At any university, creativity and student organizations go hand in hand. Expression of passion and individuality encouraged through campus activities and involvement in student organizations is key for students as it allows them to further develop and explore their identities. For this reason, finding the right organization is crucial as it can have lasting effects far into the future.

“Soulverse is an avenue for others to fit in and express themselves,” Chris Acosta, former president and current member of Soulverse said.

The 10-year-old student organization is dedicated to expression through any medium and while predominately focused on poetry, the organization also incorporates any form of expression whether it’s music, art or any other performed routine.

“Slam poetry and many other performance formats are more about flash then substance,” Acosta said.

“Soulverse is an environment dedicated to making points rather then scoring them.” “Anything related to expression is welcome,” Vaughan Heussenstamm, current president of Soulverse said. “We’re a like-minded audience that’s about letting you do your thing.”

Soulverse holds monthly meetings that serve as the basis of this expression. After the logistics and finances have been discussed the last portion of the meeting is set aside as an open mic where everyone in attendance is encouraged to contribute and perform something they created. “It’s one of the last bastion’s of free speech,” Acosta said. “It exposes people to other forms of expression and to new ideas.”

An aspect of Soulverse that makes this organization unique is the extremely diverse membership. Soulverse is a melting pot of individuals from all over the world with members from countries like Belize, Mexico and India. In addition, the bi-laws of the organization state those members of Soulverse can be from outside the college as well as enrolled in the school allowing alumni and individuals who don’t attend NMSU to participate in the group.

Anyone can join and participate and these factors allow for an extremely varied membership within the organization. Acosta described the group as being diversity in practice, and not practicing diversity on paper. If you’re interested in learning more, Soulverse will be holding an open mic event Friday, Sept. 29 in the Health and Social Services Auditorium annex at 7 p.m.