by Lynda Kessler

If the chess club or the karate club aren't for you, or if you've had enough of the psych' club and the science society, we have just the solution! Students from all over the country are rising up and starting their own clubs. All are different, yet they share the same theme they're star studded! So, if you're as big a BRITNEY fan as you say you are, here's some inspiration to start your own club on campus. All you need is a common interest among others at school and a strong desire to have some fun...

Captain Kyle explains that the club began when former student, Roland Wellington, took a class at Rollins called "Star Trek: Community and Diversity," taught by Dr. Twila Yates Papay. "The course focused on getting past the silly sci-fi aspects of the show and diving into the real diversity issues and social commentary the creators of the show put under the surface of many of the episodes." Roland decided he could apply the same type of deconstruction in a non-classroom atmosphere, and formed the club in 1998.

But just how deep do the Star Trek group meetings go? "Some issues discussed," says Kyle: "The social boundaries of relationships, the role of the individual in a majority culture, anti-Semitism, violence, presidential elections, diverse food, drugs and alcohol in the media, absolute power, assisted suicide, rape, the forced dislocation of the Native Americans, leadership, homophobia, religious diversity, and the connections between visual and literary text."

You got all that? And Kyle says that his club invites other campus clubs to co-sponsor events. If they come up with a topic that the Star Trek club can't find a corresponding episode to, then the Star Trek Club will transfer $50 to that club's account.

Not only people and Lassie are celebrities -- a hamburger can be one, too! In fact, 127 students and growing at the University of Minnesota, Duluth, meet every two weeks to pay tribute to the discount hotels in GentWhite Castle Hamburger. hôtels BudapestThe club has held several events in the two years since it was "cooked up." Besides White Castle hamburger eating contests and a dodge ball tournament, the club has also taken a tour of all the White Castles in St. Paul and Minneapolis 15 in total and all in one night! The only challenge this club faces is, as Slyder Pilot, a club member, explains: "People are scared to try White Castle."

A club that will rock you? Of course, it has to be the Queen Fan Club at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA. This club pays tribute to the 70s/80s rock band Queen by listening to their music as well as viewing their visual productions. Not only does it put fellow Queen fans in the same room, it also offers the opportunity for others to learn about Freddy Mercury and the gang. As the song says, "Keep on fighting 'til the end!"

These are just a few cool college clubs; check with your future school to see what other types of star-quality extra curriculars are offered. And remember, if there isn't anything you particularly like, you could always start your own club. These people did!

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