At the start of October, the Anime Club started at Fitch. This is a club for anime fans who want to enjoy anime with other like-minded students.

The Anime Club is a place to discuss many different kinds of anime, play games like anime-themed Jeopardy or guess the anime, or even occasionally watch anime during the club. There are also snacks to eat.

“I wanted to create a club that brought people together and got freshmen involved,” said Tessa Thorndike, club leader. “I got inspiration from the posters put around the school and the Film Club from last year; clubs that people created because they were passionate about something.”

Thorndike likes anime due to how it connects with others.

“I love anime, it’s a great interest to have,” said Thorndike. “It connects many people, transcending age, nationality, and gender.”

Thorndike hopes students will bond over the shared interest of anime.

“I hope students see it as a place to bond over a shared interest. Students play the activities I make, and it creates a light and fun environment,” said Thorndike. “So far, this club has connected people who have more than just anime in common.”

The club has also allowed for students to connect in spite of differences in language, something that was a pleasant surprise for Thorndike.

“At a recent meeting, a bilingual member translated the activities to another member,” she said. “It was a wonderful moment that instilled in me that I succeeded in creating a friendly, welcoming community, and above all, that Anime is universal.”

There are currently roughly 10 members in the club, but they are always welcoming more, and the club is regularly considering which anime to watch next.

“During one meeting, we watched the first episodes of ‘Hunter X Hunter,’ ‘Freiren,’ and ‘The Fragrant Flower Blooms With Dignity,’” said Thorndike.

The club meets every Wednesday in Room 3227 after school. There is also an Instagram at @Fitch_animeclub.