At first thought, the word “spirituality” brings several different things to mind: religion, praying, even a higher power. However, after the Holly Spirit took time to interview the club’s advisors, we found that it was quite different from those initial thoughts. 

The idea spurred from freshman and co-advisor for the club Malaika Awan. Her knowledge on spirituality made her feel that she should take it upon herself to start the club.

“I am interested in the topic and I know others that are as well,” she said. 

Awan explained the club’s motives and goal. “It is a club that will essentially aid you into your spiritual awakening…by de-stressing through meditation-relaxation techniques…and focusing on overall wellbeing,” she said. From tarot cards, astrology, meditation and star charts, spirituality includes many different types of tools and beliefs. 

Using star charts, for example, “you can uncover a lot [about] an individual,” Awan said. Using one’s birth city, birth date and birth signs,  an individual can find his/her horoscope readings. An individual’s horoscope often dictates someone’s personality and future just from when the time, place and ways the planets were aligned at their birth. 

Awan recognized that the RV Community is stressed out right now from a variety of things, including homework, extracurriculars, teaching under the current conditions, the transition to a 5-day in-person schedule and all the things in-between. Through the introduction of the Spirituality Club, Awan wants to develop a platform for staff and students to come together and relax.

“The club will be a safe platform for anyone to talk about their different interests and prioritize their wellbeing,” she said.

History teacher Mrs. Carlson, the adviser, worked with Awan to establish the club last month. “I really like the idea of taking a holistic approach in creating a social and emotional experience for our community,” said Carlson. “It will help us obtain that balance many of us need right now.”

Carlson further argues that even without COVID, teens have been experiencing disconnection, loneliness and stress largely as a result of social media.

“We are hoping that this will provide a connection for people that are feeling alone and challenged at this time,” she said.

In their first meeting on April 16, 10 students showed up after only hearing about the club through word of mouth. Awan understands that this is a popular topic that many find interesting, and she believes that it will grow especially under these COVID conditions. Both Carlson and Awan are optimistic about the club’s future and how much it will impact the RV community.