Author Archives: Heaven Franklin

Find Your Campus Community: Chabot Club Showcase

On Oct. 1, clubs gathered in Chabot College’s Building 2300 to showcase themselves to the student body. 

Representatives had tables with fliers about their clubs and three-panel boards to present their club activities. Some clubs also offered items for sale, such as iron-on patches, key chains, and bracelets.

Among the many clubs that were showcased was the Biology Club. The club’s secretary, TingTing Ma, explained that their goal is to bring together like-minded people, specifically Biology majors. She added, “We can share more information about biology and even form study groups to help each other out.”

One new thing that they started this year is gardening in the school’s greenhouse by planting flowers, fruits and vegetables. They also began germinating, the process in which an organism grows from a seed. Additionally, they hope to collaborate with a nonprofit organization that is focused on preserving wild bees.

To learn more about what the club offers, visit their Instagram page @chabot_bioclub for more information.

Students are gathered at various tables in Building 2300, checking out the Chabot clubs.
Photo taken by Heaven Franklin

Another club that was present was the Architecture Club. Sean Lee, the club’s event coordinator, shared that their mission is to teach their members about architecture and interior design. This is mainly done through trips to schools to explore their programs and firms to learn about the field.

When asked what has been different about the club this year, Sean said, “The amount of trips that we’ve been able to go on. I think our team this year has been doing really well with contacting places to go to, organizing, and getting the money.”

To learn more about what the club offers, visit their website Design | Chabot Architecture for more information.

Other clubs that were present include the Vietnamese Student Association (VSA), Digital Designer’s Studio, and Puente.

The Club Showcase at Chabot College allowed students to connect with groups that share their interests. With many clubs to choose from, they can make their college experience more than just about academics. For the full list of clubs, visit the club page on Chabot’s website: Student Clubs List – Chabot College.

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.

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.

Exploring Chabot: Gladiator Clubs and Resources Day

The Gladiator Clubs and Resources Day created a buzz at Chabot College on Aug. 22. Held in the Cesar Chavez Plaza, this event showcased what the campus offers to students.

Students lined up to talk with representatives at the various tenets as the DJ played music in the background, adding to the lively atmosphere.

Many Chabot clubs were in attendance, including the Vietnamese Student Association. This club was reestablished last spring, their hope is to build a community and “welcome everyone, not just Vietnamese students,” as Chelsa, a club representative stated. To check what they’re up to, visit their Instagram page @chabotvsa.

Thrive, a Bible study club, was present as well. James, the club’s president, believes Thrive will help students to “develop a deeper relationship with God [and cope] with everything that’s going on [in their life].” More information can be found by visiting their Instagram page @thrive.chabot.

In addition to the club scene, the event highlighted campus resources. One resource was TRIO ASPIRE, which helps low-income, first generation students at Chabot to graduate and/or transfer to a four-year university.

Osibisa, a program assistant, explained: “Our resources help first-generation students navigate the institution academically and with paperwork. We provide support, guidance, and empower students.” For more more information, check out their page on the Chabot website by visiting https://www.chabotcollege.edu/specialprograms/aspire/.

There was also the Learning Connection (LC) that offers free in-person and online tutoring for all registered students. Andrew, an LC worker, emphasized that “…you get a lot more additional help with just working with someone one-on-one. [Tutors] can go into detail and help you, maybe in certain ways that a teacher wouldn’t be able to do [in] a big class.”

Moreover, the LC functions as a study space, creating another area to complete schoolwork. For more information, check out their page on the Chabot website by visiting https://www.chabotcollege.edu/academics/learning-connection/.

The event showcased other campus resources, too, such as Movement, the library, and the Dream Center.

The Gladiator Club and Resources Day was a public display of what’s available to Chabot students. As the school year unfolds, these clubs and resources will play a role in not only helping students to succeed academically, but build connections. For those who missed the event, explore these offerings by visiting the Chabot website as these can open doors to new friendships and pathways to success. Explore Chabot clubs at this following link https://www.chabotcollege.edu/student-services/student-life/student-clubs/list.php and Chabot resources at this following link https://www.chabotcollege.edu/students/