With hundreds of clubs at Cal Poly, students can find groups dedicated to all kinds of interests, including soy sauce, unicycling, lore and comedy.
For members of Cal Poly’s new Balloon Animal Club, that interest comes in the form of twisting balloons into dogs, pumpkins and more.
Founded this fall by club President Liz Hardy, the club welcomes students of all experience levels who want to learn the skill and connect with other students.
Hardy, a junior majoring in mathematics, said balloon animals offer an opportunity to bring joy to others. She recalled meeting a parent and his daughter at the club fair, where she made a balloon animal for the little girl.
“It’s nice to have a skill that children just love and you’re able to just whip something up and they’re amazed by it,” Hardy said.
Marissa Lapkin, a sophomore majoring in mathematics and a club member, said she was excited to join because of her previous experience with balloons.
“I made balloon animals when I was in middle school, so I was like wow, this was meant for me,” Lapkin said.
For Lapkin, balloon animals are also a way to hold on to the fun of childhood while bringing happiness to others.
“You get to have that part of your childhood still with you,” Lapkin said. “I think implementing things from your childhood every day should be a thing that makes you happier.”
Rafael Bustos, the club’s treasurer, said the organization is designed to help beginners learn while providing a space for students to meet one another.
“We are welcoming of all students regardless of skill level and we were especially meant for teaching beginners on how to make balloon animals even if you don’t have any experience,” Bustos said. “And it’s a great way to meet people on a Friday.”
The club also emphasizes collaboration among members, with more experienced students helping others learn new techniques.
Hardy said club members are willing to share tips, catch up students who are late to meetings and teach one another how to make different balloon creations.
“It’s just a very accepting community, like you just come up and someone is going to be there, and they’ll teach you how to make it, even if I’m busy or Rafa is busy,” Hardy said.
As the club continues its first year at Cal Poly, members hope to maintain a welcoming environment where students can explore their creativity, learn something new and build connections.
The club meets from 3 to 5 p.m. Fridays in Math and Science 204, where balloons are provided. More information about the club can be found on Cal Poly Now.