So we're already more than a month into the semester (yeah, I can't believe it either), fall snuck up on us like it was nobody's business and classes are going full throttle! I honestly blinked on the first day of classes and as soon as I knew it, I was facing the wrath of exam number one. At this point in the semester, we've all had at least one exam and multiple assignments to turn in (after all, this isn't first grade anymore), gotten acquainted with our neighbors in class, and decided whether or not we liked our professors and lab instructors (not that it matters: like or dislike them, they will be giving you a grade at the end of the term). We're also at the point in the semester where we should've gotten used to handling the weight of extracurricular activities, clubs, and our school workload. If you're not already at that point, then it is about time that you were. The ability to handle school, and life in general, is definitely learned behavior, and you will definitely be proud of yourself after you’ve learned.

Academics play a very important part in our college career, but so do the activities that we do outside of the classroom. What we do outside of the classroom impacts us so much that schools, like City College, make an event just to expose students to these extracurricular activities and clubs that are offered on campus. Last week we had our annual Club Fair at City College; all the clubs on campus gathered in the Great Hall, there were performances, there was free food (for a college student, anything free is a must-have), and other goodies were given out. These events are always fun; the bonus is that being a part of other organizations helps with the stress from classes, and admission to club fairs is most often, if not always, free to attend. It is freshman central, so be prepared to be asked, "Are you a freshman?" at least twice while you're there.

Another thing is that people often find that there are clubs at these events that they’ve never even seen or heard of. As students, we don’t usually notice the lack of awareness, especially about what our campus has to offer. And even if we do, we're probably too busy with our own lives to care or we don't think we can do anything about it. One way how to spread awareness about a club or organization is to write an article about it (hint, hint).

When I was a freshman, I can honestly say I was pretty clueless. Not only about clubs on campus but about everything that my school had to offer. If it wasn’t for my peer mentor, I would never have heard about the CCNY Gospel Choir. Before I go on, yes, there is a choir at City College. Most people seem surprised when I tell them about the choir at school. After I clearly tell them I am part of the choir, they feel the need to ask, “Is there really a choir on campus? Since when? Oh my god, why didn’t you tell me?” So for all you folks that are hearing this for the first time, keep reading and I will answer all of your questions. You can't say I didn't tell you, so don't be surprised the next time you hear about the CCNY Gospel Choir.

The CCNY Gospel Choir

The CCNY Gospel Choir was founded by Asshur Cunningham and his colleagues in the fall of 2008. During that year at the club fair, Asshur began to recruit what would become the first set of choir members and a great set of friends. The goal of the choir was, and still is, to spread the gospel through contemporary means. It's really a place for students to sing together and have a great time. The Choir has events throughout the school year, which are often little or no cost for students. After I was introduced to the CCNY Gospel Choir, I started to explore other aspects of myself besides the academic parts and realized I really loved what I found. More times than not, I run late to choir rehearsals, but when I get there I find it hard to have anything other than a wonderful time.

So you see, although you may be reading this and wondering where I get the time to be in the choir, you should always find time to do what you love. Take the time out to find what you love and search to see if it is offered on your campus. The school year has started and is going fast like a runaway train. I am not promising that time will stop or even that it will slow down, but doing what you love makes everything better. Personally, I can say that the choir has saved me from days of hair-pulling and teeth-grinding stress. In the long term, this helps you save time that you would otherwise spend stressing out and helps you to become more successful. Do what you love, you know you want to.

Find what you love and do it! I'm not telling you to decide what you want to do with the rest of your lives, but to find that club or activity on campus (or off campus) that makes everything seem better. For all of you that are out there searching right now, kudos to you, and I wish you lots of stress-free days and all the A's in the world.