Psychology major Aliba Chowdhury was both nervous and excited about attending the spring Club Fair at the Babylon Student Center on Feb. 1. It was not only her first time attending the fair, but the 18-year-old was also running the table of the Muslim Student Association, which was formed just last fall.

The club’s goal is to spread awareness and understanding of Islam. The organization is aiming to work with the college to establish and maintain rooms on campus for Muslims to pray, and also advocate for halal food on campus. 

“I have a passion to correct misconceptions people have about our religion,” said Chowdhury, the club’s president. “I want to develop a dynamic, united and welcoming community on campus.”

The Muslim Student Association was among 45 clubs and organizations participating in this semester’s club fair, which was held in the Montauk Room from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. drew a dense crowd of people. 

The club fair, aiming to help students develop their passions and find their dreams by connecting them with those who have similar interests. The fair is held every September and February, according to Sharon C. Silverstein, the director of Campus Activities and Leadership Development, which sponsored the fair and overseeAmmerman clubs. She said there used to be as many as 65 clubs participating in the fair before the pandemic. During the pandemic, the fair was held online.

Some students found their interests at the fair. 

Sierra Edwards, 19, a computer science student, signed up for the Chemistry Club. Scrolling through different kinds of laboratory pictures of chemical elements, she said she dreamed of becoming a pharmacist in the future.

It’s those in-person connections that make the fair so worthwhile, event-goers said.

“It creates a sense of community, keeps students engaged, and gives a coming here a sense of purpose,” Silverstein said. “They are recruiting, running meetings and they are learning leadership.”