On Sept. 2nd, between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., the Cerritos College Student Center was transformed into a bustling center of activity. Clubs from all parts of the campus showed up to display tables and demonstrations of their activities and offerings to students.

From Improv Club to Computer Science Club, a wide array of organizations presented students, staff and faculty with resources and activities for all members of the college to participate in.

Between 30 to 36 clubs were present, and each and every club member in attendance was excited, and ready to show everything their clubs had to offer.

Among those present were new and established clubs and groups from the campus. Some clubs took the opportunity to reinvent themselves and provide a fresh look and event roster.

Vice President Sam of the anthropology club shared how their club is doing just that. She spoke about the amazing diversity within the field and how this club welcomes and encourages all majors to take part.

From science, liberal arts, biology and sociology all the way to linguistics and history, all majors can find a way to participate and make new discoveries through anthropology.

This year, they are committed to reinventing the club and bringing fresh life to it as they shake things up and create new explorative pathways.

Returning again, with 50 years of experience, a hidden gem of college broadcasting at Cerritos College was WPMD Radio.

WPMD is a student-led radio broadcasting station and is tuned into by citizens around the world. The station has been broadcasting for decades and shows no signs of slowing down.

Casey Piotrowski, the WPMD advisor, was proud and gladly showed off the students and station’s hard work.

“We have listeners from all over. Russia, Germany, and I know that we have a few regulars in Houston, Texas,” Piotrowski said. “All my students are very proud, and I am very proud of them.”

A new addition was the Puente Community Alliance. Danny, the event coordinator, and Erick, the alliance president, were helpful and eager to share about their club.

“We help students who might be the first of their families to pursue higher education or even finish high school,” Danny said. “We give them resources, tools and support to make the process less scary and easier. Especially students from the Latino community.”

This club is available and committed to helping first time, and first generation higher education students. They are committed to assisting those who may be the first of their family to pursue higher education, or are among the first to complete school.

They have taken up residence in the Upspace, hosting their events and meetings in their new permanent location.

In the hustle and bustle of the Student Center, there were a handful of standouts that had students and staff gathering and buzzing with interest.

One of these draws was the SAFE Club, a vibrant, joyous space that was buzzing with activity.

Niel, the club advisor, was bright and bubbly as he spoke to students about the club. He proudly spoke about their Pride scholars, and their outstanding club or organization award from Cerritos College itself.

The club hosts an array of events and opportunities for those in the LGBTQ+ community and beyond. SAFE coordinates workshops, field trips, academic programs and support groups. Whether part of the LGBTQ+ community or not, all students of all majors are welcome to join and partake in the events hosted.

Making waves and loudly proclaiming their ideals and convictions was The Young Democratic Socialists of America.

The YDSA is a progressive club for students interested in political and social change. Members Zain and Taj explained that this club is a forum for open discussion, debate and a platform for students to make their voices heard.

Vice President Leon Mateo shared the story of how the club was founded and the rise in membership.

Mateo went on to say how the president of the club witnessed an attempted ICE raid in a Home Depot parking lot one day, which occurred during the initial ICE raids in Paramount. The club president then mobilized members of the club and other activists, and successfully managed to protest ICE out of the area.

The club is also active and involved in such causes as Stand Up to ICE, Free Palestine and other social justice issues. They hold regular panel discussions in the student center, opening up an inclusive forum for all students, members or not, to make their voices, opinions and beliefs heard.

The Movimiento Estudiantil Chicana/o De Aztlán’s table was decorated with colorful papel picado and flores de papel. Gisela and Emily, both members of the group, shared that this club is a safe place for Latinx and Chicana/o individuals to gather, socialize, and share their experiences.

They strive to be inclusive and provide a comforting place for those of Mexican or Latin descent to “gather without the fear and stress of current events and anxieties weighing them down,” Gisela said.

There were numerous clubs with a broad net of interests and activities students could take interest in. Child Development/Future Teachers Club, Teacher Trac, Immigration Student Alliance, Chinese Club, Improv Club, Robotics Club, Econ Club, Humanitarian Club, STEM and Alliance of Latino Professionals, to name a fraction of the clubs present.

Students claimed rewards through a sticker collecting game, getting a Club Rush Passport upon entering at the check in table, which they could collect stickers from visiting tables and get a meal ticket to redeem at the outdoor grilled cheese food truck.