Monthly Archives: September 2024

An African young woman stands in front of the Peer Guide Welcome Desk sign in Building 700.

Peer Guides: The Unsung Heroes of Our Campus

Chabot College has a hard-working group of peer guides who offer relatable support and quick solutions, ensuring that no student feels lost.

Located in Buidling 700 at the Welcome Center, peer guides are student employees who help returning and new students with campus-related needs. From finding buildings to registering for classes, these trained students are here to guide you every step of the way.

Nica Felix, a first-year peer guide, applied for this position as a way to interact with fellow students. Passionate about aiding others, she sees the peer guide program as a way to do so. “I’ve [either] gone through what they’re experiencing or know someone who has, so [I} can speak from a student’s perspective,” she shared in an interview.

Nica’s view highlights the perk of peer guides: they understand the challenges of students and can offer practical support.

Photo taken by Heaven Franklin

Chris Tam, a peer guide for over a year, echoes this thought. “Don’t hesitate to ask for help,” he would say to a student who’s unsure about talking to a peer guide.

“Whether it’s navigating a website like Canvas, the school site, or DegreeWorks, we’re here and more than happy to assist.”

What Chris said is true as there are students who have benefited from the peer guides.

Cole Wagner, a Chabot student, asked a peer guide about classes and certificate programs for students majoring in biology. He praised them for being chill and friendly, noting that his view on the peer guide program changed.

“At first, I wondered why I couldn’t just go to a counselor,” he started. “But seeing how quickly the peer guides solved my problem, it makes sense. It frees up counselors from handling things that are quick and easy to fix.”

Allan Samson, another Chabot student assisted at the same time, had questions about the library. He shared that “[The peer guide] was friendly and gave me over information and I felt good because he answered my question.”

For student’s needing help with anything Chabot related, peer guides are a supportive, student-to-student resource. Whenever you need guidance, stop by the Welcome Center in Building 700 to connect with a peer guide.

Students gathers around a table talking and taking free donuts

Student Senate Connects with Chabot Students

On Sept. 23, members of Chabot College’s Student Senate hosted a meet-and-greet in Building 2300 to introduce themselves and hear students’ concerns about the college.

Near the building’s entrance, two tables were set up with free goodies. One with items such as stickers and notebooks, and the other with donuts and tea.

Students engaged with the senate members, picking up free items and discussing concerns. One student, Kyle Robinson, highlighted an issue, saying, “One of my mains concerns about school and campus life is the lack of the bookstore.”

Chabot’s old bookstore became the Gladiator Hub in Spring 2024, leaving the campus without a physical store for supplies and merchandise . This has been a growing concern for Chabot students. When asked how he felt about speaking to the senate members, Kyle said, “It felt good,” hoping that the senate can help solve this problem.

Dawit Tesfa, another Chabot student, asked about extending the library’s closing time from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. to support night class students. “-if it’s more of a welcome environment here to stay longer, I think in the long run it would make the school more credible.”

Student Senate Finance Coordinator Julian Duong stated that “we are representing you.” and that the Student Senate aims to improve student life at Chabot.

If you or anyone you know has concerns or ideas about improving student life at Chabot, let the Student Senate know in Building 2300, Room 2311. They also hold meetings every first, second, and sometimes third Monday of the month from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in Building 200. Let your voice be heard and help make a better campus experience for everyone.

Group of people in Building 700 South celebrating La Bienvenida

Chabot Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month

Chabot College is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month from Sept. through Oct. with various events to acknowledge the culture.


Hispanic Heritage Month starts Sept. 15 and ends Oct. 15. Sept. 15 is important as it marks the anniversary of independence for Hispanic countries like Guatemala, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Following this, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence on Sept. 16. and 18. To honor key Latinx figures and their history, there will be a bulletin board in the cafeteria during the month-long period.

CJ DeGuzman holding a T-Shirt that says "Somos Chabot" after winning hula hoop contest.
Photo by Samantha Valencia

Chabot’s Chicano Latino Education Association (CLEA) will host “La Bienvenida” on Sep. 18 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. in the Event Center in Building 700, inviting students to “build comunidad over burritos and activities.” CLEA will also organize “Loteria y Mas” on Sept. 26 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. with games and snacks for everyone. Then, alongside Puente, CLEA will have a Latinx Voter Registration event on Sept. 30 from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. in the Event Center.


Additionally, El Centro has scheduled “Azucar! Celia Cruz Paint Night” in the Event Center on Oct. 10 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Registration will be required to attend, which can be done through the following link: https://bit.ly/AzucarPaint24. After the cultural celebration, Chabot will continue the recognition with events like “The Dia De Los Muertos Altar Walk” on Oct. 28 from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. Students will be able to stop by the Event Center for pan dulce and then visit the altars around campus.


Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by joining one or more of these events to immerse yourself in the culture. For more Information visit the Latinx Events page on Chabot’s website: https://www.chabotcollege.edu/latinx/events.php.

A male African-American student stands in front of the school supplies vending machine.

School Supplies Vending Machine Arrives

There’s no need to panic if you run out of or forget supplies, thanks to the new school supplies vending machine at Chabot College in building 2300.

Located near the cafeteria’s back entrance, this new vending machine offers a variety of school supplies. With items priced between $2.50 and $5, you can buy affordable supplies when needed. You also can pay with cash or card, making it accessible for everyone to use.

However, there is some concern among students about the machine’s location.

A vending machine filled with various items, including notebooks, pen packs, highlighters, and markers.
Photo taken by Editor-in-Chief, Heaven Franklin

One student, Gloria Rodriguez, stated, “Visibility is important. I think a lot of students would use it, and even teachers, but it’s all the way in the back of the cafeteria.”

Another student, Sarah Vieria, added, “How many people are going to go there? I mean, it’s in an awkward place and now you can get things on Amazon.”

For those wondering about its contents, the machine is stocked with pencils and pen packs, sticky notes, notebooks, index cards, and even glue. Highlighters and markers are also available for all of your basic notetaking and studying needs. This machine offers a way to get supplies quickly without leaving campus, helping you to stay prepared between classes.

When asked if placing school supply vending machines in class buildings would be more helpful, they both said “yes.” The possible solution could solve the location issue and make it more convenient for students and faculty alike.

Nevertheless, the school supplies vending machine aims to be a resource for students in need. So, the next time you find yourself in or near the cafeteria, look out for this useful vending machine. Remember its location in building 2300 for those last-minute pinches – it could be your lifesaver when you need supplies in a hurry.

dj playing music on turntables

BLACK TO SCHOOL COOKOUT

Chabot Gladiators celebrated “The Black to School Cookout Event” on Wednesday, Sep. 4, 2024, from 12 – 2 p.m. near the football field in the grass area. The event was hosted by the BEA and Umoja.

The event hosted by The Black Education Association and Umoja. Lakeisha Stewart the coordinator of the event said,” I wanted to just have an event for our students to just dig into the idea of family. So I was like, you know what, a nice cookout at the grass, a nice family picnic was my reason behind having this event.

The celebration began with people signing up for a meal ticket and raffle ticket to win a prize at the end of the event. The food line was wrapped around the field fo the macaroni, links, burgers, watermelon, and salads.

macaroni, food, burgers, lettuce, salad

DJ Kai played music from the 90s up to popular current songs. He even hosted a dance battle for those in attendance. DJ Kai said, “Well, it is an event for all the black students. Being African American myself, I feel like that was the perfect opportunity for me and I’m a DJ. So to be able to contribute in any way, I was already looking for that. Before the school year even started, this had been in the works for a while.”

crowd dancing

Two of the dance battle contestants Gio and Quincy hilariously battled it out and ultimately the winner was Gio. Gio said, “I feel like I could have did better in the dance battle but it was good. It was fun.” Quincy added , “It was amazing, but you know, if I did take some dance classes, I’m pretty sure I would have won . But, I give it to the other two because they were meant to dance, you know.”

dance battle
student dancing gio

Towards the end of the event, there was a trivia competition called “Black card Revoked” where contestants would answer black trivia questions to win a Target gift card. Contestant Jasmine said, “I was really nervous about getting my black card revoked I got my black part revoked for one of the questions and I redeemed myself at the end so I was just happy about that part, but I was happy that I participated Being someone who is an introvert. I’m happy that I’m putting myself out there more and just to participate and to be involved in more activities on campus.”

The event was a huge success the students had a lot of fun. It brought people together and created an enjoyable experience for all.