Harper Travis
Staff Writer
The “It’s Whatever You Make It Club” is a welcoming, judgment free club at Alexandria City High School where people of any background, sexuality, race, grade, and beliefs can come together to discuss topics of current events/issues, other club members’ lives and experiences, and witty questions that make you think like; “do ghosts really exist?” The IWYMI club is led by Alyssa Laluces, Helen Russell, and Fatima Suliman whose goal is to create a safe and welcoming environment for all students at ACHS.
The IWYMI club is a community created where people who don’t usually fit in have a safe, fun place to go. Laluces said, “we hope to help everyone open their eyes to the world and gain new perspectives in life after listening to other people’s experiences.”
During the IWYMI club, members will discuss a new topic at every meeting. The meetings alternate between playing a group game to having a meeting full of intriguing group discussions. At the meetings they discuss silly light-hearted topics as well as heavier, deeper topics. The group discussions are not limited to only one topic. Suliman said, “we usually have a few guiding questions but if somehow a conversation about cooking turns into a conversation about fears we let it happen.”
The IWYMI club has started “Big Bird Emotion Sessions.” These are sessions that happen before every meeting where members can let out any big emotions they are dealing with that they need to get off their chests. “Our last meeting the discussion topic was ‘things that make your brain tick.’ We have had conversations about our fears, what-ifs, sexuality, social norms, etc” said Suliman.
The IWYMI club family has been created by people who get you. This club has created so many friendships while people are showing their vulnerable side they often hide from others. Everyone in the IWYMI club has built a space where you can be whatever you want to be with no judgment from your fellow club members. “I’ve made some of my best friends from this club, and I’ve enjoyed every second of my time there,” said Russell.
“I don’t think I have ever shared so many insecurities with a group, or felt so sure that the people I’m with would be accepting,” said Suliman
The IWYMI club was created by these three leaders whose motive was to have a place where everyone felt comfortable enough to share the more vulnerable side of themselves without being afraid. This club is full of people from all different grades, who all manage to get so close so quickly. Laluces said, “I really do believe that this club is good for ACHS and that we’ve changed these people’s lives even if it was just a little part.”
The IWYMI club is very flexible. You can join and leave this club any time you want. You can stop in for just one meeting if that’s what you want. “You can not come to a meeting, but not miss anything. You could join in the middle of the year, but you won’t feel left out., or like you need to catch up.” Russell said.
“We welcome everyone with open arms even if you just stop by,” said Laluces
Photo Courtesy of Peggy DiScipio
