Melissa Gutierrez

I interviewed the Vice-President, Abraham, of the Ventura College pre-med club along with getting some questions answered by its members to learn more about their club and get some insight into it. I first off wanted to know what their club was about and they told me that it is about promoting medical education and creating an outlet for like-minded individuals who are interested in medicine to socialize, learn more about the medical field, and have opportunities to gain exposure to the world of medicine. From knowing what their club was about I asked them what they had to offer to VC students and they explained that they offer the opportunity for students to hear from doctors and other medical professionals on the real perspective of what medicine truly is. They will also educate people on the field itself, go to seminar events at hospitals, and more.

The club goes beyond just being at the college but goes out of its way by getting experience from those who are in the field that these students want to be in, which will benefit them immensely in their careers.
I also wanted to know who exactly can join the club, and I found out that it is open to anyone who has an interest in medicine and is simply interested in the field are free to join.

The club advisors include Biology Professor Kammy Algiers and Organic Chemistry Professor Malia Rose-Seiza. I asked the board members of the club their names, roles, and majors to get a little more information about them since they all have different paths in life and they include Abraham, the club Vice-President who is majoring in Biochemistry. Dan, the club ICC Representative, who is majoring in Health Promotion. Emanuel, the club Treasurer, who is majoring in Biology. And finally, Isabella Coroda the club President, who is majoring in Biomedical Engineering.

The final piece of information I wanted to know about this club was what will VC students get out of being in this club?
Their answer was that students will gain the necessary information needed to fully understand what medicine is and learn about all the different opportunities you can have with an interest in medicine. They also mentioned how you will also grow connections with people who are also passionate about medicine and create a helpful and connective environment for others and yourself. So if you are interested in joining you can scan the QR code in the image above or you can email them as well. Piratepremedclub@gmail.com

PALERMO

One of Downtown Ventura’s espresso bars is much more than just a coffee shop…

If you’re looking for a cozy and trendy coffee shop to stop at while walking in Downtown Ventura, Palermo is a perfect choice. Palermo, which has been open since 2001 is a staple to the community with its inviting atmosphere. I decided to go with a friend early in the morning and was greeted by a friendly employee who was ready to take my order. There are lots of choices of drinks and coffee but as I walked in the sea salt caramel latte caught my eye. You can have the choice of having it iced or hot but on a rainy morning, I thought, a nice hot drink was the way to go.

While waiting for my drink I explored the store and just to my right were great choices of gelato and even a small boutique with what they call “hard-to-find items”. I sure did find a couple interesting-looking plates and cups that I may or may not have taken home with me. Along with those interesting items were some paintings made by local artists that were hung up and were being sold. It was nice to see a local shop give back and support its local artists. Once I got my drink I sat and enjoyed the nice atmosphere being accompanied by some great background music including Led Zeppelin and David Bowie, and I couldn’t have asked for a better playlist to fit the urban vibe of the shop. I recommend stopping by Palermo if you’re in the area and in the mood for some great coffee and a good vibe since it is not just a regular espresso bar, but an espresso bar with lots of different aspects to it that can cater to lots of different people and of course coffee lovers.