3 minute read
Campus Organizations
when a spark
BECOMES A MOVEMENT
Society is shaped by movements, pushing and pulling the direction in which society will go. People contribute, respond, and grow these movements until they become forces that evolve the whole. Yet, every movement requires that starting point, that spark that ignites a movement so it can take-off and make its mark.
On Midland’s campus, movements are being sparked by students. Organizations like Black Student Union, Hispanic Student Union, and PRISM (Pride, Raising awareness, Involvement, Support, and Mentoring) are movements that have been brought about by the ambition and drive of students and the university.
“These organizations are creating a sense of community and belonging in people that are used to being around others who look like them and act like them, but suddenly are in a place where now they rarely see them,” Yajayra Borrego, a member of Hispanic Student Union, said. “Organizations like BSU, HSU, and PRISM are working to educate everyone about
22 Midland Magazine their history, as well as their present and future, of how they’ve been treated and what continues to go on and what should be done. These organizations are saying ‘I am here and you are going to see and hear me.’”
Through these groups, students help organize events and plan panels that aim to bring awareness to voices in the Black, Hispanic, and LGBTQ+ communities. Beyond awareness, they want to provide a place where students on campus can learn and grow alongside these communities, promoting an atmosphere on campus that celebrates and embraces diversity and inclusion amongst its students.
“I believe we should embrace diversity and inclusion to make sure that everyone has a voice, no matter their gender identity, religion, race, orientation, or ability.” Devyn Hansen, a member of PRISM, said, “We should be striving to make Midland an open and safe environment for all of its students. By becoming active in the movement, we can work to form a more unified campus.”
Kristina Cammarano, Vice President for Student Affairs and Chief Diversity Officer, said these student organizations, as well as many others across campus, continue to be a vital part of the student development process. “It’s exciting to see the momentum building around these organizations over the past few years,” Cammarano said. “Students are helping to identify what is important to other students, and giving them a great foundation to build on.”
Members of these groups want to use their own experiences as students to reach their peers. In the end, it can be so impactful for students to hear from their peers about their communities and promote inclusion among all groups.
“Students are in tune with what is happening with the people they set out to represent, whether that be a movement around the country that they believe is important to promote on campus, or an issue being faced on campus that they believe is important,” Yajayra said. “Peers understand you on a level that others don’t.” It will take the continued ambition and drive of students, and the university, to continue to grow these organizations. These student organizations have made an incredible impact on campus, and show no signs of slowing down.
Through these organizations on campus, movements are being started and grown in an effort to continue to foster an atmosphere on campus that exudes celebration of diversity and inclusion among its students. What makes the movements of Black Student Union, Hispanic Student Union, and PRISM all the more impactful is the student spirit and ownership taking place. From that simple spark alone, these movements are making a difference.
“It’s essential for students not to be told they belong, but to see a space where they do belong,” Cammarano said. “We continue to move in the right direction to give each student that sense of belonging.”
