By Alex Handy
East Los Angeles College hosted the “Student Life Orientation” event, which consisted of four presentations of different programs that benefit new and current students.
The Associated Student Union gave information about upcoming events such as the election for new ASU members.
The two fees students need to pay in order to join ASU are $7 for Spring and Fall semester and $3 for Summer and Winter.
ASU benefits include 30 copies per semester, snacks during finals week, community discount card, promotional items at ASU events, flash drive for Dean/President’s list, 30 scantrons/green books (Fall/Spring), 15 scantrons/green books (Summer/Winter) and entrance at ELAC football/basketball games.
The Learning Center and Language Lab also had a presentation in which they explained upcoming workshops and cultural events.
They offer tutoring in about 70 different courses and although they do offer walk-in tutoring, recommend scheduling an appointment for peer tutoring.
The Language Lab also has a computer lab available for anyone who needs access to a computer.
The Dream Resource center is a program that works with homeless, foster youth and undocumented students.
They provide food, legal services and housing. Employee Reyna Hernandez gave more information about an organization called “PennyLane.”
This organization offers free transportation, housing and mental health programs.
“Our staff has gone through intense training with multiple situations for students.
Most of our members attended ELAC, so we have the same perspective,” said Hernandez.
The Financial wellness program works with students to analyze the their current financial situation and to develop long-term financial management habits that will help them meet their financial and personal goals, like saving up for a car or paying rent.
They also hand out coupons for fast food and grocery stores.
The program has been up since 2015 and has grown since.
Student worker Adaena Aviles joined the program in December.
“I’ve always been good with money. I managed money at a young age, so I figured I can help people who are having money problems,” Aviles said.
“Students come in and pay off loans. We help you spend your money wisely,” Alouette Cervantes Salazar, financial coach said.
“You must ask yourself, you’re in a relationship with your money, how’s it going?”
For any questions contact Salazar at (323) 415-5458 or email her at cervana6@elac.edu.