The University of Toronto Anime and Manga Association, better known as 'UTAMA', is by far and large a unique entity. Speaking as a long time member and 4th year student at the university, it is the only such student run organization at the University of Toronto. By this I mean to say that it is a club which is able to lend a sense of close community and kinship to those who may not have clear-cut ideals or hobbies which may lead them to other organizations. As a club, UTAMA offers so much more than simply being an organization in which students appreciate and discuss their common hobby of Japanese animation and graphic novels. Through this common interest, hundreds of students yearly are brought together into a tight-knit community, through UTAMA's ever-popular office hours, plentiful events, and hardworking executives.

From having been a part of many other organizations at the University of Toronto, I am able to confidently comment on the hard work and effort that the UTAMA executive team puts towards creating this positive environment, every day. At minimum, the club has a biweekly events and get-togethers, along with consistently attended office hours. Members are always warmly welcomed into the office, which to some has become their little place of safety and welcoming at this sometimes daunting university. By far I feel that our executives manage to stand out not only through their efforts in promoting the club and constantly improving it, but also their openness and receptiveness to the comments and criticisms of other members, allowing for healthy and consistent growth as a community.