HCC reaches out to the Latin Community

Nov 5, 2015

Area residents flocked by the hundreds to the Galleria area to celebrate Latin culture at the Latin Women’s Expo and Houston Community College came out to support this vital sector of the community.

HCC staff and student volunteers interacted with attendees at the Royal Sonesta Hotel, handed out program information, and promoted upcoming events at the southwest campuses. Visitors stopped by the HCC booth to play Plinko and win various prizes, including colorful  3-D printed bracelets, HCC logoed cups, spatulas, lip moisturizers, and chip clips.

Involving students in events like these is a goal of the college. Students can talk about their real-life experience at HCC and provide information to those inquiring about classes offered, the registration process, and student life on campus. On the flip side, volunteering has benefits for the students.

“Many universities require some volunteer (hours),” Phi Theta Kappa student volunteer Xin Geng said.  “It’s also another way to get experience.” 

One Engineering student, who plans to transfer to UT-Tyler next semester, considers volunteering necessary to grow and hopes others will follow in his footsteps.

“While my classes at HCC prepare me to be a better student to go into a four-year degree program,” John Metherd said. “Volunteering through HCC prepares me to be a better citizen of the world.”

Hundreds perused the expo throughout the afternoon and got the chance to browse the over 40 expo vendors. The 6-hour event had something for everyone from cooking demonstrations with famous Latin chefs to a fashion show highlighting Latin designs.