Bethel College Student Activities Council (SAC) is an organization partnered with Student Government Association (SGA) that allows students to participate and engage in events hosted by other students. It provides a place where friendships can form and interesting conversations can take place. This organization has been led by many different students throughout its existence. Recently, sophomore Mara Oswald from Newton took the role of president. Oswald, a Biochemistry major and member of the tennis team, has new, innovative ideas for the future of the club.
“The Dine at Nine series event will happen weekly or monthly,” Oswald said. “This is a time where people gather in the evening and have a meal together.” She also mentioned sports activities like dodgeball and ping pong.
Oswald went on to highlight a wide variety of special events SAC is planning to arrange. “We hope to bring a comedian to campus and along with that we want to do something for Halloween,” Oswald said. “We are planning a bingo night for students that will hopefully be big and we are just trying to get bigger events this year that people will be more interested in.” Having these types of events allows students to get out of the routine of college life and try new things that enhance their overall college experience.
Like every organization, a hardworking, responsible team is needed to plan activities and events. “My co-coordinator, Amaziah, is a freshman who works with me,” Oswald said. “There are people for Sports and Leisure who are in charge of sports events, a Series Coordinator in charge of Dine at Nine and weekly events, Special Events responsible for bigger events and Social Media in charge of advertising events and spreading the word to students.” All of these roles are held by students who help the club run smoothly.
Oswald highlighted her goals and aspirations for this year’s events and overall engagement amongst college students. “My goal approaching SAC has been to create Bethel Bridges,” she said, “Bethel is a very sports-heavy school, so creating spaces that can bridge those gaps between the ways people interact with each other and making friends outside of your social circle can be beneficial.”
Coming to these types of events can be anxiety-inducing for some individuals. However, Oswald emphasized the importance of engaging and simply having fun regardless of those doubts and impediments. “Lead with a little bit of courage,” she said. “Go out there with an open mindset and try to meet someone that maybe you have not before. Do not be scared to. I want people to be able to go rather than have an impending doom if you do not know someone, because you will be able to find other ways to enjoy where you are at.”
Amaziah Barze Richardson, SAC’s co-coordinator, echoed this sentiment. “I want to make this fun,” he said. “I can sympathize with the freshmen, being one myself, so I want everybody to feel included and connected socially.”
Richardson also shared his excitement regarding future events. “I am excited for the Halloween event,” he said. “Me and Harlem are working hard on it and it will be a whole thing that hopefully Haury, Voth and the Mods take part in.”
Richardson highlighted Oswald´s work ethic and enthusiasm for her role and responsibilities related to SAC. “She is definitely on top of things and organizes very well,” he said. “She does a very good job including me as well. It is not just a one-sided thing. On my end, I try to communicate well with her and make sure we are on top of all of the events. We are going to do good this year.”
With Oswald and Richardson’s work, SAC will be an organization that creates exciting events and activities that bring people together. Hosting events where students from different social environments get together opens opportunities to create a supportive student community across campus.