From K-pop Fandom to Dentistry, New Clubs Bring Diversity to the Hive
At the K-pop Fandom Club, students work on decorating their photocards’ top loaders with stickers. Photo: Vivienne Ward
By XIAOEN ZENG
Afterschool at Midwood is buzzing with some new and comeback energies. Amongst the original club offerings this year are the Future Dentists and K-pop Fandom, while the Women of Central Asia Club has been revived.
The K-pop Fandom Club provides an energetic environment for K-pop lovers to express themselves. The club offers trivia, hot takes or debates, top loader decorating, karaoke, and more.
Vivienne Ward ‘28, the club’s president, said she hopes members will become “more comfortable in what they love and share that bonding experience with others.”
“I just want to say to those who enjoy K-pop, don’t be afraid to join,” Ward said. “Stay true to your own interests!”
Madiha Noor Asghar ‘27, one of the members of the club, said, “I love the board because it’s full of the sweetest and most welcoming girls ever. I feel like I’m free to say anything I want, and overall, it’s a fun environment.”
Jessy Jiang ‘28, another member, said, “They have really cute stickers and all the supplies are provided for you. The club is all about fun activities – they make being part of the club exciting and interactive.”
Similarly, the Future Dentists provides a place for students who are interested in the field to build their knowledge.
At meetings, students learn the facts of dentistry, sometimes from professionals who come in to talk about their experiences.
Sabina Babakulova ’26, the president, explained that “a lot of kids in America do not know how to take care of their teeth,” and she wants to create a community that “cares about educating.”
“If you don't take care of your teeth, then it is probably hard to eat and keep yourself healthy,” Leah Ng ‘27, the treasurer, added.
“It’s very helpful to learn about dentistry in high school,” said Luka Gavashelishvili ‘27, who plans to become a dentist. “[The club] sets good principles about what is expected.”
The Women of Central Asia, founded in 2022 but briefly dormant, also returned this year.
In this club, members discuss history, women’s roles, and traditions. They are also big on arts and crafts, with keychain making using Asian countries’ flags, scrapbooking, journaling, embroidery, and jewelry making.
The members wanted to create a community that is welcoming, engaging and impactful to all the members that join, whether they’re Central Asian or not. It is also a platform for Central Asian girls to talk about their home and cultural experiences and relate to others who share the same stories.
Club President Aziza Ziyadulloeva ‘26 said, “I was curious about my culture, and when I saw there was a club dedicated to people like me, I decided to join despite not knowing anyone. It was the best decision.”
New or revived clubs must submit forms for review by the SGO (Student Government Office). They also need a president, a vice president, a secretary, and well-thought-out plans for weekly activities.
Ricardo Torres ‘26, the mayor of Midwood, said, “If [a club idea] comes to mind, go for it. Take initiative on what you want. Leading isn’t easy, but with enough tenacity, anything can be done.”