Golub created an organization in which members are able to rely on each other.
Running a club like this one takes a lot of responsibility and effort, as Golub has been able to experience in the past year. Golub must be the communicator between the faculty advisor and other clubs on campus, give out all information needed about the club, resolve any problems in the group, schedule and lead meetings, and also take on the jobs of any unfilled positions. As the Union was just getting started, Golub shares that he did not consider himself a leader even though he is the founder and president of the club, but over time that opinion changed. Golub learned quite a bit about what he thinks is necessary to do as a leader.
“You have to be able to take criticism because you have to know that you can’t make everyone happy,” said Golub. “You can’t let personal emotions or bias get in the way of any decisions you have to make as a president as well. Always do what is best for the club even if you don’t 100% agree with that choice.”
With all that Golub has learned about leading the Pokémon Trainers Union, he tries to maintain his leadership style as one he describes as “personal, but strict.” He tries to make it his goal to befriend every member of the club and make sure they feel comfortable there, but also makes sure members know he is still the authority. It comes down to Golub being strict if he has to be. Through all that though, Golub shares that he is very proud of what the Pokémon Trainers Union accomplished so far and that being a leader is not always an easy position.
“It is anything but easy being a leader. Things that you think will be hard won’t be as you think it will. It’s the things that you don’t foresee happening that will be the hardest to deal with,” said Golub. “Everything you do and every decision you make as a leader affects the organization and that’s really hard to deal with sometimes. It’s really hard to be the leader and I don’t think people always realize that."
Design I Rick Purtha
Lounging on the floor, Nathan Switzer and Jack Bowen battle it out with their Pokemon cards during the Pokemon Trainer's Union meeting on March 20.
BSU STUDENT ORGANIZATION MORE THAN JUST A GAME
It may be difficult for new student organizations to grow and develop in the beginning processes, but not so for the Ball State Pokémon Trainers Union (PTU). The PTU is an organization in which students who are passionate about Pokémon, a popular television show and video game franchise, take part in tournaments and special events.
After only a year of its existence, the PTU has expanded to include nearly 120 members. When he started the club, President Nathan Golub’s goal was for the club to gain a positive reputation throughout campus. He also wanted the Pokémon Trainers Union to be a place that students could come together and make connections on campus. Golub shares, though, that those are not the only goals he keeps in mind.
“Really, I just wanted to build an organization that I would be proud of to leave as my legacy here at Ball State,” said Golub.
Maggie Flynn went through the process of making the club official with Golub. She has watched the PTU grow from a handful of members to the large organization that it is today.
“We’re a really big club, but most people know each other by name,” said Flynn.
Conversations fill the room during meetings, and sometimes threaten the organization of the night’s agenda. Golub often has to rein-in the energy level and bring the focus back.
“We’re a little weird sometimes and we’re loud, but don’t be intimidated. It’s a fun group,” said Flynn.
The friendly and open atmosphere is a key component of the organization’s success, according to PTU member Quinn Padgett.
“You don’t feel like an outcast when you’re here,” he said.
Some may find the organization unusual, but members of the organization embrace this, according to PTU member Taylor Sampson.
“There is a stereotype that we are really geeky and nerdy, and it’s totally true, and it’s great,” Sampson said.
She said that members of the organization “help each other out.” The friendships she has formed has helped her adjust to college throughout her freshman year.
“Most of the people are older than me, and if I have questions about anything I just ask them,” Sampson said.
Design I MaryBeth Sargent
Reporters I Jordyn Dider & Maleah Hillman
