Naila Ahsan was initially worried that a smaller college wouldn鈥檛 have a strong social scene, but quickly found Santa Clara to be welcoming and inclusive. By joining clubs like Intandesh, Women in Business, and Alpha Kappa Psi, she made close friends, stayed connected to their culture, and built professional skills. Overall, she discovered a vibrant campus life with plenty of opportunities to get involved.
Social Scene and Campus Culture
When coming into college, I was nervous about the social scene at a smaller school. Many of my friends were going to large universities with massive undergraduate populations, so I was hesitant to see if Santa Clara could offer me the same experience. However, after arriving on campus, the first thing I noticed was how welcoming and uplifting the community is. I never felt like an outsider and everyone was inclusive toward the new students. Throughout the first few weeks, I attended the Student Involvement Fair, and that was when I truly felt like Santa Clara had a place for me.
The Student Involvement Fair is an event where all the organizations and clubs on campus host tables so incoming students can explore their interests. Every single student at the tables was energetic and enthusiastic, which really made me want to get involved. During my first year, I joined Intandesh (the South Asian Student Association), Women in Business, and the professional business fraternity Alpha Kappa Psi. All three of these organizations introduced me to incredible people, some of whom have become my best friends.
In Intandesh, I had the chance to stay connected with my culture and hobbies from home. I grew up dancing, specifically semi-classical, and I’ve been able to stay in touch with that passion through Intandesh’s annual Culture Show! They also host wonderful events throughout the year, like Holi, Mock Shaadi, and Diwali, where my friends and I always feel like part of a vibrant community.
As a member of Women in Business, I learned vital skills through workshops, networking events, and alumni panels. Because the club was filled with other passionate women, I connected with amazing students who shared my professional interests. The club was extremely welcoming when I first joined as a first year. They also offer a mentorship program where underclassmen are paired with upperclassmen. My mentor was incredibly helpful, offering advice on how to prepare for my career search and supporting me whenever I needed guidance.
In addition, I am an active member of Alpha Kappa Psi, one of the three professional business fraternities on campus. This organization has given me a strong network of ambitious leaders and helped me sharpen my professional skills. Everyone within our chapter is positive and willing to stick their neck out for you. We also maintain a great work-life balance. Along with professional development, we host unforgettable events like formals, banquets, annual retreats, and casual hangouts like Top Golf and bowling. My favorite memory from my time in the organization was our retreat last year. We all went down to San Luis Obispo for the weekend and spent time exploring downtown, chilling on the beach, and bonding with people within the chapter! The fraternity also has a big/little program where you are initiated into a "family" within the chapter. My big family within the chapter plays a huge role in my adjustment to college and has been there for me whenever I need advice.
Beyond my specific organizations, the overall Santa Clara campus culture is amazing. There are always activities hosted by different clubs, sports games to attend, and programs within the residence halls. Since the weather is beautiful most of the time, I always see students playing frisbee, tanning, or doing homework in the gardens.
Looking back, it seems silly that I was ever hesitant about whether Santa Clara had a strong community. My time here has been incredible, and I am constantly surrounded by amazing people.
