“Por Mexicanos, para Mexicanos,” is the leading motto of the newly established organization, Club MEXA. This community made by Mexicans, for Mexicans, has created a space where culture and connection can thrive. The club prides itself on celebrating Mexican identity and fostering a welcoming place for all students at New Mexico State University.
Club MEXA provides a home away from home for most of these students as they navigate a campus that isn’t as culturally familiar to them as they are used to.
“Most of us, we miss our home,” president of the organization, Darien Salayandia, said. “I think this is really helpful for us to feel a little part of our hometowns.”
While the club is centered on Mexican culture, members emphasized that the community isn’t exclusive, and it is open to students of all backgrounds. This gives members a chance to learn about Mexican traditions, food, and day-to-day lives.
“When you come here from another country, it’s really difficult,” Salayandia said. “We want to support all kinds of students.”
The organization hosts a variety of arts and crafts activities during meetings, along with events designed to encourage student engagement. Most recently, they organized an outdoor Pilates session, where students learned from a Pilates instructor from the NMSU Activity Center.
In the past, club MEXA also collaborated with Mexican-owned small businesses, including Magnolia’s cafe for drinks, and a local photographer to further highlight the representation within the community.
Through these interactive experiences, these events allow students to connect in a welcoming and relaxed setting. The environment encourages them to be themselves without the fear of feeling out of place.
“I usually come from atmospheres of teamwork, of stress,” member Roberto Contreras said. “So, this is a place where I can forget about everything else and just relax.”
For many students, especially those adjusting to a new country or environment, spaces like the MEXA Club can make a meaningful difference in their college experience. The club works to help bridge the gap between home and campus life by offering cultural familiarity.
“We understand each other, because Mexican culture and American culture it’s really different,” member Alyn Lopez said.
That shared understanding has helped ease the challenges of adjusting to a new environment and finding a sense of belonging on campus.
“When I first came here, I was so nervous, and I felt so alone and homesick,” MEXA member Manly Melendez said. “When I started to get along [with] all these people, it felt like a huge relief for me.”
While the club is still new to campus, the organization has already changed the perspectives of many students and continues to provide opportunities and resources.
“The main purpose is to support our community,” Salayandia said. “We want to get involved and get people involved with us.”
As Club MEXA continues to grow, its members hope to expand their reach and create more opportunities for students to connect, especially those who feel out of place. Through culture, community, and shared experiences, the organization is working to ensure that no student feels alone on campus.
