As the first aemester comes to a close, many of West’s clubs are really starting to ramp up, with one of these clubs being Spanish club. Presidents Alex Rivera and Serena Kaldas have big plans for second semester and are trying to increase engagement within Spanish club. On the official club roster, there are 65 students, and meetings typically average 40-50 students. One of the biggest appeals for the club is the fluidity with which you can come in and leave at your choosing. Students aren’t required to stay the whole duration and can come in, grab a snack, and learn about Spanish Culture and History. Most importantly, the club is run by the students and officers. The club also offers volunteer opportunities, such as volunteering at Reach Out Lakota, with more planned for the future.
Below is a Q&A with Co-President Alex Rivera:
Q: How long have you been involved with Spanish Club
A: I started Spanish Club Sophomore Year and went to a couple meetings early on and then after could not go to many due to my knee injury. Junior year I was the treasurer, and obviously president senior year. I like learning about Latin American culture and it’s just something I like to do whenever I can because it’s a lot of fun.
Q: What is your favorite aspect of Spanish Club, and what really pulled you in to getting involved
A: My favorite aspect of Spanish club would probably have to be just how connected we get with different cultures. It’s an opportunity to learn a lot about different groups of people who maybe normally you would only have a brief interaction with or, like surface level. Instead, I get to go in depth about the traditions and celebrations and their food, and participate and celebrate that with a bunch of people who share the same interests as me.
Q: As the President of Spanish Club which part is most important to you?
A: Really just making sure that the club is accessible to everyone who’s interested it can be really intimidating to join new clubs and be in front or be around like 50 people you don’t know who are all talking about Spanish, maybe talking in Spanish. So just making a beginner-friendly environment and not having these really high barriers of Entry. Making sure that people want to join the club and they want to participate and keep coming back for more, I think that’s the most important part.
Q: Is there anything that, when you were chosen as President, you had in mind that you really wanted to do or were looking to change about the club?
A: So they’re definitely is, first of all, I want to try to have elections at the end of the year so we can have a leadership group going into the summer and then be ready to hit the ground running next year. In addition, I also want to have more emphasis on community outreach or like volunteering events, I really like participating in the massive Latin American Community we have in West Chester, so going out eating at restaurants or even volunteering at different organizations.
Q: Are there any exciting plans you have for the rest of the School Year in Spanish Club?
A: There definitely is, I’m planning to do a karaoke night, I really want to see if Mr Laman will let us bring in like salsa dancers or something so we can have dance lessons as well. Then, of course, going to restaurants and eating dinner there, something like that. So definitely some plans in the works that I just need to make sure that our principal approves of, and then we’ll see.
Q: Lastly, how has Spanish Club left an impact on you?
A: It taught me how to talk in front of a crowd, open up more, and definitely be less shy as a person, but in terms of the effect on my character, I really like giving back. I’ve always tried to volunteer whenever possible. This is just another opportunity for me to really give back to a community that’s done so much for me and means so much to me. The Latin American community in West Chester has always made me feel welcome whether it be from the festivals or the concerts we have in Cincinnati or the food truck events it’s always been a blessing to have and being able to give back and support that in my own way is something I’m very happy to do, something I’m very proud of and I feel like that helps me grow and improve as a person.
