Inside BSU’s Multicultural Fair
Walking into the RSU ballroom, I was greeted by tables adorned with poster boards, papers, and plenty of people excited to share about their organization. The event was organized by Jolie Streeter-Duczkowski (she/her), a graduate assistant in the Academic Achievement Center (AAC) who helps non-native English-speaking students with resources like peer tutoring. Here in the ballroom, there were plenty of places to learn about the various cultural clubs and resources we have across campus, and on one table sat a map board covered in pins, each one signifying a place of origin for students.
Among the many tables, I learned about the up-and-coming Middle Eastern and North African Association (MENAA) from its President, Amar Hammoud (she/her). When asked why she wants to start the club, President Hammoud told me that she sees many Arabs across campus, and since not all Arabs are Muslim, wants to create a safe space for all to gather.
I then talked with Alicia DeAlmeida (she/her), a graduate assistant in the Pride Center. I thought I was familiar with what the Pride Center does, having attended many of their events in the past, but I learned even more from speaking with DeAlmeida. Some of the many services the Pride Center provides include running the Lavender LLC, running a free chest binder program, and celebrating queer graduates through the Lavender Graduation Ceremony, bestowing each graduate a rainbow stole.
Asking Jolie what she wants to tell people thinking of joining organizations on campus, she simply told me, “Do it! Our clubs need membership to survive, and we’re here to support students.”
It’s more than worth looking into what kinds of cultural organizations are available for you on campus. Who knows? The perfect fit might just be within reach.
