Student Leader Finds Success in Starting a College Club

St. John's Campus Club Leader, Kyntel Hines

Discover how one student’s passion for running sparked the creation of a thriving college club and learn the steps he took to make it a success!

St. John’s University is renowned for its vibrant campus life, offering a more than 100 student organizations and clubs. But what happens if you can’t find a student club that aligns with your interests? Kyntel Hines, a rising senior, faced this exact dilemma. In response, he took the initiative to create a club dedicated to running and walking. 

In this Q&A, Kyntel shares the journey he took to start his club, from the inspiration and challenges to the triumphs and essential steps required to launch a successful student organization on campus.

What was your inspiration for starting a club on campus? 

St. John's Students stretching during running and walking club

I have been involved in track since middle school and continued through high school on the cross-country team. Even in my first year of college, I kept running. However, I faced a tough season and felt mentally burnt out. 

My college coach suggested finding a running group in New York, but none of the groups I found met my expectations. While on the St. John’s Queens, NY, campus, I noticed many students running alone and saw an opportunity to create a community that transcended cultural, racial, and academic differences. Many students enter college wanting to stay active, and running or walking with others can be a great way to do this while also building a supportive community.

What challenges did you face when launching your student club and how did you overcome them?

There were moments when I wanted to give up. However, over the summer, I worked as an orientation leader for New Student Orientation, and the encouragement from my peers and colleagues motivated me to keep pushing forward.

Amber Wilson, the Director of First-Year Mentoring through the R.I.S.E. Network, was instrumental in giving me confidence. She offered her support and encouraged me to take the first step. She even proposed collaborating with the club for events, further strengthening my belief in the idea. 

After our conversation, my roommate agreed to become the Vice President. Another student trying to start a club shared valuable information about the recognition process. Additionally, a friend’s help setting up a club Instagram page and email further boosted my confidence. All these actions collectively helped us move in the right direction.

Can you describe the initial launch process for your club?

The Fall 2023 semester began, as did the Power to Organize (P2O) process. I applied for the club to be recognized as an official organization on campus. The process took a few months and involved a presentation, creating a roster and constitution, securing a faculty moderator, and completing other requirements. While I didn’t have a table at the student activities fair, some of my executive board members actively promoted the club by walking around with flyers. This garnered a lot of attention; the interest from students was a huge help in getting the club off the ground.

What are the essential steps to starting a student club?

First and most importantly, you need heart and passion. You need a why. What is the reason you decided to start this club? You should love or have some heightened interest in doing whatever you are trying to start. 

Secondly, you need people. When launching your club, you must have an entire executive board, including a President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary. You will also need signatures. 

Lastly, you will need a constitution for your club, which includes a lot of information, i.e., the purpose, e-board role, voting process/ procedure, etc. Your club should be unique and authentic to campus. 

How does the running and walking club foster community among students?

St. John's University Running Walking Club Graphic

The Running and Walking Club is all about bringing people together. It’s a great way to make new friends, connect with peers, and more. Unlike other campus clubs that are based on factors like major, ethnicity, culture, and academics, our club offers a space for people to come together without those dividing factors. 

We have regular runs and walks twice a week and one workout run weekly. 

The impact has been genuinely positive: members have connected through runs, organized races together, and even started going to the gym with each other after our Tuesday workouts. Some have even used their meal plan swipes to treat commuter members at Montogris Dining Hall

 

How has the experience of launching and leading a student club impacted you professionally, personally, and academically?

Since starting a club, I have seen personal and leadership growth. Even though I was already a leader, I knew there was always room for improvement. The club has also helped with my professional development. Time management and organization have never been my strengths, but the club has helped me work on these areas where I needed to improve.

How can current and future St. John’s students get involved in the running and walking club? 

If a student is interested in joining the running and walking club, they can fill out the interest form and follow us on Instagram for the latest updates. 

Students at outdoor basketball courts next to Residence buildings

Unleash Your Passions and Find Your Place at St. John’s University. 

At St. John’s, you can explore your academic interests, cultivate meaningful relationships, and actively engage in a diverse and inclusive community. The University provides a supportive environment and resources for you to unleash your potential, find your place, and make meaningful contributions to campus life. 

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