Team Ramp Builders (TRB)

Goal: We aim to give back freedom to people who have difficulty using stairs through coordinated efforts with the Texas Ramp Project.

Why: Our projects can make a big difference in someone’s life. The smile on a person’s face when he or she sees his or her driveway for the first time in weeks is a great experience.

Membership: Our organization encourages any volunteers with or without ramp-building experience to join. If you are willing to spend a Saturday morning volunteering, we encourage you to try one ramp build. We usually meet Saturday mornings at UTSA to carpool to the designated ramp building location in San Antonio.

How to Contact: Our Facebook page, called Team Ramp Builders at UTSA, is updated on current and future builds regularly. For inquiries, email [email protected]. Team Ramp Builders also welcomes people who have any questions or concerns to text us at (361) 449-7366.

Global Health Brigade

Goal: Global Health Brigade is about empowering students to empower others. Our health chapters are designed to provide healthcare to underprivileged communities throughout Central America while allowing students to experience a culture and lifestyle different from their own. We hope to provide a unique experience for college students to help them understand what it means to be an individual in healthcare as well as gain an understanding of the differences in our health systems.

Why: Our trips enable us to provide more to communities outside of our own by showing them that we care enough to bring them necessary aid. We hope to create humble students who will go on to lead successful lives and careers in the health profession.

Membership: We are looking for all types of people — not just those pursuing a career in healthcare — that are interested in helping others outside of their own community.

How to contact: People can contact us through email at [email protected], or find us on Facebook at UTSA Global Health Brigade.

The SMIILE Movement

Goal: The SMIILE Movement is about making a difference as a young person and setting a positive example for our peers. We encourage the pursuit of your dreams and help each other realize our potential – all while giving back to the community through diverse forms of outreach.

Why: We encourage our friends and other students on campus to combat negative influences around us. We give back to those in need through donation drives because we want to spread hope one smile at a time.

Membership: We welcome any student at UTSA. We have a diverse membership and have grown close since we started. Not only do we discuss a variety of topics during our meetings, we also plan social and charitable events.

How to contact: To join SMIILE at UTSA, come to our meetings every other Wednesday at 6 p.m. in the UC Nueces Room. Our next meeting is Oct. 22nd. For more information, visit www.smiilemovement.org. People can also contact us directly at [email protected].

Heart Health Student Organization (HHSO)

Goal: We want to educate members and the general public about the dangers of cardiovascular diseases, factors leading and how to prevent them.

Why: Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. We want to inform people on how to prevent heart disease, as well as why they should actively fight against it.

Membership: Anyone is welcome to join. We want to enlighten the public, and we regard anyone who wants to make a change in his or her lifestyle as valuable member. Even if a person is completely healthy, we would still like them in our organization to provide first-hand knowledge of how a healthy lifestyle is beneficial.

How to contact: We are on RowdyLinks, and our Facebook Page is www.facebook.com/hearthealthstudentorganization.

Part four of five

Pick up the next issue of The Paisano to read about special interest groups.