Senior Monica Alvarado said when meeting the new advisers of Student Organization Against Racism for the first time, she felt hopeful for the future of the club and the new ideas they will share.

“They were very nice and I think they really like that club,” Alvarado said. “They are really committed.”

Former adviser of Student Organization Against Racism (SOAR) Arika Mareck said she stepped down from her role because she was extremely busy and could not adequately manage the club.

“I am trying to do a good work life balance, and I just have way too many things going on,” Mareck said.

Junior club leader Callia Blake said she will miss Mareck and all the work she put into SOAR.

“I’m sad because she was a really good adviser and she really cared about the group,” Blake said. “She started the group originally.”

Senior Dominique Robinson said the three new advisers are equity coach Joy Esboldt, High Achievement Program adviser Peter Redmond and social worker Daniel Perez. Robinson said they will benefit the club because of their diversity, which is important when discussing racial discrimination.

“I think it’s good to get a view on all races, since the group is about race,” Robinson said.

Perez said he believes his role as a leader benefits the group because he is experienced being a student of color.

“I think as a person of color, and staff of color, it’s really important for me to be involved in activities that not only have to do with social justice,” Perez said.

Redmond said he believes three advisers will ensure the longevity of the club because there will likely be someone at every meeting.

“I think with this number of advisers, it pretty much guarantees the continuity,” Redmond said.

Redmond said talking about race in school differs from discussing the subject openly in a nonacademic environment.

“To have students come together at their own will, and to talk about what race is to them, I think it’s a lot different,” Redmond said. “So I’m looking forward to listening to what the kids have to say.”

Esboldt said she looks forward to her involvement in SOAR.

“I think it’s important that we have a space where students feel like they can organize around issues of racism and make a difference,” Esboldt said.

Perez said he feels happy to lead this group of students and contribute to controversial discussions within the club.

“I’ve never truly advised an organization before, so I’m looking forward to growing, to learning, to not always being a leader, but also learning from colleagues and students,” Perez said.

Mareck said she thinks the new advisers will contribute great ideas and lead the club well.

“I just know I couldn’t give it what I wanted to give it,” Mareck said. “Now, having three people involved, having multiple perspectives, I think it will be better.”