By Erin Hudson

During Club Rush, students get a chance to browse various clubs and receive information about the clubs offered at RCC. (Lawrence Gonzales)

By Erin Hudson

Music was playing, canopies were being raised and “free hot dogs” could be heard across the A. G. Paul Quadrangle.

Welcome to Club Rush.

Around 12 p.m., classes were letting out and Club Rush started to gain momentum.

Questions were answered, e-mails were exchanged and sign up sheets were posted.

Smiling faces and colorful pamphlets drew students towards the booths.

Brianne Lucchesi, from the International Club, explained how their booth catches students ‘attention.

“We try to use visual aesthetics: bulletin boards, candy, and pictures highlighting past events,” Lucchesi said. “Things like that to show what we’re about.”

The Latter-Day Saint Student Association gave out hot dogs, the Photography club showcased photographs ranging from babies to butterflies, and Puente displayed some of its trophies.

The Speech and Debate club, dressed in button down shirts and slacks, manned a very professional looking booth.

Despite the heat, students gathered at the various booths and used tiger paw hand fans to cool themselves off.

Club Rush offered an assortment of clubs for a mixture of interests.

Student Nick Flores expressed interest in several clubs at Club Rush.

“I’m interested in the photography and graphics clubs,” Flores said. “I do photography on the side. When I have the chance I like to take creative pictures.”

“I like graphics because you can take one thing and change it into something else,” Flores said.

Brenna Beach is looking for a club that is in her field of study.

“A club that I would be interested in would be one that has to do with teaching,” Beach said.

Club members claim to offer a sense of belonging and school pride, or just a place to hang out and talk.

Eddie Brito, Mecha representative, explains what he thinks clubs offer students.

“It’s real simple. You can’t learn everything in class and it helps you get involved in the community,” Brito said. “It’s nice to have different perspectives other than your teachers.”

Lucchesi agrees that clubs are a nice way to become involved.

“It’s a way for people to come together who have similar interests like future teachers and Mecha,” Lucchesi said. “College students who wouldn’t normally be involved to get involved because they all like the same things.”

Flores has a different perspective on why clubs are important to life here on campus.

“Clubs are important because it gives people an alternative to something that might not be so productive,” Flores said. “It introduces you to something new.”

Clubs express that they can also provide new experiences and prepare students for the future.

“They offer life experience and prepares students for the real world,” said Peggy Amodeo, counselor in the Teacher Preparation department.

Some students stopped and browsed while others breezed through the Quad and just headed to their next class.

“I actually just found out Club Rush was today,” Beach said.

Student Dylan Mannon said his time is spread too thin as it is.

“I’m not interested in any of the clubs,” Mannon said. “I don’t really have time for them.”

Ron Yoshino, Honors Society adviser, urges students to participate in clubs and benefit from the positive environment they offer.

“I’ve always believed that there is just as much to learn outside of the class as there is inside the class,” Yoshino said. “Students should take advantage of that.”

Students who were interested in the various clubs were able to get information and join groups that interested them.

(Lawrence Gonzales)