What does Gamma Beta Phi offer students this fall?
It is back-to-school season at Middle Tennessee State University and many students are rushing to find classes, study groups and clubs to join. Gamma Beta Phi demonstrates to be one club that many describe as an advantage to be in. Many believe Gamma Beta proves to bring together bright minds and help them exceed in communication and improve the community.
On the MTSU campus, Gamma Beta Phi is similar to the high school beta club which focuses on academic achievement and community service, said Gina Johnson, a five-year Gamma Beta Phi advisor. Gamma Beta Phi focuses on expanding members’ academic and philanthropic lives so that when they graduate, they will be ready to make a difference in the world.
“The three stable words are service, scholarship, and character,” Johnson said. “So not only do you have to have good grades to get invited in but then as apart of requirements of joining you are supposed to do volunteer hours each semester because they believe that having good grades but also giving back to the community creates character, “
Before the school year begins, Gamma Beta Phi executive board members reach out to local businesses that do fundraisers and services for the local area. Johnson sends out emails to businesses every summer to maintain those partnerships. Every fall, Gamma Beta Phi members do recurring activities with MTSU such as helping with Habitat for Humanity, blood drives and Relay for Life.
For some, the group goes beyond giving back. Gamma Beta Phi connects students with others. Jessica Tomlin, president of Gamma Beta Phi, said that students tend to have a hard time socializing and making friends due to the upkeep of grades.
“Me personally I want to see our members get connected to the community and get involved as much as possible, “said Tomlin.
Tomlin hopes students can make friends and grow as a community.
“I think a lot of what our members struggle with is- because we are so high achieving in the academic realm, we aren’t so great at the social part of it like we don’t do well connecting with people, “said Tomlin.
While serving their community, students could build long-lasting relationships with each other. This propose as a great opportunity to fraternize with other peers.
Gamma Beta prepares students for socialization, a crucial skill needed in college and in the workforce. To jobs, it shows hard work and support of the community. Being a club member can help develop social skills, Johnson said.
“I hope students stay motivated to keep their academics up as we are an honor society and so I want them to feel proud of their accomplishments. I want them to feel like this is a society that is worthy of their time and effort. And that they are proud to put it on their resume,” Johnson said.