Clubbing it up in the quad, what a rush
Right to left (Michael Dorame)
White tents covered the Saddleback College quad; underneath, student leaders promoted their clubs behind colorfully decorated tables.
The melodies of a live band echoed down the walkways, and the aroma of Korean barbecue filled the air as students signed up for their favorite clubs, all part of the Aug. 31 Club Rush.
“We have a bunch of people looking to get involved and kind of add to their resumes, so I think that will be really important because students, now of all times, really want to be competitive,” said Andrae Vigil Romero, clubs assistant with the office of Student Development. “This gives them an opportunity to meet people, network, and see what Saddleback students have to offer.”
Romero said he expected to have 40 to 50 clubs by the end of the semester. Setting up attractive booths is a large part of Club Rush.
“We try to make our booth as decorative and as nice as possible and it really worked,” said Isiah de, 20, accounting, President of Appreciation of Filipino-American Culture.
Fundraising is also a popular undertaking for many clubs.
“We fundraise about close to $3,000 every year,” de said.
Another group present at Club Rush was Ayudando Chicano Latinos A Mover Obstaculos. They were publicizing programs that help the community.
“We’re currently doing a fundraiser, the annual backpack drive, and we’re collecting as many school supplies as we can and donating it to a local elementary school here in south Orange County,” said Ariana Rosal, 20, sociology. “We are also outreaching to our high schools as well.”
ALCAMO promotes higher education in the Latino community.
“A huge problem is, a lot of Latinos don’t know what to do after high school,” Rosal said.
Among other attractions, Calbi and Crepes Bonaparte catering vehicles set up on the pavement.
Waiting in line to receive ice cream, Clint Songer, 50, a nursing student said, “Food trucks are great. The food trucks should be here every day. Maybe one on this side and one over in the village.”
Nearby, two students played chess with huge pieces moving them across a ginormous mat set up for the event.
Another happening was the rock band performing on stage.
“One of my favorite things is that they had the live music playing, and all the tents were together so people just cruised by and saw everything there,” said Mario Huaracha, 23, business marketing.
As a member of the Salsa Club, Huaracha summed up the learning experience with, “You come in, you learn the basics the first couple minutes of the class, and then you get paired up with a partner and you go and dance and learn moves and turns.”
Out of all the activities taking place, getting sign-ups ranked as a top priority.
“A lot of people signed our mailing list, and hopefully we’re going to have a successful club,” Huaracha said.
A new club to the scene was the Young Democrats Club.
“I’m a member of the Orange County Young Democrats, and they encouraged me to start a chapter here,” said Kathryn Pena, 26, history. “The challenge has been building up a network and getting to know people, but It’s working out pretty well.”
Pena said, “My favorite part of Club Rush was the person who came up and told me, ‘I’ve been waiting for this club.'”
Any students who would like to start a club for Fall 2011 can find a step by step guide at www.saddleback.edu/clubs.
The next Club Rush is Sept. 20 from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. in the quad.
Food trucks lined up for the Aug. 31 Club Rush, including Calbi and Crepes Bonaparte. (Michael Dorame)