LAC’s semiannual Join a Club Day fared well even as rainy weather on the morning of Feb 24 forced event coordinators to relocate the festivities indoors to the E building cafeteria.
Several tables and stands were set up for students to join clubs and learn about different cultures, mental health, food nutrition, and black pride.
Student activities adviser Kim Hamon coordinated the event. Her table was the first one you could see once you entered the cafeteria.
With a strong passion for inclusivity for all students, Hamon created a space where LBCC students are welcome to gain knowledge and interests through clubs and networking.
“There is always space for students at LBCC. We strive to have a club that represents every student that we have. Every student is included and a part of our Viking community.” said Hamon.
In terms of community and being a part of the LBCC space. The Umoja student club made some noise, with many students flocking toward the booth table. We were greeted with a good vibe and Black pride, preaching inclusivity and having vital goals to implement, educate, and celebrate the African American experience for LBCC students.
LBCC student and member of the Umoja club Elijah Banks clarified the message the club was sending to its students and the black community.
“We want to bring the black experience to students here on campus. We want them to be able to have a safe space and have discussions, come to events, and even give suggestions on what they would like to see and be a part of. Anybody who wants to be a part of the culture, you are welcome,” said Banks.
With the welcoming vibe of the Umoja student club, there were also clubs more focused on the promotion and education of students learning about health and nutrition.
The Student Nutrition and Dietetics club booth was hosted by advisers Jessica Mendez and Alex Corona. The cub is a science-based program focusing on nutrition for nursing students.
Mendez spoke about the science behind processed foods and whole grain nutritious foods and how they can affect one’s health differently.
“We want to promote that food is more than something you just put in your body. It could help us become better students. It can nourish us. Not many people know how food interacts with your body. There is a field, and there is a growing industry in food and nutrition,” said student adviser Jessica Mendez.
Fun games and candy were available at tables for students to grab and enjoy.
With the bustling energy of the club fair and energetic students wanting to visit as many clubs as possible, there was much more to look forward to.
Large quantities of pizza boxes were available for students; but with a catch.
To get at least two slices of pizza, students needed to visit eight clubs and get a signature from each adviser signed off on a yellow slip. These yellow slips were available at every club table.
Derrick Oriee, student activities adviser who oversees the Viking activities council, handed out pizzas to loyal students who followed the rule. Oriee insisted it was more of an incentive rather than a bargain.
“We want to incentivize them to check up on all the clubs, not just come get pizza and leave. They come out to visit eight different clubs, and we have a little tic tac toe thing they can fill out,” said Oriee.