Rio Hondo College’s Safe Spaces and Recources Everything You Need to Know About The Hunger Games

Marilin Campos @marrmedia_

On campus, Rio Hondo College is at work trying to find resources and aid for all students in order to make their overall college experience easier but also to help their off campus lifestyle. From job fairs that bring in recruiters hoping to find new and eager employees that could be in a classroom seat, to club fairs that could help someone develop their new hobby they didn’t know they wanted.

April is Sexual Assault Awarness Month (S.A.A.M) and throughout the month of April, Rio Hondo is having several events and workshops that could range in help for anyone. From the Vagina Monologues, an award winning play about women’s sexuality and strength that presents itself with grace and humor. To the SAAM Resource Fair that was held on April 5th in the Learning Resource Center, a safe space for anyone to visit and be heard.

Diana Madueno, the Activities Student Assistant here on campus wanted to expand the help on campus to something more personal, one of these endeavors was the SAAM Resource Fair, “I wanted to bring awarness to sexual assault and provide resources.”

There were several tables with plenty of organizations and people to speak to and receive information, while a bit empty on the day of, don’t ever lose sight of the silver lining. “I think it was slow but the environment was intimate… students got 30-40 minutes per resource.”

Madueno stated. Walking into the open space was welcoming, it didn’t feel constricted and was easily walkable and information was easily obtainable.

To get a feel for who was tabling and the information being given, we asked Sandra Rodriguez of the Women’s Children’s Crisis Shelter how it felt to be at the event “It’s gratifying to know we can explain our services, because there are many many people in the community just don’t know who to talk to or where to start.” Rodriguez was very insightful, informative.

Elaborating on the services they offer such as shelter to help anyone in emotional or physical distress, Rodriguez closed her statement by explaining how reflecting might be tough, but it’s a part of the process; “although it’s unfortunate because it's something no one should have to live through, we try to empower them. Empower the survivor.”

While the outcome wasn’t extravagant, this is a really good experience that deserves a better outcome next time. Strong and genuine would be the two words to describe the event, the people tabling seemed to be there to be of genuine help and its workshops like these are always free and welcomed to anyone. And if you do feel any type of way just know, you’re NOT alone.