Creating Your Own Community

Written by Anya Haber

SCAD Atlanta is a creative haven. Many students travel a great distance before they take their first steps into SCAD. It’s an intimidating culture shock — a new school, new city, new country. Though you find yourself in unfamiliar territory, you can still find a community that reminds you of home. A great way to find yourself in the presence of like-minded peers is to join one of the many clubs SCAD Atlanta has to offer. They can act as a creative outlet, a support group of sorts. International students can create a micro-community to find familiarity and common ground in their new life. There are more than 40 active clubs at SCAD Atlanta with a wide range of focuses. From religious to academic, cultural to hobbyist, the range of communities are diverse. 

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The Korean Undergraduate Student Association (KUSA) is an organization that solves the issues Korean students face. It’s also a safe space for students to ask questions and seek help with adjustment. Third-year graphic design student and president of KUSA Kanglim Kim joined the club two years ago. “I knew I wanted to be president of KUSA so I could make things better for Korean students. I wanted to build a community where students can rely on when they have troubles,” said Kim. The main event the club organizes is a multi-media art show, showcasing paintings, sculpture, live music and more. “We do this to give students a chance to show their artwork without having to worry about getting rejected by high standards,” said Kim. “It’s a fun collaborative space where artists meet artists.” KUSA sets up two art shows a year: One in the fall and spring quarters. Their last show featured 16 SCAD Atlanta artists. 

The playfully named Island Vybz Club is a community of students hailing from the Caribbean, though all nationalities are welcome. “I first joined the club because I wanted a sense of belonging and to be reminded of home,” said second-year film and television student Rocky Lee. “I also wanted to meet other people from the Caribbean and people who are interested in the culture.” 

The club is friendly and relaxed. “Everyone is so connected with each other, like a family. We always greet each other with a hug,” said Donovan Lynch, fourth-year television producing student. Lynch elaborated, “The club helps Caribbean students find a community. As an international student, coming into a new country can be very frustrating and stressful. When I first came to SCAD in 2016, I wish this club had existed because I felt so far away from the Bahamas.” Typical activities include game nights, going to restaurants together, volunteering and collaborating with other clubs to host events. A popular topic of discussion are issues the members’ face living in a foreign country. 

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Club President and third-year photography student Gabby Wyke stressed the fact that Island Vybz is focused on inclusivity. “I want students to know that just because we are a Caribbean-based club, it does not mean that only Caribbean students are invited to join us. All are welcome,” Wyke said. “Community and family are very important to us, so we want to build that feeling with our fellow schoolmates in general!” 

Finding your niche isn’t limited to nationality — students also find communities of like-minded people in interest-based clubs. Such was the case for second-year film and television student Sofia Soriano, who joined SCAD Atlanta Radio two years ago and currently serves as general manager of the radio station. Soriano was involved in music-related clubs in high school and sought out a place to share her love of music with like-minded peers. “I’ve made some great friends because of the station,” Soriano explained. “The station is a great way to meet people from other majors and years that you might not normally have the chance to interact with.” Not only does music serve as a relaxing, creative outlet for the general manager, joining the club also strengthened her professionally. SCAD Atlanta Radio taught Soriano how to work more effectively in a team-based setting — a crucial skill set in the workforce. 

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SCAD Atlanta Radio is always seeking new DJs to host their own radio shows. “You don’t need to know how to DJ or have any experience — all you need is good taste in music,” Soriano said. DJs can host specialty shows, podcasts or theme-specific music shows. 

If you can’t find what you’re looking for, you have the option of starting a new club. You must have at least five other students interested in joining, a SCAD staff advisor and a clear purpose turned into a written club constitution. Clubs are also a beneficial way to gain leadership experience, on top of the feeling of community. Whatever the motivation, participating in clubs fosters a sense of purpose, friendship and can act as an emotional outlet. To find your community and get more involved, contact the Office of Student Life.