It is not uncommon that one day something doesn’t exist and the next it does. Clubs and organizations are constantly emerging at Kean University, as well as other institutions, as a form of representation.

Students initiate clubs when they see a hole in the community where some subset of the population is not being entirely recognized. Clubs are a way for students to create something that represents their dedication to a particular field of study, specific ideals and morals, hobbies and passions. For members, clubs create a common environment where students can meet others who share their interests and pursuits. For the community, it provides guidance and information for those curious about the interest.

The American Medical Women’s Association (AMWA) is one of the newest organizations to the Kean community. Vanessa Lupo, President of AMWA, states, “the American Medical Women's Association, is to help students in the medical field enhance their knowledge in which classes to take, which direction to move forward in and allow many networking opportunities.”

This organization began in the spring semester of 2016. It is an environment where students are exposed to opportunities that will advance women in medicine and improve women’s health on a local, national and international level. AMWA provides shadowing opportunities for its members and welcome guest speakers who are currently involved in the medical field.

Lupo states, “Within the development of this organization, students will be able to get more involved on campus and speak with the doctors and survivors that come in to speak.”

Whether it be a student, doctor, surgeon or nurse, all professions have relevant experience that students would benefit from hearing. Beyond that, they also have survivors speak. From the cancer survivors to the psychologists involved, everyone contributes ideas and perspectives that students can learn from.

Health is an immensely challenging field of study. The years are considerably long, required education is extensive and the stress is unrelenting. One critical aspect of success when pursuing a profession such as medicine is a support system. In times of defeat and exhaustion, such support is what keeps students going. Lupo states, “AMWA can be beneficial to the Kean community by creating bonds and friendships that are unbreakable.”

Beyond providing support, one very obvious purpose of AMWA is to advance women in medicine. Within the medical field, women represent 58% of the population. Clubs like AMWA have largely contributed to making that statistic possible by bridging the gender gap and rectifying discrepancies that previously existed.

Clubs and organizations are a prime atmosphere for information, advice, friendships and networking. People within an organization offer their own network of knowledge, different perspectives and avenues of growth.

Lupo states, “In the future I hope to see AMWA grow in memberships and interest. I also hope to see many more items being donated by us to women's shelters and safe houses. Moreover, I hope to have our members involved in the community outside of Kean [University] and more so in awareness walks.”

As time progresses, the club will develop a history all its own and inspire the creation of many more clubs to come.