By Gabriel Oliveros Jr.
The Otter Showcase organized by the Inter-Club Council, brought out over 75 different student clubs and organizations. On Sept. 3, over 175 students registered for this event, which provided opportunities for students to join clubs or to sign up for different service-learning opportunities. Also co-hosting were: Student Engagement & Leadership Development, SCC, United Sorority and Fraternity Council.
Yefry Mata Diaz tabled for Central American United Student Association (CAUSA), which he explained is pronounced “cause.” Diaz’s passion and deep knowledge of the history of Central America brought the attention of many passing students, filling his club sign-up sheet with names and emails of those interested in joining the club. He even had people writing on the back of the page.
Diaz said, “I transferred from Cabrillo College in the fall of 2024, and I wanted to create a community for Central American students to culturally heal themselves, educate themselves and as well as the student body at large.
He added he wanted students to think “about what it means to be Central American in the United States, and in higher education.” Since he brought this program to CSUMB, they have collaborated with El Centro and the Tanimura and Antle Library for their Central American exhibit.
On Wednesday, the sun was out and wind was minimal outside the Main Quad, making it easy for students to interact and connect with their campus community. Unfortunately, there was no free food provided like other events, but many clubs and tables were giving out free stickers, pins, pencils, candies, hats and more. The Service Community Fair and Otter Showcase were both taking place simultaneously in the main quad.
Trent Baker, representing The Bureau of Land Management for The Fort Ord National Monument table, graduated from CSUMB two years ago.“I did my service learning here at CSUMB, with the Department of the Interior Bureau of Land Management. And that kind of ended up into getting an internship. And now I am at a full-time position here,” Baker said.
Whether it is providing meals to the elderly for Meals on Wheels, preserving wildlife with the Point Lobos Foundation, assisting with self-defense classes for Boxing Strong or learning more about a particular culture you are not familiar with like: Black Students United, Brown Students Connected or the Asian and Pacific Islander Association.
Andres Ramirez, a junior studying in Agricultural Plant and Social Science, and president of the Poke Trainers Pokémon Club said, “I think it’s less busy than it was last year because there are still empty seats…or empty tables. Last year I believe it was an issue to get enough tables…” This year, his table had many people stopping by constantly where his Nintendo DS, stickers, collectibles, Pokémon cards and plushies were all on display. Their clubs will have weekly meetings every Sunday at noon, in the OSU, room 210.