Whirlwinds of the Fall

Dear Pride Center Folks,

September has been a whirlwind, this month has nestled the blurred weeks of 2 through 6, for many it meant getting the hang of the semester schedules, professors' presentation styles, the student time-management skill building muscle, and the endless outpours of events to build that sense of belonging for students, staff and faculty on a college campus. It can be a joyous, terrifying, exciting, anxiety ridden, and adventurous time for many. 

Reflecting on the month so far has led me to think about the stories we tell. A story I would like to share involves a raven. We had a raven visit the 4th floor of the R-Building recently. Take a look at the artsy picture I took and edited for newsletter purposes. It cawed and squawked for attention, until we walked out of the center wondering if it was a goose who lost its way during its migration. This raven did not waver in our human presence - I am glad it did not - but it watched us get slightly closer - it stared us up and down, side to side - our human reaction was to capture the story on our electronic devices. In the background of the captured video, you can hear Alondra say, “Ravens remember peoples faces.” I thought, I hope our faces will be remembered as curious and kind. So many faces out there that are masked and unmasked that lack empathy and kindness in our world. I share this story because that raven soars over the PCC campus and is also part of our community and watching our moves in and out of buildings - watching the joy, the excitement, the adventures and everything in between. 

Well, September had many connections and events - a quick round-up includes Karaoke with the PCC President at our Open House, Club Rush, Dancing at The Mix at the Mirror Pools as part of our outreach. We had a successful partnership with the Transfer Center on a Pride Center Transfer Workshop with over 55 people registering for our workshop! To end the month we will have a Financial Aid workshop with our IEDJ Financial Aid expert Liz.

We are glad to have September under our belts and looking forward to all the scheduled events in October.

Best,

Ana Bernal (they/them)

LGBTQIA+ Student Success Specialist

PCC Pride Center

The time of year has come, and we don’t mean Halloween. Transfer essay due dates are looming, and we’re here to help! Join us to learn some tips on how to prepare, write, and revise your transfer essays to ensure you’re putting your best foot forward! 

DATE: Monday, September 22 

TIME: 1-2  

LOCATION: Writing Success Center – Room: C341 

September is Suicide Prevention Month and we at the Pride Center are always here to encourage and uplift you to live authentically and taking care of yourself, especially your mental health.  

Resources:  

https://calyouth.org/cycl/ 

https://www.nami.org/get-involved/awareness-events/suicide-prevention-month/ 

PCC Mental Health & Wellness:

https://pasadena.edu/campus-life/mental-health-and-wellness-services/index.php 

Tune into this installment of our Bi-alogue Series to hear from Black and bisexual, pansexual, and fluid movers and shakers. 

DATE: Tuesday, September 23 

TIME: 5:30- 7:00 

LOCATION: Online  

Link- https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bi-alogue-black-and-bi-tickets-1591567413979?aff=ebdssbcategorybrowse 

Our Third Place is a Wellness Center for any youth between the ages of 15-25. Our Wellness Center is located in Glendale right of the 2 Freeway.  

Youth are able to access basic needs services such as on site washer and dryer, showers, food, clothing, and hygiene items at no cost. Our center also offers supportive services such as one-on-one check in’s with our on-site mental health therapist, housing navigation guidance, and resource/case management. We have fun and creative spaces such as an art room, music recording studio, and videogame/movie hub. Our Third Place prides itself in working together with youth as a partner to achieve whole person care. 

Link: https://didihirsch.org/