Games, coffee, and a whole lot of ice cream: Welcome Day at Ocean Campus

Oversized versions of classic games like Connect Four and Jenga, coffee with a cop, resource tables, free ice cream by Mister Softee, and pizza were all part of Welcome Day, an event that served as the kickoff for the fall semester. 

“We know it's hard to walk up to a stranger in class and just introduce yourself,” said Amy Coffey, Dean of Student Engagement and Wellness. “So we try to create spaces where students can just interact with each other in a more natural and comfortable way, that's why we put the games out, music and free ice cream.”

The party gave students an opportunity to explore the resources City College offers while also giving them a good time to meet other students. 

 Vanessa Cortes, biology major, and Daniela Ordonez, biotechnology major, were having fun in the middle of Rams Plaza with a group of friends and their free ice creams. 

“I like the event, it is super cool,” said Cortes, who believes that the event helped put students together and was a great opportunity to meet new people. “Just today I made a new friend. It's cool, meeting new people,” Cortes added. 

Ordonez agreed, saying that these events “always help [them] to meet other [people] and inspire other students.” 

Hunter Padilla, Campus Police officer, was bringing the energy to the party playing an upbeat soundtrack. “It's a great atmosphere, great people, great vibe,” Padilla said.  

“We're here to bring everyone together in one community with the City College… It is a great turnout every year,” Padilla added.

 Welcome Day also offered many students the opportunity to get involved in activities and resources that help other students, giving them support and community. 

Heather Brandt, Associated Student Council, was among those tabling at the event, distributing pizza slices and flyers, making sure students know about the different resources available, so they have an easier time navigating City College. 

Brandt was also sharing about one of the most important challenges of this semester:

“I think a lot of our students are experiencing financial challenges in accessing their education on the most basic levels,” Brandt said.

“Their needs are not met, whether it's their housing, their food, transportation and all those things that get in the way of their learning and their ability to continue,” Brandt added.

For the Welcome Day organizers, community is very important. They hope students can realize here that everybody gets an opportunity and help, and events like this show City College's whole diversity.

“We take everybody,” shared Coffey.