The rest of your life beckons, and the next few years of it may be spent in college. Third – level education can be a defining stage of your life and not just from an academic or intellectual point of view. The connections, interests, activities and friends from college years can be just as influential. As you face into this new world a selection of my favourite people, from my favourite societies draw on their experiences of different societies they are part of, and how fun and inclusive they can be, and how it has impacted their time in DCU.
George Mihailescu (Co-Chairperson): Space and Robotics Club (SPARC)
“Everyone looks at the night sky sometimes and thinks, “wow – that’s beautiful”. I don’t think there is one person out there who isn’t interested or captivated by the beauty of the Universe. It doesn’t matter if you study English, Physics or Business – it’s something that’s just intrinsic to human nature to be wowed by. Space and Robotics Club allows people from any discipline to enjoy the beauty of the cosmos – through Guest Speakers, Star Gazing Events and more. Of course, there is also that college element to the events too – we really aimed to get a mixed tone of information with your typical college banter, we really stress the social elements in all of our events – at the end of the day things are beautiful and interesting but they’re made that much more beautiful and interesting if you have people to talk to about them and so we put a lot of emphasis on making our events fun and engaging. For example, just the other week after having a guest speaker (talking about Star and Planet Formation) we had a Flip Cup competition in NuBar where the winning team got their spots assured to our trip to Iceland and that was HELLA FUN! :)
Being the Co-Chair of a society had a huge impact on my college life. Firstly, there’s a lot of exposure so I feel as though I really got to meet a lot of interesting characters and make a lot more friends than I would’ve under normal circumstances. Then also, it gives me the opportunity to organise and partake in really cool and interesting projects like – building a rocket, building a small robot, go to Iceland and things like that which I definitely wouldn’t have done otherwise – so in that sense it’s also a really good platform to get a chance to do a lot of interesting and fun stuff! It’s also been good because it’s helped me develop more as a person – it’s given me a whole new sense of responsibility and also made me feel more confident in high pressure situations. All in all, a life changing experience and all for the best!”
Aoife McDermott (Events Officer): Media, Production Society (MPS)
“The Media Production Society is one of the busiest societies in DCU, and has a great campus presence because of this. The sheer number of events gives everybody the opportunity to join in. And it’s the people who join in that keep you locked in.
In my second year of my degree in communications, I am more in love with MPS, which I didn’t think was possible. Getting experience for your future career along with likeminded people can genuinely add years to your life in the best way!”
Emily O’Gorman (Chairperson): Enterprise Society (ESoc)
Being very honest, my introduction to ESOC was far from your average ‘networking’ scenario, back when cafes were associated with caffeinated beverages and the fifth goujon was more than just a dream. Picture a broken fresher, shook as a hand at mass, scouring campus for a feed as good as Mammy’s. Having had no luck in Spar I was on a quest to find solace at NuBar, when I was approached by the (then) chair of ESOC about getting involved.
To say I’ve had some of the craziest experiences of my life through ESOC would be an understatement. From international races across Europe for charity to sales events, vomiting fests to guest speakers, there is undoubtedly something to suit everyone. With new events also being introduced this year, we are forever striving to provide more fun and interesting experiences for DCU students!
So, whether you’re after a boat party in Prague, or a chance to showcase a business idea in front of Bill Cullen, ESOC’s got you covered!
Cathal O’Rourke (PRO) : Sober Soc
“I joined Sober Soc in Semester 2 of last year, when a good friend of mine, Andy Gleeson, reincarnated the society after its short absence from the Clubs and Socs scene. From the moment I signed up, it became clear that the ethos and structure of Sober Soc was unlike any other society. This encouraged me to become more involved within the society, and am now sitting on committee as the Public Relations Officer (PRO). At Sober Soc, our motto is simple:
“Events You Can Remember”.
The reason we are so different to any other society is because we operate, not with regard to producing or creating something like any other society, but simply with the goal of running events that will put a smile on people’s faces. At the end of the day, that’s what societies are all about. The only guideline? We ask that people don’t consume alcohol at or prior to our events.
We feel that we have continued to make a positive impact on society life in DCU this semester, which resulted in DCUSU awarding us Society of the Week in Week 6. We are incredibly pleased with our work so far this semester and we cannot wait to bring more fun events to the people of DCU”
Kevin Cleary (Events Officer) and Kate Canavan (Executive Producer) : DCU Drama
Kate: “Each year we have 5 major productions – 2 Contemporary Plays, a Shakespearean play, a Pantomime and our biggest production, our Musical. Auditions for these productions are open to all DCU students and we hold them across both campuses to ensure that it is easy for everyone to come along. On top of these productions we also hold a range of workshops and events across both campuses and at a range of times, to ensure that there are regular opportunities for our members to get involved and do something that they love. One of my favourite small events is our Open Performance nights that we hold in venues close to each campus. It’s so much fun to meet up with loads of the members and get to know them and hang out with my friends, while also getting the opportunity to perform in a non judgemental, no pressure environment. It’s a great opportunity to build confidence. I think Drama is a society that absolutely anyone, with any level of experience can get involved in, it doesn’t matter if you’ve been on stage since you took your first steps, or if it’s your first time, you are more than welcome to get involved.
I got involved in DCU Drama society last year as one of the Event’s officers. As a student who is based mainly on Pat’s Campus it was a great way to meet people from other courses, make some of my best friends and to spend some time on Glasnevin Campus. This year I am the Executive Producer, which is a position I am hugely excited about! I got to produce one of the contemporary plays, Jerusalem and the musical, Pippin, last year and this year I get to do more of what I love. I have already learnt so much from the society and I know I will keep learning this year. It’s insane that it is possible for students to get so many new opportunities and learn so much from a society.”
Kevin: “DCU Drama has created a great space for anyone theatrically inclined within DCU to perform, produce or create. For a college that has only this year offered a performance course (BA in jazz and contemporary music performance), such an outlet for students who want to nurture their love for the theatre without having to pursue a degree is great to have available. DCU Drama’s primary focus is to give as many students as possible the chance to try their hand at as many different aspects of theatre production as possible-our productions are on the most part entirely student run, from the production team to the tech and stage manager to the performers themselves.
In order to cater to as many tastes as possible, DCU Drama aim to put on 5 different productions each year ranging from Shakespearean to the annual musical to the stage adaption of a film (this year’s is set to be Trainspotting). On top of this, they have regular workshops open to all DCU students- focusing on a niche topic aimed equally at the experienced and the beginners, they host many performance based events focusing on inclusion and individuality in performance. They also offer a trip abroad open to all members and this year have something big in the pipeline for semester 2 – they’re one to watch!”
Seanie Germain (Chairperson): Raising and Giving Society (RAG)
“DCU’s Raising and Giving Society (RAG) is the largest student volunteering society on campus here in DCU and pride ourselves in taking the chore out of charitable work. An example of some of the work we do each week include GAA lessons for local kids, Art workshops in the Ballymun area and cookery classes with local parents to instil good nutrition for their kids. All these projects are very informal and are aimed at making charity something you do with your mates for the craic and not a chore. Our events to fund these projects are equally different with some of our biggest events including RAG Rumble our white collar boxing, RAG Relief our comedy night and RAG Records our annual attempt to break a Guinness World Record. All of these events are aimed at being fun, unique and inclusive and raise thousands every year for our Social Projects and chosen good causes.
Jumping in blindly and getting involved in RAG has really been the highlight of my college experience. Some of my closest friends were made through the society and most of my most memorable moments have come about due to RAG. So, to anyone thinking about taking the chance and getting involved in RAG or any other society for that matter I’d 100% recommend it and can personally promise you won’t RAGret it! (Okay I may regret that…)”
And Her Campus DCU, sure I have to mention this brand-new phenomenon in my life! I joined Her Campus this year (2nd year), and it was genuinely one of the best decisions of my life. I never realised that I could write the way I do, and I never realised how much I would love. The excitement I feel when the pitches are posted each Friday afternoon is indescribable. Every single girl in Her Campus has made me feel so welcome and wanted!
I never would of even considered joining Her Campus DCU if it wasn’t for Claire Dunphy, who basically pushed me into the stand in DCU, so shout out to my home girl!
Photo by Element5 Digital on Unsplash