In the midst of a heat wave in late September, Club Rush Week was held on the grassy fields of Plaza Vaquero on Sept. 21 through 25.
Clubs of different interests set up booths adjacent to the Administration building. Representatives from the Associated Students of Glendale Community College (ASGCC) were available to answer any questions. “They [the clubs] have a whole entire week to introduce themselves to the students,” said Ani Karapetyan, Representative of Administration.
Even the scorching weather didn’t seem to affect those attending, many of them first-time college students.
When asked about reasons for joining, Danielle Francisco, 18, a business major, said, “To meet new people and get involved.” Her friend, Maggie Bautista, 18, a sociology major, showed an interest Voices Organizing Immigrant Communities for Educational Succes. “I just want to help other people where it really matters,” said Bautista.
VOICES is a support group for AB 540 (undocumented) students. “These students don’t get any help for financial aid,” said Jose Diaz, 18.
Another member, Christian Cano, 18, added, “We go to marches to protest, hold fundraisers.. Our burrito sale is our major fundraiser.” The money goes to scholarships for AB 540 students.
Attention was then turned to the Korean Students Association booth as they played Michael Jackson songs on a mini-stereo. “Hi, are you guys interested in this club?” shouted co-founder Sunny Kim, 19, to passersby. Co-founder Sunny Kim, 19, was vocal to anyone walking by the booth, encouraging them to join his club. When asked about requirements, Sergio Santos, 19, said, “We accept all kinds of ethnicities, as long as you have an interest in Korean culture.
“We haven’t planned out any events yet. Right now we are focused on recruiting people. It’s a new club so we’re learning as we go along. We’ve had Korean barbecue sales and [a member] write your name in traditional Korean writing,” said Santos.
Allan LeGrady, 19, and Linda Heredia-Madoyan, 23, stood in front of their booth with big smiles and flyers on hand for anyone interested in joining the Rotaract Club. “Our goal is to give back to the community. We do humanitarian work and professional development for students and for ourselves,” said Heredia-Madoyan.
Students surrounding the booth as the club was getting ready for a meeting were encouraged to attend.
Clubs that were also present included Creative Minds, Alpha Gamma Sigma, the Persian Club, the Environmental Club, Business Entertainment, the Armenian Student Association, the Pilipino Cultural Organization, The Readers, GCC Speech & Debate, the Music Club, and others.
According to ASGCC, the college has over 50 clubs catered to diverse cultures and interests. The deadline to create clubs is Oct. 1, so there will be more clubs after Club Rush Week, said Jessica Gabrielian, Senator of Finance.
Anyone interested in starting a new club or for any information on clubs at GCC should contact the Student Activities Coordinator, Tzoler Oukayan, at (818) 240-1000 (ext. 3033) or [email protected].
