By Jailyn Thais Santiago
santj339@mail.broward.edu
Imagine a group of students whose sole goal was to make your Broward College experience better, with events that bring in community, with resources that will bring in clarity, and with a system willing to help you grow intentionally. In Building 68, room 191, a group of students serve as the Student Life staff that make all this happen. These students are determined to push out the greatest events every week, encouraging their peers to take a break between classes and reset their minds. Student Life on South Campus has brought smiles to the students faces time and time again. Hosting at least four events every week, Student Life brings a lively mood to a busy school day.
The entrance to the Activity Center draws students in with constant decorations like the spooky decorations from last month; bright red lighting paired with carnival-themed wallpapers, setting the mood just in time for their Halloween block party. Sometimes, it can be the simplest decorations that get students to come together for a while. Maruice Chung, a Student Life staff member, recalls his favorite event that he has worked on, “My favorite event has to be the car meet since I’m a car enthusiast and I love the automotive industry.” This just goes to show that regardless of your interests, there are events for every student here at Broward College. But if the events that are happening now are not your cup of tea, Kaila Harris, another Student Life staff member, says that “What makes BC stand out is how accepting we are to new ideas. No matter how different an idea might be, students can bring it to life. There’s freedom to express creativity through events, clubs, or campus projects, which makes Student Life at Broward College feel personal, engaging and truly one of a kind.” The staff encourages those with great ideas to consider bringing them forward and help be a voice for the students’ interests.
The CAB (Campus Activities Board) helps develop ideas for these events, tailoring each one to the interests of the students. The team meets to plan every set up, theme, and activity at these events. Looking at the turnout this past semester, it’s safe to say that they do an amazing job brainstorming themes. If someone is looking for a more scholastic way to pass the time, the Certified Leader Program seminars inform students about networking, professional development, and leadership roles. The CAB also hosts Event Labs that students can attend to learn more about the planning process and execution of a successful event. During these labs, topics like leadership, budget management, and marketing are discussed.
Through their successful events, Student Life has managed to grow their event numbers and increase student engagement on South Campus. Angel Martinez, President of the Fourth Wall Club, describes Student Life saying “They are dedicated to making sure our college experience is more than just classes. They make downtime on campus fun and exciting.” Between all of the events, the staff also assists with ID printing, running the activity center, and supporting the students in any way they need, making themselves the definition of dedication.
As the semester comes to an end, Student Life encourages you to come and visit one of their events and Activity Center. Whether you come to participate in activities, play some ping pong, or even just to do homework, take the chance to make a new memory here at Broward College!