BY JESSALYN KIRCHHOFF
GRAPHIC BY ALYXIUS TORRES
Although the name of this series is “Student Organization Features,” Tigers Without Limits isn’t a student organization or a club. It is a support group facilitated by Health and Wellness Services.
Tigers Without Limits is a social group for students who identify as being neurodivergent. The purpose of this group is to create opportunities to share information about student support services at FHSU, gain feedback from the group on support services on campus, build environments that foster friendships, create a safe space for members to share special interests, and expand member information on a variety of daily living skills.
Tigers Without Limits Organizaer Taylor Bynum explains what being neurodivergent entails.
“Neurodivergent describes an individual who behaves, thinks, or learns differently compared to those who are neurotypical,” Bynum said. “Some recognized types of neurodivergent conditions include Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, Dyscalculia, and more.”
She describes a few activities of the organization that was started last year by a previous graduate assistant of Student Accessibility Services.
“We enjoy doing fun projects as a group, such as coloring, baking, crafts, and more,” she said. “Through these events, we work on expanding information on a variety of daily living skills such as empathy, social skills, and classroom etiquette.”
Bynum describes one meeting in particular that she especially enjoyed.
“One of the most memorable moments of our club thus far has been baking brownies in the Training Kitchen of the Fischli-Wills Center for Student Success,” Bynum said. “We learned how to adapt to new cooking resources, such as making brownies in the microwave instead of the oven.”
She goes on to clarify that while the group was created for students that are neurodivergent, all students are encouraged to join.
“Even though the group is primarily geared toward students who identify as neurodivergent, there are no qualifications to join Tigers Without Limits,” Bynum said. “Although the main purpose of this organization is to provide a safe space for college students who identify as neurodivergent, anyone is welcome at our meetings. This group is open to anyone. You do not need a formal diagnosis to be a member of our group. We’d love to have you.”
Bynum highlights a couple advantages that being a member of Tigers Without Limits holds.
“Just a few benefits of being a member include creating environments that foster friendships both on-campus and online, learning from peers, gaining information about student support services at FHSU, and having a supportive environment,” she said.
Bynum hones in on the substance students can gain from being a part of a group, club, organization, or association on campus, even if it’s not Tigers Without Limits.
“It is important to be involved on campus as a student because it provides an opportunity to make new connections and new friendships,” she said. “Even better, you have the opportunity to meet people who share the same interests as you.”
Tigers Without Limits meets every Tuesday from 3:30-4:30 p.m. in the Training Kitchen of Fischli-Wills Center for Student Success, which is located on the 3rd Floor (Room 304).
The group also welcomes online students. Those interested can send an email to tmbynum.se@fhsu.edu and a Zoom link will be provided.