president when asked about this. “When they leave home, they leave a piece of their identity. We make up for that and provide a piece of home for them.” It is clear that their love and hospitality was well appreciated by many students.
Photograph by Nicholas Chan
As expected, one saw many club debuts as well. However, one sticks out amongst the rest and this was none other than the Vortex Xr Club. With their incredible and vastly impressive set-up which consisted of large screens and VR controllers in their booth. Combined with our generation's curiosity for anything technology-related, their debut startup was very successful. Many eager students formed little crowds anticipating and hoping for a chance to experience the VR for themselves. One would have to commend the Vortex club for the curiosity they piqued amongst the students.
Photograph by Low Zi Jing
Now, we come to the most important part of the event; the little legos that built up the topsy-turvy event which would be you, the students. Many intrigued, excited and mostly lost and scared souls perused through the stalls, armed with phones to take pictures of QR codes and follow clubs' social media. Different perspectives were taken in and one student explains his own point of view as he says.
Photograph by Dakshayanie A/P Vellavan
“It’s a great experience. Every booth is funny and there’s so much variety.”
However not all agreed as another student says much contrastingly. “It’s very crowded and very loud.” The consensus probably lies between these two ideas; however, the winning opinion is still to be deemed.
With all the hustle, as the earth twirled away from the sun, and all the commotion slowly brittled away, happy freshmen left the venue, galleries full of QR codes. And the clubs went away with more Instagram followers and a sea of newly filled sign-up forms.
Photograph by Nicholas Chan
All in all, the Taylor's Clubs and Societies Day was deemed a success this February. One can only hope to see another event as beautifully chaotic as this in the future.
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