Freshman feels at home in Harambee

Gema Munoz

By Olivia Gustin
Texas State student

New to the Harambee dance team is Texas State freshman Gema Munoz. Munoz joined in the fall as an outlet for her love of hip-hop and dance.

"I love to dance modern and jazz too but hip-hop is also incredibly uplifting for the body and for the soul," said Munoz.

Since becoming a member of Harambee, Munoz says her most valuable experience has been performing in the Homecoming Talent Show.

"It took perseverance and commitment from everyone on the team to balance school, friends, work and Harambee," Munoz said.

The dedication and late-night rehearsals that the team put in was well worth it when Harambee won first place in the dance category.

Munoz says she would encourage other students to try out for Harambee and praises the organization for its positive representation of Texas State. She admires the diversity and dynamic character that the dance team offers.

"Although we all come from different backgrounds and have unique personalities, we are like a family joined together by our love for dance," Munoz said.

The word harambee is Kenyan for unity and Munoz commends the organization for upholding its goal.

"I believe in our mission and think we do a great job of incorporating that idea in every rehearsal," Munoz said.

Munoz's passion for Harambee is also due to the freedom she enjoys when she is around the other members. She said she always feels like she can be herself and loves having new experiences with people she shares a similar interest with.

"We come together numerous times a week and, even though we work hard, we enjoy ourselves and have a lot of fun together," said Munoz. "Harambee is for students who have a passion for performing and love to dance."