Despite what some people may think, students at the Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science do more than just study. They often get involved in at least one, if not several, of Gatton’s clubs. Since Gatton has a diverse selection from which one can choose, not finding one that sparks interest is difficult though not impossible. Should that happen, an easy solution exists: Start one – That is what I did.

How to Start a Club

At Gatton, establishing a new club is simple. First, register (fill out a form for) the club with Gatton’s Lead Residential Counselor for Activities, informing them of the purpose of the club and providing a list of interested students (see the Gatton Student Handbook for greater detail). When the club has been approved, start hosting meetings and encouraging students to join.

My Interest

For the past five years, I have practiced cardistry, the artistic movement of playing cards. It is an enjoyable activity that helps pass the time while advancing hand dexterity and giving me an excuse to show off. As an experienced cardist, I can spread cards, split a deck into packets, create shapes, spin, flip, or throw cards, and more. The lack of limits, unlike in calculus, to what I can achieve with fifty-two pieces of paper motivates me to continue cardistry.

Unfortunately, the only Gatton club close to my interest focused on playing card or board games, so in my senior year, I founded Card Club.

What is Card Club

Card Club was open to everyone, regardless of their experience. During meetings, I taught participants a few cardistry or magic tricks and showed them card-related videos. We even reviewed different decks and playing card brands, discussing our opinions on the creativity of the designs and handling. Additionally, we video-called other experienced shufflers, allowing students to interact with someone new and hear different stories of getting into cardistry and other perspectives.

Impact of Card Club

In general, Card Club allowed students to be exposed to the use of playing cards beyond games and gain cardistry and magic skills. Considering how little they knew in the beginning, seeing their improvement was gratifying. The club also provided a time to hang out and even procrastinate on work.

Personally, Card Club instantly became something I highly anticipated each week. Rambling about cards and teaching others tricks cheered me up after a stressful day of class.

Lastly, on a significant and universal note: Initially, I feared I would have to desert cardistry to prioritize my education. Establishing the club has reassured me that I can dedicate time to it while balancing rigorous coursework. Overall, coming to Gatton does not force you to leave the interests and activities you enjoy. Participating in clubs or even starting one allows you to stay connected and engage others in them, allowing you to build community. Furthermore, even when you graduate, the club you started may be continued by the preceding class for future students to discover something new to enjoy.