As the college begins to thrive again after the epidemic, Los Medanos College offers students a variety of organizations and extracurricular activities that provide recreation, entertainment, and other opportunities to interact with the community and each other. 

“It is a wonderful opportunity to connect with students who have similar interests, developing community and leadership skills, opportunity to socialize as many of the clubs are meeting in a hybrid format,” said Teresea Archaga, director of Student Life. 

As for students who are faced with a difficult decision in light of the pandemic, most club meetings are held on Zoom and in person, giving students the opportunity to attend face-to-face while others attend online.

The LMC website includes information on 16 active clubs, including Rotaract, Honors, Kapwa, and UMOJA, for students interested in joining a club. If these clubs are not your cup of tea, you can form your own club, starting with four officers and a college adviser. 

“Joining a campus club has several advantages. Some of the most apparent ones include forming new friendships and networks,” said Evan Perez, president of Rotaract club. “You are more involved with campus events where you can meet other students and interact with faculty.”

Clubs give students a chance to socialize with others who have similar interests to their own in academics, hobbies, lifestyle, or volunteer work.

“The Rotaract club of LMC is a community service-based club. We offer various community service opportunities as well as projects. We do this by partnering up with local Rotary clubs that allow us to diversify the events our members can volunteer at,” said Perez

He added that joining the Rotaract club opens up a wide range of relationships, and many club members joined because they are committed to their communities, provide service, and goodwill. 

Umoja is another active campus club and it is also associated with a learning community.

 “The Umoja club is beneficial for students who want to connect with Umoja but may not be eligible for the learning community, who want to curate cultural events, activities, and community service projects,” said Umoja Scholars Program Coordinator Jamila Stewart.

To prepare students for academic, personal, and professional success, the Umoja Scholars Program is dedicated to enhancing, developing, and nurturing all students’ educational experiences, particularly those of African Americans and first-generation college students.

Umoja conducted an Afro Nation event this month highlighting African culture from many nations and plans to donate to Friendsgiving and Thanksgiving hampers for students in need this semester.

The Kapwa Club promotes connection among Filipinos — and non-Filipinos — to discuss culture, heritage, activism, and history while also fostering a close-knit community through the efforts of Bayanihan Pilipinx and the Filipino/a/x.

“It gives space for students to learn about Philippines’ history (at home and world-wide), culture, foundation, different trends, to be united to tell stories and to belong,” said Abigail Duldulao, club adviser. “Being in a club gives you the experience to be part of something bigger, planting seeds and … having faith that it will blossom to something beautiful.” 

Kapwa is building its membership this semester, primarily through meetings online, and making preparations to be present on campus in the spring of 2023. They are undertaking fundraising initiatives this academic year and together with the 4CD ADIPA group they will help plan activities for Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month next spring.

If you’d like more information on joining these clubs, or forming your own, contact Director of Student Life Teresea Archaga at [email protected]. You can also check out the clubs page on the LMC website at losmedanos.edu/studentservices/clubs/