I am ASCC and so can you!

This being my very first time writing for the illustrious Independent, I would like to take a moment to introduce myself. I am Ruth Ferguson, the Associated Students of Clark College (ASCC) President, serving for the 2011-12 academic year. I am a second-year student who looks forward to graduating in June, after enjoying a great year serving the students of Clark. That being said, let me tell you a little about what ASCC is here to do for Clark students.

ASCC (or, as we are better known, the room next to the free coffee) is a group of students that works in PUB 160 to cultivate student success and involvement. We are a team of eleven students who were either elected or selected for our positions, which were created to specifically serve student interests.

Not only does ASCC provide coffee in PUB 160 Monday-Thursday from 8:30-11:30 am, it also funds and supports clubs and programs within the college. Many clubs addressing a broad spectrum of interests are chartered or in the process of being chartered for the 2011-12 school year. As far as programs go, Clark offers everything from Penguin Cheer to Phi Theta Kappa. Even the very newspaper you are currently reading is funded by ASCC.

The opportunities for involvement through a program or club are simply unmatched at Clark, considering all the options and opportunities they provide students. As a member of the Speech and Debate Team, I had the honor of visiting the Oregon State Penitentiary last month to debate prisoners who participate in the prison's branch of Toastmasters International. The ability to speak openly with members of a part of our society that is all but forgotten was both enlightening and invaluable. Students involved in programs and clubs have the ability to travel, volunteer, experience new cultures, compete and overall come together as students of Clark College to pursue their interests.

But it doesn't stop there: Five of our ASCC team members' jobs focus specifically on planning and holding events for students during the quarter. Some of our upcoming events include:

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• Dia de los Muertos Celebration, Nov. 2, 5-7 p.m.; Gaiser Student Center
• "Educating for the Seventh Generation", Nov. 4, 5-10 p.m.; Gaiser Student Center
• Hypnotist Show, Nov. 10, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.; Gaiser Student Center
• French Cabaret, Nov. 14, 5-7 p.m.; Gaiser Student Center

We look forward to seeing you at our events and working together on student success this year. If you have any questions, comments, or thoughts on how we can improve ASCC to best serve you, send me an email at asccpt@clark.edu, or visit with us in PUB 160.