By Blanca Amaya
Have you ever felt lonely on campus? Out of place? In need of a home away from home? Then look no further! There’s a place for YOU & Me.
United and Mutually Equal, most commonly referred to as U&ME, is the second-largest club on campus and one of the longest-running clubs with over 31 years of history. Known for its giving nature and big events, this club has gained quite the reputation on campus. But do many people know the purpose of the club and what they do?
“The purpose of the organization is to give students a place to feel like they belong. A place that acknowledges difference celebrates differences across cultural lines, ethnic lines, gender lines… a lot of marginalized students find a place in U&Me. But it’s also here to educate the community as a whole,” said Kolu Sharpe, the club’s faculty advisor.
Mrs.Kolu is the director of cultural education and inclusion, located on the second floor of the campus center, and is also United & ME’s faculty advisor. When asked why she agreed to become the club’s advisor, she said, “I think it’s kinda just a part of the office, the nature of the office, and the goals of the office. It just makes sense.” Mrs.Sharpe is also regarded highly by all the members due to her kind nature and helpfulness to the club.
Although Mrs.Sharpe is a huge part of the success of United & Mutually Equal, the club remains heavily student-oriented. Student opinion is the center of all their meetings and event planning. Naressa Kempadoo, this year’s Eboard President and current Junior, expresses, “This year we have a lot of enthusiastic students who really want to take part in our mission,” thus continuing the legacy of the club.
United & Mutually Equal is also responsible for many major events on campus that are hosted annually! Right now, they are set to collaborate with other notable clubs, such as CAB and Warp, on numerous events throughout this school year.
Some notable events that United & ME have planned out thus far include Indigenous People Day on October 12, World Fest on November 4, and Latin Fest on September 21 on the Commonwealth lawn!
Apart from the club, United & Mutually Equal has a sister program that stemmed from it. Quite recently, the U&ME mentor program was created due to the “club members seeing a need for incoming first years from marginalized groups to have someone connect with and feel like they belong.” The U&ME mentoring program gives first-year students the opportunity to be connected with an upperclassman who has a similar major as you and a compatible personality. Mentors act as a guide on campus, someone you can talk to about the struggles or successes in classes, ask advice about professors, and have someone to talk to.
The program also hosts monthly meetings between mentors and mentees where they take group trips and do group bonding activities. Even if you’re a shy or timid first year, with this group, you’re bound to develop a friendship that can last a lifetime.
United & Mutually Equal is committed to making its community feel safe and welcomed. Whether you may need a mentor for guidance or a family-like atmosphere while away from home, United & ME clearly has it.
“[I] really wanted to be a part of something on campus, and this is a great first start for anyone that wants to get out there,” Ashton Rutkowski, United & Mutually Equal’s Historian, expressed when asked why he chose to join the club.
If you believe United & ME could be the club for you, then don’t fret; they are still accepting new members! Ms.Kempadoo’s word of advice for anyone looking to join is, “Don’t be afraid to show up and ask questions! We are ALWAYS open to new ideas and thoughts. We want to hear YOUR voice.”
If you’re interested in joining, the club meets every Thursday at 12:30 pm in the cultural center—located in the campus center on the first floor. Everyone is encouraged and welcome to come. However, this upcoming Thursday, September 21, there will be no meeting since it’s the notorious Latin Food Fest! Come out to Commonwealth Lawn for Hispanic foods, games, prizes, and culture. It feels good being connected to U&ME.
