The quad buzzed with energy, alive with excitement as students poured in from every direction. Bright yellow posters lined the tables, advertising everything from crochet and airplanes to community service and math. Club Rush had officially kicked off!
One of the many booths was the Crochet Club. “I started Crochet Club because I wanted to make sure that people know their resources, and so they could get free access to the different materials,” said Michelle Calinisan, a senior at Mt. SAC Early College Academy. For Calinisan, crochet isn’t just a hobby, but a way to bring people together.
To recruit people to her club, Calinisan displayed items that club members had made. On the table was a beautiful array of colors and yarn, showcasing plushies, keychains, and flowers. “I told people they could learn to make those things too, and that we’d all learn together,” Calinisan explained. Her enthusiasm drew in both beginners and seasoned crocheters.
Because of this, the Crochet Club had an increase in popularity, going from 10 members last year to a full classroom of 30 club members. But Crochet Club wasn’t the only club to experience a revelation after Club Rush. This year, the school welcomed a wave of new clubs, with more people participating in clubs than ever.
As students balance school work, clubs are a valuable way to destress and escape the pressure of academic demands. “I started an art club because while students are taking dual enrollment classes and special admit classes, they need an outlet to be creative,” said Hazel Shafiq, Art Club President and a junior at Mt. SAC Early College Academy.
Mt. SAC Early College Academy is home to many creative students who excel in various art forms but often lack the time or space to share their work. Art Club gives these artists a platform to exchange ideas and learn from one another.
At the same time, Art Club is an inviting space for beginners who want to explore art for fun. Students are encouraged to experiment with all kinds of materials, from traditional paints and pencils to more unconventional mediums like slime.
No matter who you are, there is a club at Mt. SAC Early College Academy for you. So don’t be afraid to go out, explore, and make your mark!
