By Dariana Lalin
Members made the Hispanic drink: Coquito. (Photo by Dariana Lalin)
If you’ve ever wandered near the Commuter's Lounge on a Tuesday night around 10 p.m. and wondered if there was a party going on, you wouldn’t be far off—it’s just the lively energy of a Latine Unidos (LU) meeting.
Before you enter, the echo of laughter and spirited conversations fills the hallway, while the rhythmic pulse of Hispanic music draws you closer. Inside, the room hums with a sense of belonging—everyone is at ease, sharing stories, jokes, and enjoying the familiar comfort of cultural drinks. It’s more than just a meeting; it’s a celebration of culture, community, and connection.
On Sept. 14 during the "Sip & Savor" event, excitement filled the room as everyone lined up to try the drinks. People chatted while they waited, glancing at the colorful beverages set up at the front. Before each drink was served, a bit of information about its history was shared, making the experience more meaningful. Once the introductions were done, the crowd eagerly reached for their cups. They got to taste Agua De Jamaica, Morir Soñando, and Coquito while learning a little about each one.
Most of the executive board members joined LU in a similar way—invited by friends and drawn in by the sense of community. Anthony Cruz, president of LU, has been involved since his sophomore year.
"What drew me to the club was one of the first meetings I attended. The sense of community the past e-board had made me feel like I wanted to be a part of it," Cruz shared.
Fauri Estevez, vice president and a transfer student, found the group through friends. “[Previous e-board members] invited me, and I had a great time,” Estevez recalled.
Secretary Rebakkah Ruffin had a similar experience. “My friends were a part of it for a year," Ruffin shared, "and I was interested in getting out of my dorm, so I decided to try it out and see what happens.”
For Cruz, the club's mission goes beyond building community. “We’re just trying to be a voice for those who may not have one, and we want to educate anyone willing to learn about our cultures and heritages,” he explained.
“If you join the club, you’re joining a big family—people who will be by your side for a long time,” Estevez said.
Ruffin shared more about how the club plans its activities. “When it comes to themes and events, we usually brainstorm as an e-board," Ruffin said. "We build on past ideas or think about what’s happening in the culture, that could be cool for a meeting. Sometimes we’ll do fun games like Jeopardy or Family Feud that people can bond over culturally.”
Ruffin also mentioned his favorite event. “My favorite event is Café con Leche. It’s a really fun way to see all the talented and creative people on campus," Ruffin said. "We have a talent show where people sing, dance, and perform poetry, plus an art section where students can display their artwork. It’s a safe space for students of color to showcase their artistic skills.”
LU offers much more than just meetings; it’s a space where students can connect, share their heritage, and find a sense of belonging. Through events like Café con Leche and engaging cultural activities, the club aims to build a supportive, close-knit community. For many, it’s not just a place to learn about their culture but a place to feel at home on campus.
LU hosts meetings every Tuesday night at 10 p.m.
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