City welcomes students with cultural events

Activities continue throughout the first two weeks of the fall term

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Susana Serrano

City journalism students Kenneth Jaimes (left) and Joel Nevarez talk to a financial aid office representative at the Chicanx/Latinx Bienvenida on August 23. Susana Serrano photo

The sun shone brightly in a clear blue sky as approximately 40 students, faculty and staff gathered on the A building patio for free food and entertainment at the Chicanx/Latinx Bienvenido event.

The event, held on Aug. 23, is one of many being held at San Diego City College to welcome students back to campus.

Faculty at Chicanx/Latinx Bienvenido event
Students and faculty enjoy lunch provided during the Chicanx/Latinx Bienvenido event. Susana Serrano photo

Following a welcome address by San Diego City College President Ricky Shabazz, attendees feasted on taquitos, tortas and horchata while enjoying salsa and merengue music.

Despite low enrollment at City this fall, the event was so well attended that all of the taquitos were gone before it ended.

“Enrollment across the state of California is still low,” Dean of Outreach and Community Relations Genevieve Esguerra said. “We are not at the level we want to be but we are slowly getting more enrollments each day.”

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many at City, freshmen and returning students, are attending classes on campus for the first time.

“I was nervous about my first day because I am not familiar with the campus, but I was offered a lot of help,” City freshman Khallil Key said.

Freshman Samuel Alcocer was also nervous about starting at City but like Key, found the transition to campus easier than expected.

“What surprised me the most,” Alcocer said, “I didn’t get lost at all.”

The welcome events continue through the week including the Asian American Native Hawaiian & Pacific Islander Meet & Greet on Aug. 24 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. and the Black Meet & Greet on Aug. 25 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.