By Valentina Toro
Features Editor
Flowers and conversation filled Adanti Student Center Room 306 on March 4 as students created bouquets during Flowers and Belonging, a wellness event hosted by the UndocuAlly Student Alliance to encourage connection and reflection.
The event, held from 3-4 p.m., offered free flowers for students to arrange into custom bouquets while taking a break from their daily routines.
“We had a talk with our executive board, and we thought a Flowers and Belonging event would be a nice idea because we always include a mental health check-in in our events,” business administration major Jerimiah Parra, a junior and the president of UASA, said.
Organizers said the activity was designed to create a calm space for reflection and community building during a busy point in the semester. Students stopped by throughout the afternoon, selecting flowers and assembling bouquets while chatting with friends, meeting new people and listening to Latin music.
The activity created a relaxed atmosphere where students could step away from academic stress for a short time while engaging with others in a welcoming campus space.
The event also reflected the broader mission of UASA, a campus organization that supports undocumented students and their allies.
Parra said creating welcoming spaces on campus is especially important for undocumented students and those from mixed-status families. He explained that the organization focuses on building a sense of belonging while providing opportunities for students to connect with others who may share similar experiences.
“Community is a very big and important thing that people don’t realize how much it can impact,” Parra said. “This club shows that we’re here for undocumented students and even allies whose family members may be undocumented or part of mixed-status families.”
Beyond advocacy efforts, UASA also hosts social and educational events intended to support student wellness and encourage involvement across campus.
Activities such as game nights, discussions and creative gatherings allow students to meet others while learning more about the organization’s mission.
Parra said the group hopes to reach students who may not yet know about the club by hosting accessible events. In addition to social programming, the organization has also worked to expand opportunities for undocumented students, including advocating for greater access to campus activities and also collaborating with other organizations at the university.
Students moved between tables selecting flowers and arranging bouquets while talking with friends and meeting other attendees. Some carefully chose colors and stems to build personalized arrangements while others helped classmates assemble their bouquets.
The activity encouraged conversation as students compared their bouquets, turning the room into a relaxed and interactive space centered around creativity and connection.
Organizers hope events like Flowers and Belonging encourage students to pause during a hectic semester while also strengthening connections across campus.
“I hope students take away that our club is based on community,” Parra said. “No matter what you’re going through, having a community makes things easier because you know you’re not by yourself.
