Tostilocos, raffles and music blasting were all a part of the spring Bienvenida Estudiantil, an event hosted by Yo Soy STEM at San Diego City College on Feb. 10.
With the start of the new semester, this was a way for students interested in STEM majors and careers to feel welcome.
Students got the chance to talk to Latine-based clubs, campus student services and meet other students, as well as access other resources.
Among the student services represented was the Undocumented Resource Center (URC), which aims to “offer a welcoming space for all students, faculty, professional staff, community members, and allies,” according to the college website.
Shelley Barajas-Leyva, a counselor for URC, thinks it’s beneficial to have events like this at City.
“It brings people from all backgrounds and gets to know each other’s story,” Barajas-Leyva said.
Barajas-Leyva is a City alumna and recently joined URC as a part-time counselor. She is also a counselor at the Counseling & Personal Growth Department.
El Artivism y Cultura Klub’s Zavahna Chavarin interns with Barrio Artists Partnership, as well as being a member of the student organization.
“It’s cool to show the work of Chicano artists in San Diego and share that opportunity with them (City students),” said Chavarin.
Backpacks and other goodies were raffled off throughout the duration of the event, and snacks were provided.
Yo Soy STEM will be hosting another event called Planetarium Show: Love in the Stars on Feb. 17 at S-316 planetarium. Showtimes are 3 p.m. or 3:45 p.m.
This story was edited by Itzel Martinez and Tresean Osgood.
Editor’s note: City Times Media has updated its style guide to standardize the use of the word Chicane and/or Latine when referring to people together who identify as a person from, or whose ancestors were from, a Latin American land or culture. The Associated Press Stylebook recommends using the word Chicano/Latino.
