BY JESSALYN KIRCHHOFF
GRAPHIC BY ALYXIUS TORRES<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Travel is one of the largest advantages students at Fort Hays State University readily have access to. The Tourism and Hospitality Management (THM) Travel Club is an organization on the FHSU campus that is geared towards preparing Tourism and Hospitality students for their future careers through the experience of domestic and international travel opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Karen Irene Thal, an associate professor of Tourism and Hospitality Management and the advisor of THM Travel Club, describes how the idea for the club was formed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI involved students in planning the first study abroad trip in 2017. However, we quickly ran into a few issues. There was no real structure, let alone institutional support for our collaborative efforts at that time,\u201d she said. \u201cIt became clear that we would need to establish a formal organization on campus to streamline our travel planning and other extra-curricular activities going forward.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Although the club was originally started for THM major-specific students, Thal explains the club is now open to students of all majors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAny FHSU student in good academic standing is welcome to join,\u201d she said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
THM Travel Club President, Meagan Ritsema, said there are all different types of students who can join the highly inclusive club. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cQualifications for entering the THM Travel Club is to be a full-time student,\u201d Ritsema said. \u201cBoth graduate and undergraduate students, as well as virtual and online, can join. Members can expect to learn how to plan cost-effective trips and learn about the tourism industry.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ritsema then explains that while the overall purpose of the club is to provide Tourism and Hospitality externship opportunities to students at FHSU, the club goes beyond those trips. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cStudents can be involved in the club even if they are unable to make it to the trips that are being planned at the moment,\u201d she said. \u201cAlthough club members can be involved in the planning process from the beginning to the end so they learn about everything that goes into planning a trip, our meetings go beyond just the planning of these trips and any students are invited to attend.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thal said some of the goals the club hopes to accomplish are being a club dedicated to travel, applied learning opportunities in the tourism and hospitality field, and enriching the on-campus experience of students through fun, informative, and social events.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe also foster learning opportunities by hosting speakers, cross-cultural events, and engaging in travel planning on campus,\u201d Thal said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thal expands on those goals by pointing out the unending benefits that students experience through travel possibilities made available to them through THM Travel Club.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAll of our trips have been unforgettable. Students not only learn a great deal about our industry, they grow and learn about themselves too \u2013 one of the many benefits of travel,\u201d she said. \u201cAt the same time, we all get to share in unique travel experiences and have a whole lot of fun as a group.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ritsema speaks on her excitement for the future of the club since starting back up after COVID and a few of her favorite memories in relation to her membership in the THM Travel Club.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOur upcoming externship trip to Chicago for this year\u2019s spring break will be my first with the club,\u201d Ritsema said. \u201cMy favorite memories with the group so far are the socials we\u2019ve had, particularly bowling at the end of last semester. I have also immensely enjoyed our annual hot chocolate fundraisers that we hold in the quad.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ritsema said being involved on campus is incredibly important in order to make the most out of your time and the tuition you are paying as a student.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSo many students don\u2019t realize the amazing opportunities that these clubs provide, opportunities like the low-cost hospitality industry immersive trip to Chicago that our club is planning,\u201d she said. \u201cIt is also a great way to make friendships and professional connections that are beneficial for your future career.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thal adds to Ritsema\u2019s statement with her own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe campus is full of opportunities for student involvement in activities. Like the trips we go on, these activities add so much value to our programs and to students\u2019 experiences at FHSU,\u201d Thal said. \u201cI would remind students that access to higher education as well as travel are both privileges we enjoy, but shouldn\u2019t take for granted. I encourage students to take advantage of the unique and wonderful opportunities presented to them when they have the chance.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thal makes sure to mention the club\u2019s next big project and their current focus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe have an amazing study abroad program planned for the end of May 2024. We are headed to Ireland and Spain to experience wellness tourism,\u201d she said. I encourage all students who are interested to join the THM Travel Club this semester to lear\u201dn more and apply for the program.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Anyone that is considering joining the THM Travel Club, can follow their Instagram page, @fhsu_thmtravelclub . This is where students can view all of the club\u2019s updates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n