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Currents: student, leader, animated

Cassandra Malloch '09 is a Psychology major who is active in Community Council and serves as president of the Anime Club.

For this series on student club leaders, Malloch discusses her role as president of the Anime Club, which meets Friday nights at 6 p.m. in Colgate 304. All are invited to join.

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Anime is a Japanese form of animation; the oldest known anime is a three-second clip of a sailor boy from 1907. Beginning in the 1930s, anime-style animation was an alternate form of storytelling for Japanese filmmakers. The live-action film industry in Japan at the time was underdeveloped and suffered because of budgeting and location issues as well as restrictions placed on casting. Japan lacked Western-looking actors, which made filming a movie set in Europe, America, or some fantasy world more difficult for Japanese filmmakers. Anime allowed artists to create any setting and any style of character they desired.

What is the mission and purpose of this club?

The Anime Club is a place where members can discuss and appreciate the art of another culture. We organize fun and rewarding activities, like sometimes screening films for the college community. For individual meetings, we always show a movie, and are getting in the habit of setting up informative panels. We also try to plan at least one convention a year to enrich our knowledge of the genre and to come together as a group.

Why did you get involved and seek a leadership role?

I became involved due to my love of the genre and my commitment to my friend, who led the group before she graduated. My major is Psychology and I believe there are a lot of psychological workings in the genre, because all life takes psychology. I try to keep my major out of my extracurricular activities, but really it is ever present. Anime was one of my hobbies long before I was in the club, and so taking on a leadership role has been a very rewarding experience.

How does this club complement your academic studies?

This club, for me, is a place to relax and gain a different experience without the stress and worry of academics. In many ways, however, there is no escape from academics. Our discussions after viewings and events enhance our abilities to think critically, which applies to almost all areas of study. In addition, the club allows us to be organized and plan in detail all the things we need to do, and those organizational skills come in handy in academia.

What does being part of this group do for you personally?

I really love this club. It is a group of close-knit people and the feeling of friendliness and being welcome is ever present. It is a place to escape, but with structure and the idea of learning subconsciously. It is a very enhancing feeling.

How many members does this club have? Has that number changed significantly in recent years?

There are approximately 20 members, and about 10 show up on a regular basis. The number has remained fairly constant. We lost many seniors last year, but gained many freshman this year. Tom Kealy is our advisor and he is very helpful and attentive when we need him.

What goals do you have for this club?

I am graduating soon, and would really like to see our new president and vice take to their roles with determination and open minds. Both members are new to the club and I want to see them succeed. I want them to continue planning conventions, get more people involved, do more workshops, and most important, have a blast and make lots of friends!

Who should join this club, and why is it important to the college community?

Anyone who can appreciate anime and a good conversation about it should join this club. It is important to the community because it gives students a place to explore one of their favorite hobbies with lots of others who also enjoy it. It allows students to express free thought, grow as leaders, and create bonds that will last. Plus it's fun, and every college needs a little good-natured fun.