The CSU Stanislaus quad was bustling with student organization booths on Wednesday for the semesterly Student Org. Fair sponsored by ASI in collaboration with Student Leadership, Engagement and Belonging.

Students had the opportunity to find out how to get involved with organizations on campus and make the most out of their college experience.

Analaura Jocol (Art, Senior), the Art Club’s President stated that this is their second semester as an official campus organization, and she is optimistic for what the semester will bring.

“I’m just excited – like I feel like we have a lot planned and just getting more people to like our little art community,” she said.

Haidet Peralta (Art, Senior) the Vice President of the Art Club, explained that along with making the club more accessible to newcomers, she is excited to create a unique space to uplift Stan State artists.

“Sometimes it’s just fun to create something and not having the worry of like ‘Oh, it has to be a certain theme or it has to be a certain this or that!’ …Sometimes it’s OK to make art for art’s sake. But we definitely wanna see if we could take a trip to the museum at the end of the semester,” Peralta said.

Julissa Castrejon (Agriculture, Junior), Treasurer of the Art Club, is excited to support the campus art community, despite being new to the realm of art.

“Well, I’m excited to learn more about art because I’m new to this… maybe there’s somebody else who doesn’t have that much experience and they’re intimidated to come to the Art Club… [I] want to be on their side too,” said Castrejon.

The fair brought out a robust group of students and clubs to help promote their mission and purpose on campus.

Tatianna Veloz (Psychology, Sophomore) explained that NAMI, short for National Alliance on Mental Illness, is a national organization, but is also available here at Stan State. On campus, they strive to host a variety of events.

“We have meetings and activities that support our students. We have tote bag painting, all that kind of stuff. We also try to bring in speakers to talk about mental health and then just ways we can spread awareness and anything else surrounding mental health,” Veloz said.

Jelaine Esguerra (Psychology, Sophomore) shared that she is excited to make NAMI more well-known through meetings, activities, and providing resources for students.

“It can be nerve wracking joining a club and then just being in the environment where you don’t know a lot of people, but it’s a lot of the people that join NAMI are very welcoming and it’s not clique-y in any way,” Esguerra said, “so we can definitely make them feel welcomed. Also, our DMs are 100% open, so if they have any questions, our DMs are open for them to let us know if there are any concerns or questions!”

President Britt Rios-Ellis also was in attendance during the event, visiting each booth, exploring what organizations are made available to students.

“I’m so glad I’m on campus today, I can go out and meet folks and get to talk to people,” Rios-Ellis said, “It’s just been wonderful.”

Students explored ways to build their resumes, make connections, get involved, and try something new.

The Club de Espanol Interlatinxs is an ethnic-culturally based club designed to get involved with the community and specifically designed to highlight and uplift Latinx cultures from various countries, as well as to help people learn Spanish.

Jeanette Jaime (undeclared, Sophomore) said, “We’re excited and we’re thinking on celebrating El Dia de Los Muertos and Christmas. We’re still figuring out what kind of things we’re planning this year, but it’s gonna be exciting!”

Alma Moran (Spanish, Sophomore), the club’s Treasurer, said that the club is designed to recognize and elevate Latinx cultures and traditions from other countries.

Explore campus life with over 40 different clubs and organizations to choose from on Student Leadership, Engagements & Belonging website or contact [email protected] inside the Vasché Library, L203.