Next year is looking good so far; a new semester, new facilities to inaugurate and a new student club.

Even though San Diego City College has 37 clubs like MEChA (Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlan), the Honors Club, the Science Club and many more, none of them is dedicated to students interested in journalism and mass media.

The National Association of Hispanic Journalism student chapter club was established a couple semesters ago at City College, but was never formalized until now.

Chris Acedo, assistant professor in the radio/television/film department and also club advisor of the NAHJ student chapter, expressed, “I think moving out from our building (The C building) for the remodeling killed us, so now that the new building is done and everything is going to be new we are trying to bring the club back.”

The purpose of this club is to facilitate another place where students, faculty and anyone interested in the media can get together and share projects, ideas and concerns. And at the same time promote the Radio, Television and Film (RTVF) program and student work around the campus.

“We are officially recognized on campus,It gives the club legitimacy at the school but also at the NAHJ, because it allow us to have events on campus. There’s no cost for students to join the club at school but if they want to be part of the national NAHJ organization there is a fee of $25 for students,” Acedo said.

The NAHJ “is dedicated to the recognition and professional advancement of Hispanics in the news industry, it encourage and support the study and practices of journalism and communications by Hispanics,” according to their website.

Depending on the student’s interest and passion for the career, it’s up to the decision they will take; either just joining the club at school or joining the official NAHJ organization.

Being involved in the official NAHJ organization will give you early access on scholarships, job opportunities, access to events, information and many more.

Stephanie Roach, outreach of NAHJ student chapter mentioned that “being on this program will help you with internships too.

“This club will be able to prepare ourselves and put together our projects for a real job,” Judah Hosanna, President of NAHJ student chapter, said. “Also we will be able to promote student’s work for companies or anyone who might be interested in promoting school projects.”

Vince Fanghella, Treasure of NAHJ student chapter also mentioned some of the benefits of the club.

“It will prepare us and make professional connections. Also we will interact with the other departments like audio, film and newspaper that way we can work together as a team and build connections,” Fanghella said.

Victor J. Berrios, a member of the club also shared his expectations, “It’s to use this as a platform and start to show our work to other people and because this is also a Hispanic chapter I would like to incorporate bilingual too. That way we can move not just local, but Tijuana or other places as well.”

Also, the new C building will be a great platform to start collaborations with other schools, professional people and other media departments.

If you would like to know more information about this program visit http://nahj.org or contact Acedo at [email protected].