Message From Our Founder

"Being a new student to a large campus such as The University of Texas at Austin was overwhelming. Even though I was very active in community service during high school I found it difficult to get situated in my classes and find access to community service. Coming to UT and not knowing where to go to help and not having the means of doing it was making it difficult to satisfy my drive to get out into the community and make my mark. I didn't find any one club or organization that did all the things that I wanted to do. 

The fix: create a club that encompasses all of the characteristics and purposes that would give any student the outlet to get out and help the health care community, animal shelters, in school tutoring and community development centers but all with a spin. 

I knew that the club had to be named S.M.I.L.E. but didn't quite know what the letters would stand for, so I called upon my good friend and co- founder, Danika de Veyra to help me out: Students Making Impacts through Love & Empathy. The name says it, all: we strive to make impacts through the love of what we are doing and empathizing with other individuals These are the two important steps to make a difference in people's lives.

Not only did I want to make it a way for students to get out and help in their community but also a low maintenance and fun club that the members look forward to coming to the meetings. Lastly, sometimes clubs and organizations are so large that the officers don't even know your name or anything about you and you are just another member, but we created a family feel to the club. We are the kind of club that when you walk around campus we will call out to you and say " HEY!"

S.M.I.L.E is a diverse group of people, majors and ages. Come out and get some snacks and participate in our fun icebreakers at one of our meetings. Everyone can smile so the only thing left is to come and join us!"

Sofia Buitrago 

Founder and 2011-2012 President