“It’s more than just a market, it’s a crucial space for socialization and genuine connectivity that supports students’ wellbeing.” Courtesy of Kendall Moffett, PantherNOW
Kendall Moffett | Staff Writer
Between classes and deadlines, the Panther Market offers a refreshing break from the chaos, offering students a chance to connect with friends, buy from local vendors, and enjoy a little fun on campus.
Florida International University hosts the Panther Market from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. every other Thursday at the Modesto A. Maidique Campus, captivating students to ditch the textbooks and connect instead.
With jam-packed schedules, work, and unexpected crises, the market offers a much-needed breather. Providing a chance to pause, recharge, and take a break from usual academic demands.
Whenever I have classes on the main campus during the Panther Market, I make it a point to stop by. I’m able to discover small businesses who sell products from jewelry to handmade fragrance.
What makes the market truly special is that it bursts the nonstop go-go-go bubble of college hustle, allowing students to connect with real people instead of constant deadlines. It also helps prevent us from becoming buried behind our textbooks.
The Panther Market isn’t just a place for connectivity and creative goods; it also plays a vital role in diversity and inclusion by highlighting small, local vendors of color. Still, there is room to expand, bringing in an even wider range of voices and vendors to deepen the market’s impact on FIU’s diverse community.
The university should actively reach out to vendors on a broader spectrum, such as LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs and partnering with local community organizations for seasonal events could help highlight the rich diversity of South Florida’s vendors to FIU students.
Representation in markets like these matter, especially for students seeking to launch their own small businesses one day. Seeing local vendors of diverse backgrounds succeed on campus provides inspiration and potential mentorship connections, which can help students build their own ventures outside of school.
A true community forms when students connect with the local world around them and are able bring those experiences into their academic and social lives. The market plays a key role in bridging this gap.
Panther Market is more than just a market; it’s a crucial space for socialization and genuine connectivity that supports students’ well-being.
DISCLAIMER:
The opinions presented on this page do not represent the views of the PantherNOW Editorial Board. These views are separate from editorials and reflect the perspectives of contributing writers and/or university community members.
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