‘I got involved to make an impact’
Inside the halls of the University Center, University of Texas at Arlington students were making new connections more than 140 campus organizations, University offices and vendors at the spring 2023 Activity Fair.
The fair, part of the Maverick Stampede semester kickoff series, has been a UTA staple since 1981. Inclement weather moved this year’s event inside but did not dampen the excitement of new students looking to strike up friendships and find the right group for them.
Sharon Romero, a senior public health student and student coordinator with UTA’s Guest Services Office, spent the fair recruiting students to be summer resident assistants. She said her involvement in a student group helped her become the person she is today.
“I believe that being in a group will help you grow as a person,” she said. “If it wasn’t for me joining these groups, I wouldn’t have the friends that I have known for four years now.”
Jackeline Garza said she and her fellow MavElite tour guides have made an impact on prospective students and guests who visit campus. But she added that her own life has been impacted thanks to joining the group.
“With MavElite, I’ve learned public speaking and leadership skills, but especially teamwork and communication skills,” she said. “We’re that first impression, and that counts for everything. We are the ones who pull you in and make you feel at home.”
Noreen Flores, an English major and UTA Student Government chief of staff, called Activity Fair Day a great opportunity to meet students and learn about their backgrounds. She was inspired to join Student Government with an eye on the future.
“I got involved to make an impact, something small or big, leaving campus better than it was yesterday,” she said.
Helping first-generation students drives Evelyn Zaragoza to mentor her fellow Mavericks. The senior nursing student is president of the Hispanic Student Nursing Association, which helps mentor students regardless of where they are in their academic careers. While all backgrounds are welcome, the group focus on assisting Hispanic students.
“It’s a good way to meet people, get to know the ins and outs of applying to and being in the nursing program,” Zaragoza said. “I have more friends that are in the program, too. It has made me more social.”
Though students may have distinct reasons to join organizations, they tend to leave them as more well-rounded individuals, said Julia Cornish, UTA assistant director of student organizations.
“We like to think of student organizations as a good complement to what students are doing in the academic space,” Cornish said. “They are learning a lot of great skills in their academic programs and internships, but some of the skills they learn in student organizations are things you often just don’t get in the classroom.”
Students who missed the fair can find the full organization directory at mavorgs.uta.edu or set up a time to meet with a member of the Maverick Involvement Team, which offers recommendations based on a student’s individual interests.
“There is a group for anything and everything. Just pick one and check it out,” Romero said. “You’re bound to find something you like.”
