MC Clubs Offer Opportunities for Fun and Friendship

The college experience is as much about learning as it is about creating new friendships and making connections. While juggling classes, work, and other responsibilities, MC students can explore activities that help them find new passions, bond with peers, and develop leadership skills.

At Montgomery College’s campuses, student club options range from AI, business, and chess to math, music, fashion and videogaming.

RITMO is a Latin dance club that introduces students to the beauty of Latin dance and culture. Everyone is welcome to learn basic and intermediate level moves of Latin dance styles such as salsa, bachata, and reggaeton. While the club holds weekly open practices for all levels on the Rockville Campus for all comers, it has been building an advanced dance team to perform at events at the College and in the community.

“It’s a fun way for people to socialize and just have fun with dancing,” said Aslyn Contreras, club captain. “We get people from different backgrounds, which is amazing, and a way to spread Latin dance to people who are normally not used to it.”

Likewise, the African Dance Club holds weekly practices at the Germantown Campus. President Francesca Agopome says they introduce members to various African dance styles, and the club is open to all ages and dance levels.

Carleen Boah, also a club leader, says it’s about being happy and having fun: “Come and express yourself, use your creativity, build community, meet people and stay fit,” she said. “If you come here, we are automatically friends. It’s mainly fun and we don’t take it too seriously. We make it free, and people are relieved and happy after they come here.”

For outdoor enthusiasts, the MC Outdoor Adventures Club aims to bring together students of all levels who have an interest in outdoor activities.

The club’s vice president, Dia Mekonen, said last semester they organized a zip lining event that drew about 30 students. This semester they are going paintballing. These events are free for students. The club also coordinates weekend hikes and is making plans to hold a picnic in the park and a painting event in partnership with the MC Art League.

“A lot of people have trouble making friends on campus because it’s a commuter school, so it’s a great opportunity to make friends,” said Princess Nyamali, also a group leader.

For a full list of student clubs, visit the Student Life club webpages of the Germantown, (PDF, ) Rockville (PDF, ) and Takoma Park/Silver Spring (PDF, ) campuses.