SAN MARCOS — Adorned with red tents, the Associated Student Government (ASG) and Inter-Club Council (ICC) hosted numerous clubs, all beckoning students to sign up for ones that suit their needs.
Clubs ranged from hobby-based groups to career-focused organizations.
On Feb. 2 and Feb. 3, club presidents and active participants had the opportunity to promote their clubs and recruit new members at this two-day event.
As students walked around the courtyard browsing sign-up options, departments such as ASG, Veterans Services and ICC were out tabling as well, prompting students to get involved and help improve their academic careers.
Palomar’s Book Club, for instance, was inspired by Club President Lydia Guevara’s grandmother’s book club, and Guevara continues the legacy.
“I want it to be a reset and an outlet for students,” Guevara said. “I don’t want it to feel like an obligation, like something assigned in English class.”
The book club meets once a month in the Student Union to build a connection over books, whether they are monthly reads or personal favorites.
“Share what you love, and we also aren’t going to make you write a paper,” Andrew Grimm, the club’s lead designer, said.
Other clubs during Club Rush, such as the Fossil Club, gather those interested in archeology or share a passion for current or prehistoric elements of our world.
“The whole concept of natural history is very entertaining and interesting to me,” said Gabriel Otaki, a student signing up for Fossil Club.
Fossil Club is another club started through the passions and interests of its own President, Jesse Calado.
“I want to spread my interests, hobbies, and really my joy to other people, and in the sense that I can find a community who likes the similar things that I like,” Calado said.
Club members will participate in fossil exploration from Palomar’s own collection, along with some brought from the San Diego Natural History Museum. Other activities consist of watching movies and taking field trips. The club will host a paleontologist as a guest speaker later in the semester.
The Future Medical Professionals Club is another club that centers around those who share a passion for the medical field, while also catering to those looking to help advance and finalize their career choices.
As there were no medical clubs formed upon Club President Litza Garcia’s arrival at Palomar, she founded this new club to help establish a community among students aspiring to go into the medical field.
“Come talk to other majors,” Garcia said. “If you want to get more connections, learn about transferring, what you need or if you’re still not sure about what career you want, it’s a great way to talk to people.”
There are many activities planned for this club, from learning about each member’s career aspirations, hearing from guest speakers and volunteering.
“I am interested in biomedical sciences because I want to be a chemical engineer and then get into pharmaceuticals, and I feel like this will be very helpful towards that,” new member Yeraldin Martinez said.
Students can join a club, or they have the opportunity to form their own and surround themselves with like-minded students. Go on to Palomar’s website to reinstate or start a new club.