By Erik Squire

The Beacon set out to meet with Sineah McGrady, the president of SMCC’s Enactus, to find out what the club was up to. Sineah was happy to oblige, her only requisite was that I give a hand with moving their grow tent. It was an even trade. After, this is what she had to say about Enactus:
Enactus is an opportunity to create a lasting impact in your community. It is a collection of students driven to improve or develop sustainable projects surrounding an area of need. This need could address the homeless population, lack of resources in a department of labor, high cost of groceries, or… anywhere you see fit (and that’s what so special about it)! Enactus extends tools and resources online and encourages collaboration. It is a worldwide organization that has made a great name for itself and can for anyone part of it. It offers an opportunity to join forces with fellow students and make lasting change. This isn’t just something you can put on your résumé but something that will shape your future.
SMCC’s Enactus is building a connection between our college and the Boy’s and Girl’s Club of South Portland. Enactus is building them a green house. The design was discovered by the Sustainability Club, tried and true. Construction donated the building materials to make this possible. The student senate also played a big role in funding this project including a grow tent and lights that helped start their seeds (though the tent is now part of the horticulture program). The building has been accomplished by a superior Enactus team with help from the Sustainability Club. Enactus will be done building next week (Nov 21st) and they welcome students to glance at it when driving by! The green house will enable the children from the Boy’s and Girl’s Club to grow their own food and have fun doing it. Enactus will continue to volunteer time with the kids during the week to teach gardening and nutrition and they aim to keep them involved when they build the next greenhouse. The food will be used at Cia Cafe in South Portland for their sandwiches. The sustainable practices that Enactus will instill in these kids will no doubt have a lasting and positive effect.
Enactus is also building another greenhouse on campus that students from all programs will be able to utilize. Construction students helped assemble it, horticulture will help with the plants and even the Art Club is helping with the design. Enactus aims to use this as a learning tool for all students. Enactus wants to demonstrate that students can do anything, and when working together with others, things can really go far. Sineah says to any student, “Take advantage of all the resources you have now! Have an idea for another project? Let us know!”
Enactus meets Wednesdays in Hague Hall, room 108, at noon.