Los Medanos College welcomed students back this fall with a Welcome Week event to remember. The “Back to the Future” themed event was filled with music, food, themed activities, and a chance for clubs to meet new members.
Clubs from across campus set up tables to recruit, answer questions, and connect with students. For many student leaders, it was a chance to not just promote their organizations, but also to share the impact that being part of a club has had on their own lives.
Patrick Garcia, president of the Kapwa Club, said he was encouraged by how many students stopped by his table.
“I didn’t know it was Back to the Future themed. They responded pretty well, they were interested in Kapwa and wanted to know more,” Garcia said. “I really enjoyed meeting new students and sharing how much fun the club is.”
Garcia explained that joining Kapwa, a Filipino cultural club, was about finding energy and connection at LMC. “I decided to join Kapwa because of the energy it brings and how much it improves my well-being. I wanted to become more involved at LMC,” he said.
He added that the club has plenty planned for the semester and encouraged students to explore what works for them. “I’m excited for the many events that we have planned in the upcoming months. I would tell them to see what works for them to definitely check Kapwa out.”
For Natalia Longoria, president of the Puente Club, tabling for her club was an opportunity to grow the club and share its mission with new and continuing students alike.
“I 100% enjoyed tabling during Welcome Week. Besides the hot weather it was a very engaging event that helped us expand our club,” Longoria said. “Students responded with various questions, not just about the Puente Club but also the Puente Program and the overall college, which I enjoyed. All the enthusiasm and excitement from everyone.”
Longoria said the club’s purpose is bigger than herself, and that joining Puente has been a way to give back. “I decided to join this club in order to help myself and help future generations,” she said. “I love being able to give people the support they need.”
Puente Club member Brianna Luna enjoyed her chance to meet new students to connect with, both to PUENTE and personally with them — student to student.
“The Puente Club had an amazing time tabling during Welcome Week at both the Pittsburg and Brentwood campuses,” Luna said. “We met so many new people who approached our table full of energy, excitement and ready to have fun. The ‘Back to the Future’ theme made the event even more memorable, as it symbolized students reclaiming their futures.”
Luna emphasized that Puente is about more than just events, it is about building a sense of family. “Every time you walk into the Puente Room, also known as the Latinx Empowerment Center, you will always find someone who may not know you yet, but will still have your back,” she said. “With Puente Club, you are not alone. You are part of a familia.”
Events like Welcome Week are designed to help students feel at home on campus, but they also showcase the heart of student life: clubs that build community and leadership opportunities. For many students, joining a club is about making LMC more than just a place to take classes, it’s about finding support, friendships and purpose.
