Chocolate-covered strawberries and bags of buttery popcorn lured Ventura students to the campus quad, during the spring semester’s club rush festivities.
Waves of students congregated in the quad on Feb. 16-17 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. as over a dozen clubs attempted to recruit new members. The scent of fresh-baked cookies filled the air, as did the sounds of volunteer student DJs who kept spirits alive with an array of upbeat songs.
Susan Medina, Inter-Club Council president of the Associated Students of Ventura College (ASVC), was pleased with the turnout.
“We’ve always had good participation at club rush,” she said. “The music brings people out, and students get excited by the variety of clubs we have to offer.”
Among the 12-15 clubs that participated in club rush were Ventura College Cheer, International Business Honor Society, New Age Club, Success Through Diversity, Gay-Straight Alliance, and M.E.Ch.A.
According to Medina, being involved with school organizations can boost student morale and help build a better campus atmosphere.
“It’s very important to socialize and be involved with school,” she said. “It’s exciting when the community can come together and work on projects that benefit everyone.”
Esteban Minero, a 19-year-old political science major and president of the Anthropology Club, notes a different incentive for students to join campus clubs.
“There’s the whole aspect of building up transcripts and resumes,” he said. “Being active and participating looks good on your resume.”
For Rianna Gajardo, a 20-year-old nursing major and club representative for Alpha Gamma Sigma (AGS), taking part in a school organization not only benefits the students who join, but also the community that they serve.
“Our club in particular is a community service-based club,” she said, “and our main goal is to give back. It’s important to participate in extracurricular activities. We may attend a junior college but making a difference anywhere is rewarding.”
