African & Caribbean Student Union

By: Averial Evans

This year, Quinnipiac University’s African and Caribbean Student Union have been hard at work creating new events for students and members to learn more about the cultures they represent. However, this year’s executive board has not only helped educate others, but have also learned more about themselves through putting on these events.

“I think that this organization had a huge impact on me,” said Anna-Beth Haye, the president of ACSU. “It really made me appreciate a leadership role. It made me realize that I really do enjoy being in a leadership role and made me want to be in something like that after college.”

As working with other members, Haye, a junior journalism major, appreciates her role as president as it has helped overcome personal challenges.

“It helped me with my people skills,” Haye said. “I have really bad anxiety sometimes and this org forced me to, you know, talk to people and get to know people.”

Autumn White, the event coordinator for ACSU and a first-year criminal justice major in the 3+3 law program, believes her position and the role she fills in the multicultural organization helped with her confidence and helped her bond more with her culture and family.

“I think prior I lacked certain confidence to believe I could lead and be a good representative for myself but also my family … from this organization I gained more confidence, better communication skills, and deeper love for my culture.” White said. “I enjoy going home to be with my grandparents and tell them how this organization has encouraged me to learn more about our Cuban and Panamanian heritage.”

Other executive board members have found that being a part of ACSU has helped them move out of their comfort areas and into new territories.

“This group has greatly benefited me by enabling me to move beyond my comfort zone and actually talk to people, promote events that we conduct, and be more outgoing,” said Leila Celisie, ACSU’s public relations chair and interim vice president.

“I do remember that in a group assignment in class, I stated that I was on the ACSU e-board,” said Celisie, a sophomore health science major. “When one of the group members asked about it, I was able to give a brief description of what it is and what we do. I was really pleased of myself.”

As for the future of the organization, Haye is ready to continue and strive for more.

“Representation and inclusivity is our number one goal and we’re just getting started,” she said.