Chicana and Chicano Resource Center, a place for all students
A designated research room in the library, more than just a place to study
By: Allen D. Wilson
Issue date: 4/29/08 Section: Features
While the future of libraries everywhere has turned bleak over the last decade, a hidden gem in the Pollak Library has emerged to offer something a vast database cannot.
More students have come to pursue Chicana and Chicano studies in recent years, giving rise to the Chicana and Chicano Resource Center.
Gabriela Antunez has attended a few of the ongoing workshops hosted by the CRC about applying to graduate school.
The 20-year-old Chicana and Chicano studies major has also received help at the center from several professors in the discipline.
"The CRC allows a way for professors to reach out to their students," Antunez said.
Chicana and Chicano Resource Center coordinator Nayeli Madero has seen the students' chemistry come to work for them in a positive way.
"They get to help each other and share their experience[s] with each other," Madero said.
CRC student assistant Natalie Madero, 18, has been able to get connected with other students with similar interests from the onset of her college career.
"I came as a freshman and met lots of people right away," Madero said.
The CRC's book collection has been around for more than 35 years. It was originally called the Mexico and Southwest collection.
It settled in 2000 into its current location, on the first floor, with Barbara Miller serving as the librarian.
"As we build the collection, it gives students a good grounding in research," Miller said.
In addition to amassing texts, the center has acquired several online databases, including the Chicano Database and Hispanic American Periodicals Index.
But the center is not just for academic advancement, students can even use the center to host their own events or facilitate discussions on topics of their interest.
Film studies major Steven Ramirez said the CRC "is more than welcome to help you if you have any ideas."
He said he has seen the camaraderie of the people who participate in the events the center hosts, like celebrations for Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, and Dia de Cesar Chavez.
There's also a philanthropic side of the group.
This year, the Cesar Chavez event focused on helping underprivileged elementary schools like Raymond Elementary and Ruby Drive Elementary with the funds the CRC raised, Ramirez said.
Miller and the 27-year-old Fullerton resident Ramirez both stressed that the CRC is there for students of all genders and ethnicities.
"Everybody there goes above and beyond to help you out," Ramirez said. "It's a great reflection of how students should treat other students."
More students have come to pursue Chicana and Chicano studies in recent years, giving rise to the Chicana and Chicano Resource Center.
Gabriela Antunez has attended a few of the ongoing workshops hosted by the CRC about applying to graduate school.
The 20-year-old Chicana and Chicano studies major has also received help at the center from several professors in the discipline.
"The CRC allows a way for professors to reach out to their students," Antunez said.
Chicana and Chicano Resource Center coordinator Nayeli Madero has seen the students' chemistry come to work for them in a positive way.
"They get to help each other and share their experience[s] with each other," Madero said.
CRC student assistant Natalie Madero, 18, has been able to get connected with other students with similar interests from the onset of her college career.
"I came as a freshman and met lots of people right away," Madero said.
The CRC's book collection has been around for more than 35 years. It was originally called the Mexico and Southwest collection.
It settled in 2000 into its current location, on the first floor, with Barbara Miller serving as the librarian.
"As we build the collection, it gives students a good grounding in research," Miller said.
In addition to amassing texts, the center has acquired several online databases, including the Chicano Database and Hispanic American Periodicals Index.
But the center is not just for academic advancement, students can even use the center to host their own events or facilitate discussions on topics of their interest.
Film studies major Steven Ramirez said the CRC "is more than welcome to help you if you have any ideas."
He said he has seen the camaraderie of the people who participate in the events the center hosts, like celebrations for Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, and Dia de Cesar Chavez.
There's also a philanthropic side of the group.
This year, the Cesar Chavez event focused on helping underprivileged elementary schools like Raymond Elementary and Ruby Drive Elementary with the funds the CRC raised, Ramirez said.
Miller and the 27-year-old Fullerton resident Ramirez both stressed that the CRC is there for students of all genders and ethnicities.
"Everybody there goes above and beyond to help you out," Ramirez said. "It's a great reflection of how students should treat other students."
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