Karis Hudgins, Social Media Manager    

(Image courtesy of Karis Hudgins)

UNCG’s English Club provides the perfect environment for students who share a passion for reading, writing, and exploring new topics to connect with like-minded peers. Professor Xhenet Aliu, the club’s advisor, shares that the mission is for members to have a space to engage in literature in various forms. From academic works we often study in class to novels, short stories and poetry, the club seeks to allow students to dive deeper into their ideas. 

Over the past two years Professor Aliu has served as advisor, the English Club has grown into a community for students of all academic backgrounds to come together and celebrate literature. She explains, “I don’t want to speak for everyone, but as mostly introverted book readers, sometimes it’s more comfortable to be around other introverted book readers to get talking.”  

Member Philip Cressler seconds this by stating, “English Club is a great way to see people I may recognize from classes whom I otherwise wouldn’t have the chance to talk to again.” 

Providing a safe space for casual but meaningful conversation, members share that topics can range from current class reads to upcoming book releases or recalling of childhood fairy tales. Jonathan Grise, who recently joined, states, “All my professors talk about English Club, so I figured it’d be a good group to be a part of.” He also comments on his appreciation for the easygoing nature each meeting holds, allowing for conversation to flow in whatever direction it takes. 

However, the March 21 meeting was more structured. Members organized a book swap, giving students the opportunity to exchange used books with each other and declutter their bookshelves in the season of spring cleaning.  

“The idea was to bring in a book you love and want to share or that you no longer need and someone else may appreciate. Next year, we’ll potentially do another book swap and recycle those books again to new homes,” Professor Aliu shares. Not only were students able to freshen up their book collection, but they were also able to make sure their used books would go to a safe home to be read by a fellow student.  

Mary Kate shares her excitement over finding another cookbook to add to her coffee table collection. “Sometimes, I’ll attempt to cook the recipes, but living on campus can make that difficult.” Her experience highlights not only the event’s purpose in book-sharing but also the welcoming environment that the club strives for. 

The English Club often hosts writing workshops, poetry readings, trivia and board game nights, and discussion days for whatever is on the mind of the members.   

“A couple weeks ago, a lot of people showed up to the meeting where we played a type of immersive murder mystery game. It made it more fun to all be figuring something out together.” Grise shares of his favorite event of this semester. The variety of activities ensures there is something everyone will enjoy, whether or not they are avid readers or writers. And as Professor Aliu notes for those who might be interested, there is always the bonus of pizza during the meetings. 

For those looking to get involved in UNC Greensboro’s English Club, upcoming events are posted on their Instagram, @uncg_english.