Entering a MEChA meeting, an immediate sense of comradery is present. Laughter bounces off the walls of Arnett Hall’s main lobby, inviting anyone and everyone to poke their head in and find out what all the hubbub is about. MEChA, Seattle Pacific University’s premier club for those interested in the Latino and Hispanic communities, is ready to continue to provide an interactive and educational space with a new board and set of co-presidents. This year, the club is infused with a rejuvenated effort to better highlight, educate and unite students involved with Latin culture.
Senior psychology major Allison Marquez-Rosas, one of MEChA’s new co-presidents, is already noticing more student interest.
“We’re expecting a lot more engagement this year because the incoming freshmen are more engaged and excited to start school,” Marqeuz-Rosam said. “We have a lot more ideas coming up this year, so we’re really excited to see how it all begins to happen as we get more planning jump started.”
MEChA meetings are just as social as they are informative, allowing students to find others from the same background, as well welcoming those not of Hispanic or Latin heritage to gain a new understanding of a different culture.
This year, MEChA is ditching the acronym. Previously standing for “Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlán” (meaning “Chicano Student Movement of Aztlá” in English), the club decided to keep the name without attaching the acronym. Given the original title only specifically mentioned Mexican Americans, getting rid of the double meaning better allows the club to bring in a more diverse set of people.
“We definitely wanted to make it more inclusive,” said Marquez-Rosam. “We know not all the Hispanic and Latin students at our school aren’t just Mexican or Chicano, so we wanted to make sure that there was a lot more inclusivity within the name itself.”
Additionally, MEChA is looking for people from SPU and its surrounding areas that are acquainted with traditional dances, clothing, and holidays. MEChA meets in the Arnett Hall lobby every other Thursday at 6 p.m.
