Developed by First Year Programs

Reflection #3

Think about a time when you joined a new group activity (maybe a team, religious retreat, club, or workplace). 

  • How did you feel when you first joined? 
  • Do you recall a moment when you felt like you were part of the group? 
  • What benefits did you get from participation in the group?
  • What can you do to help yourself feel like part of a group at City Tech? 

31 Comments

  1. Asaele

    When I first joined guitar club in high school it got me nervous because I was new in that club. When I felt part of the group was after the 3rd time going because people would just do their own thing and they would be welcoming. I leaned how to kinda play the guitar. I can talk to the professors and I can also join clubs in city tech to feel part of a group.

    • Ant

      Guitar club is always a fun and safe place to make friends and enjoy yourself. I’m glad it worked out for you.

    • Sindy Ariza

      It’s always good to try something new and it’s especially rewarding when it works out in the end. If you’re ever interested there is a course here you can take for music, specifically guitar. I suggest you look into it if it sounds like something you’d like!

  2. Henry

    When I went to basketball club, I was scared at first because I sucked at the game. A time I truly felt apart of the club was when I finally got passed the ball and made the craziest 3 point shot. Not only did I become better friends with the people on my team, I also got better at basketball and pushed myself to try harder. To make mysef apart of city tech, I will be open to making new friends and long lasting connections.

    • Kamaro

      Would love to see you on the court Henry!

      • Samaya

        I also managed my boys basketball team in highschool for three years, I’ll see you guys on the court too!!

    • Asaele

      That sounds really cool. I am also a fan of basketball but I have only played it for fun and not competitively.

    • Sindy Ariza

      Wow that sounds really cool! I don’t know much about basketball, I’m more of a baseball fan but I know how exciting sports can be when you start learning how to play.

  3. Ama

    A time I joined a new group was when I joined There’s No Limit Foundation. I was very happy when I heard I was able to participate because the only reason I joined was for the promised food every Friday. Although I did join for the food I was pleasantly surprised by the topics being discussed, things in the adult world you don’t tend to learn about in school, along with resources I have access to as an African American woman. From the moment I joined I felt like I was a part of the organization. It was very easy to actively participate, and it was made easier because some of my friends had joined too. I know that here at City Tech, to help myself be a part of a group, I can seek out clubs to join and actively participate within and/or outside of that community.

    • Parbatti B

      I understand the feeling of only going because of guaranteed food but I like how you actually gained knowledge on resources available to you!

    • Sindy Ariza

      I had not heard of this organization before but one quick google search has informed me of what it is and I am very impressed with how much you’re learning as a young adult. Even though the food is very persuasive alone it’s great that you have access to this amazing organization!

  4. Anthony

    When I joined the software engineering program in freshmen year, I was pretty confident learning about the topic, but I had trouble talking to people. This was a huge issue especially when we had group projects. At first, I managed well because the work was pretty simple for me in the beginning, so there was not too much conversation. As time went on, the work got harder and so did the group projects. I knew I needed to start making conversation because I could no longer do it alone. Luckily, the one time I decided to make conversation, it went so well. They were very kind and helpful during the project and we became close friends. After that, we kept in touch and once I joined their other friend group, we were all friends until the last day of school of our senior year. I’m hoping in City Tech, I can apply myself into conversation and make friends quickly.

  5. Ant

    When I joined the software engineering program in freshmen year, I was pretty confident learning about the topic, but I had trouble talking to people. This was a huge issue especially when we had group projects. At first, I managed well because the work was pretty simple for me in the beginning, so there was not too much conversation. As time went on, the work got harder and so did the group projects. I knew I needed to start making conversation because I could no longer do it alone. Luckily, the one time I decided to make conversation, it went so well. They were very kind and helpful during the project and we became close friends. After that, we kept in touch and once I joined their other friend group, we were all friends until the last day of school of our senior year. I’m hoping in City Tech, I can apply myself into conversation and make friends quickly.

    • Sindy Ariza

      Starting conversations can lead you to making great connections especially in college. Your classmates here will share your struggle if you ever get stuck on something so know that you’re on the same boat. I hope that these conversations continue to do good for you!

  6. Parbatti B

    Think about a time when you joined a new group activity (maybe a team, religious retreat, club, or workplace). 

    • How did you feel when you first joined? 
    • Do you recall a moment when you felt like you were part of the group? 
    • What benefits did you get from participation in the group?
    • What can you do to help yourself feel like part of a group at City Tech? 

    In my sophomore year of high school I joined my school’s varsity cricket team. I felt proud when I first joined and eager to be part of a sports team as I had never been a part of one before. I felt like part of the group when we all did practice together and celebrated our wins. I got the benefit of experiencing what being a true team player really means. In order to help myself feel like part of the group at City Tech, I will use the resources provided to me, I will participate in clubs if I feel like one fits my interest or career path, and I will try to make as many quality friends as possible.

    • Carl-Handy Abraham

      Being a team player is very important it helps you work smarter and not harder.

    • Sindy Ariza

      Sports brings people together all the time especially when you’re in a team. I’m glad you had a good time in your school’s cricket team. I’m sure you’ll adjust here as well in new groups whether it’s through a club, class, or event. Good luck!

  7. Kamaro

    My first ever club was the basketball club and when I joined I was very nervous because everyone was so good. But once I got my confidence up I started to play great against everyone. I felt a part of the group when I was playing great against everyone in open runs they started cheering me on. The benefits I got from the basketball club were I was able to stay fit and I was able to keep doing my hobby. In City Tech you could try out different clubs and meet new people.

    • Nazia Mahmud

      Hi Kamaro,

      It sounds like joining the basketball club was a rewarding experience for you, especially when you gained confidence and felt supported by your teammates. It’s great that you were able to stay fit and pursue your hobby through this club. Exploring different clubs at City Tech to meet new people sounds like a fantastic idea. Nice post!

  8. geraldine

    I joined my first club in senior year after my teacher recommended I join SkillsUSA, I remember feeling very hesitant about joining because I didn’t feel like it was for me and I was not interested in joining. I really only joined because my friend was also joining and through that she really help me be more involved in the club until I decided to leave the club. By joining this club I was able to be improve in my CTE class and find what I was more interested in the program. I think I can feel like apart of a group at City Tech by joining a club that is related to my major so it can help me feel more motivated and stay on track.

    • Nazia Mahmud

      Hi Geraldine,

      It’s great to hear how your friend helped you get more involved in SkillsUSA, even if you were hesitant at first. Joining a club related to your major at City Tech sounds like a perfect way to stay motivated and on track. Nice post!

  9. gplaisance

    When I first joined volleyball, I was very nervous. I went to tryouts with one of my friends but only I made the team. I joined the team my junior year of high school but it still felt like I didn’t belong. It wasn’t until my senior year during a tournament when I realized how much my team actually cares not only about what I bring to the team, but that it’s me bringing a certain energy to the team. The benefits I gained from that group are a second family, better self awareness, attention to detail, reflexes, and patience. I could still use work on the patience though. To help others feel apart of a group in City Tech is to make them feel appreciated. Whether that’s including them in activities or just checking up on them to let them know they aren’t alone.

    • Nazia Mahmud

      Hi Gavin,

      It’s great to hear how you found your place in the volleyball team and discovered the value you bring to the group. It’s really interesting how this experience provided you with a second family and improved your self-awareness, attention to detail, reflexes, and patience. To help others feel part of a group at City Tech, making them feel appreciated and included is a wonderful approach. Nice Post!

  10. Samaya

    When i first joined Softball in high school, I was in my sophomore year and we just got back from being online. I was super nervous and worried. I was worried about if i was athletic enough, but there i was in the first game of the season, standing in outfield. I ran up and caught a pop up ball about 3 minutes into the game, we got the other team their first out. I realised in that moment that I was worried about the wrong thing. My team was there supporting me and i as supporting them. From being on this team, it taught me leadership skills, determination and just how to have fun in general. Although i have slightly closed down that athletic part of my life, I would like to be engaged with the different programs and student resources at City Tech to make me feel apart of the school.

    • Nazia Mahmud

      Hi Samaya,

      It sounds like joining the softball team was a transformative experience for you. It’s really interesting how quickly you realized the importance of teamwork and support from your peers. Your leadership skills and determination will definitely help you get involved with programs and resources at City Tech. Nice post!

  11. Carl-Handy Abraham

     When I first joined my soccer club I was new to the team and nobody knows me so I was a little reserved. I remember blending in the group when I found a few friends that came from the same country as me, it felt comforting. From participating in the group, I had the opportunity to improve my skills, socialize myself etc… I would maybe try to talk to people get to know them better, try to learn a little bit about the clubs and see if I can be part of one of them.

    • Nazia Mahmud

      Hi Carl,

      It’s really nice how finding friends from the same country helped you feel more comfortable in your soccer club. It sounds like participating in the group not only improved your skills but also helped you socialize more. Nice post!

  12. Vondale Best

    When I joined the anime club I was a little scared to participate in the anime conversations because they would be very strong about their opinions and it would lead to huge debates. I finally felt apart of the group when they took one of my opinions about anime seriously and they agreed with my point of view. The benefit I got from participating in the club was I made new friends and formed a connection with them deeper than anime. At City Tech I know that I could seek out other clubs and actively try to participate in within the cuny community.

    • Nazia Mahmud

      Hi Vondale,

      It’s great to hear that you found your place in the anime club and that your opinions were valued. Making new friends and forming deeper connections is a wonderful benefit. At City Tech, seeking out other clubs and actively participating in the CUNY community is a great way to build similar connections. Don’t hesitate to explore different groups/clubs and get involved. Nice Post!

  13. Abdou

    As someone who usually felt alone or stay to myself, it felt refreshing to branch out and socialize.

  14. Abdou

    When I started playing basketball I felt a little out of place because I was too short. But after a few days I felt like I’ve known everyone for years.

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