Most of DU’s clubs have pivoted to virtual formats for the quarter. For many, this has proven to be a challenge. However, fourth-year Callie Miller believes that DU Writers Club, a group she founded this past winter, fits well with the post-apocalyptic atmosphere students are living in.
“Since COVID-19 hit, we have seen a boost in membership and interest in writing as a whole,” said Miller. “Previously, when I brought up my club in class… people would shrug it off. Now, there are people asking for more information and reaching out to ask for the Zoom link.”
From the start, I have been a part of this club. When I attended one of their first meetings this quarter, I was surprised to find that the influx of students appearing on my screen rivaled the number of people who attended in-person winter quarter. There were more intense conversations, people willing to share and workshop their work and quirky or lighthearted prompts that dissolved the air of school stresses. Unlike previous meetings, many of the students who had joined were business or biology majors. This was new to me, but it did not shock Miller as much.
“COVID-19 has created a big need for creative outlets like writing. When we are going through tough times, like a pandemic, we find ourselves stuck in our houses with our own thoughts. All of us seek catharsis and art can give that to us,” Miller said.
This reality mirrors how creative companies and programs like Masterclass and Rosetta Stone have seen surges in their consumer base. Quarantine has pushed people who previously never explored creative endeavors to pursue ones that once felt reserved for artists and authors.
“When the club first started, it was mostly English majors. Now, we have been seeing different majors show interest as well. I think right now is a great time to try out different groups. Everyone is looking for community and a way to be creative and have fun,” Miller said.
As winter months crawl up again and students lose some of their options for outdoor activities, looking into clubs driven by creativity may not be time wasted for anyone who wants to explore avenues they previously had not looked into at DU.
