There is one thing that NUI Galway certainly doesn't lack, and that is a wide variety of sports clubs and extracurricular activities to keep you busy and entertained! The University boasts over 45 different sporting activities to choose from and try out, and today we will get to hear from Sam about here experience of joining the Archery Club.
Can you tell me a little about yourself, where you’re from, what you study here?
My name is Samantha Sise. I'm a visiting student for a semester and I go to school at Berea College in Berea, Kentucky, USA. I'm a junior (third year) studying archaeology.
What made you want to join the Archery club? Was this something you had been involved in before?
I've always wanted to do archery but I have never had the chance to do so. There is actually an interest in archery at my home school but no one has been able to make it into a club. Before I came abroad I talked to other students from my school who had done the same exchange program that I am doing, and the piece of advice that I was given was to join clubs and societies because that's how you make friends.
What was it like to go to Archery practice for the first time?
Honestly, pretty intimidating, I'm not going to lie. I was afraid that I wasn't going to find the right place and I didn't know anyone. I felt awkward. It helps because most of the time you're waiting in line to shoot and there are twenty other students at are standing in other lines and eventually you're able to join in a conversation and feel less awkward.
Do you think that is a sport you will continue in the future?
I would very much like to continue with this sport when I get back home. I would like to be able to buy my own bow and find somewhere to shoot and let off some steam.
What would you say to a student who is really interested in trying Archery, but is worried or nervous about going?
If you know someone that also wants to go to archery and can go, go with them. A lot of things are a lot less scary if you have at least one other person. If you can't find a buddy then still go by yourself. There are just as many nervous and awkward people that are going to be waiting in lines. Try and get out of your comfort zone and strike up a conversation or jump into a conversation that someone else is having. You'll eventually make friends.
Finally, could you describe your overall experience of your time in NUI Galway in one sentence?
It's like jumping into cold water: freezing at first but then you get used to it and can enjoy the swim.