On a recent sunny afternoon at the College of Chemistry, a group of students hung out discussing the formation of the new ChemUNITY club. Founding club members Arismel Tena (B.A. Chem ’19) and Rodrigo Miranda (B.A. Chem, ’18) were delighted to discuss some of the organization’s goals.
“Our vision is for underrepresented and nontraditional students in the College of Chemistry to have a space that demystifies the opportunities in the College and builds their confidence to seize those opportunities,” Miranda said. "Some of the activities we are planning include creating study groups, bringing in corporate speakers and helping our club members consider application for, and navigate the pipeline to, graduate school. For many, this kind of forward thinking isn't on their radar when they are newly arrived as freshmen and transfer students on campus."
Tena remarks, "With our club motto of Underrepresented, Non-traditional, Inclusivity, we are hoping to create a safe haven, and place for mentorship, of the College's diverse and nontraditional undergrads. It’s really useful to have a place where you can discuss your adjustment to Berkeley with others who are having similar experiences.”
Undergraduate Dean and Professor of Chemistry John Arnold commented, "Our Undergraduate Student Services office is delighted to support the newest CoC student group, ChemUNITY. This form of peer support plays a transformative role in the lives of our students and I'm delighted to see this new effort aimed at bringing together students who come from a wider and less traditional range of backgrounds."
Both Miranda and Tena are seniors and speak from experience. "It's better not to struggle alone," Tena says. "CoC undergrads can be hesitant to say they need help. It's OK to struggle. We're all struggling. It's just best not to do it on your own."
The best way to get involved in club activities is to come by during a study session and contribute knowledge to the community. Current times and location are listed on this page. We may add more dates later in the semester. If you are interested in contributing more time, contact us at chemunity.berkeley@gmail.com to see what we've got going on. Updated info will be online at the club's Facebook page.
ChemUNITY Meetings