Texas Border Business
McAllen, TEXAS – Just because it’s time to hit the books doesn’t mean South Texas College students have to stop having a good time while pursuing their degree or certificate. Thanks to a long and growing list of active clubs across STC’s Hidalgo and Starr County Campuses, there’s an activity for any interest.
Student Activities and Wellness Coordinator Jose Peña says there is an ever-evolving list of student clubs at STC.
He stressed that not all clubs are related to classes or future professions, many are meant to help students enjoy their college experience, network or sometimes just assist four-legged friends.
“Most of the students have the misconception that all clubs are related to academia,” Peña said. “A club that’s very active here is the Cat on Campus. Animal control cannot come in on-campus because now the cats are a protected colony. They are the ones responsible for that.”
STC students can get involved in professional clubs like the Association of Texas Professional Educators (ATPE) to enrichment clubs like WILD which stands for Writers in Literary discussion, advised by English instructor Tom Fuschetto.
“We have a lot of academia, religious, political. We have the Young Republicans and Young Democrats that usually get active when we have an election.” Peña said.
Guitar professor Jaime Garcia is sponsoring a new club on the Pecan campus, the Flamenco Club. He felt the club filled a need for some of his most dedicated players. The professor drew from his experience as a guitar student which took him to Spain, the home for flamenco.
“I had a student, a very talented student ask me ‘Hey are there any other music clubs around here?’ He needed to, I think, have the feeling of belonging to a club. I think some students need that. And at the time there were any other clubs in the music department,” Garcia said. “I had already been thinking about it so I was like ‘You know what? I’m doing to do this.’ Because obviously there is a need for some students.”
Professor of Psychology Alex Sarabia runs one of the most established clubs at STC, the Psychology Club in Starr County.
“Students get the opportunity to be involved in the community and give back,” Sarabia said. “They experience personal growth by learning how to work as a team and solve conflicts, build their resumes, make friends and socialize.”
The Psychology Club celebrated 10 years in action last fall and was honored by the city and county government.
“College life is not just parking, going to class and leaving back home,” Sarabia said. “A student club is vital to get the full college life experience, as students will make friends and become more engaged and active in both campus activities and community events. They will become the young leaders of the community, shaping themselves to become the next community leaders.”
For students interested in starting a club they need five students and a faculty advisor to begin the process. There is a student activity contact at all of STC’s campuses including Nursing & Allied Health and Technology.
For more information, interested students can contact student activities secretary Maritza Morales 956-872-3530 or visit https://life.southtexascollege.edu/
