UIU Bay Area has been an opportunity to grow within a community that was initially unexpected. The social gatherings and volunteer opportunities have been great, but it's been that shared cultural experience, and the relationships that have come from that, that have proven to be the blessing. Being able to gather with young people across the Bay Area, recent arrivals or otherwise, also comes with the benefit of grounding one's own experiences, with the joys, trials, and triumphs all less daunting , knowing that there's a community of people here, sharing the same culture, also sharing many of these same experiences with you.

UIU Bay Area means 'community' to me. I've made some great social connections through UIU Bay Area. I've also benefitted greatly by tapping into the professional development initiative, among other things.

Being a UIU member has given me more sense of belonging and security, especially whenever I'm around people I share the same descent with. It has also helped me in my interpersonal skills and selfless service to humanity.The benefits of being a member can not be overemphasized.

UIU allowed me serve and build community. Serving as the President deepened my bond with the broader Igbo community here in the Bay.

More than anything, I think it is the sense of community with people of similar national/cultural background. Like I told someone in one of the UIU meetings, It is one of the few places you go to meet other people and you do not have to bother about code switching. And of course, the networking is not just for professional or business related issues but the opportunity to meet other single folks. Then add the entertainment aspect, including the food, drinks, games and dance.