Pacific Index

Criminal justice major or not, students are welcome to build community 

   “You don’t have to specifically be anything other than yourself. We welcome whoever,” says Jacob Cardoso, co-president of the Criminal Justice Club, in regards to joining. Along with Quetzali Buenrostro Andalon, the co-presidents run the club which isn’t just for criminal justice majors. Though Cardoso himself is a criminal justice and politics double major, he says the club is for everyone. 

   “I think if you’re a criminal justice major interested in the field this club will help you definitely provide opportunities to strengthen that knowledge… but you don’t need to be a criminal justice major, you don’t need to know anything about criminal justice to have fun and be a part of this club,” Cardoso explains. 

   The club demonstrates their commitment to creating a space for everyone with their activities they hold in place of meetings. Cardoso laughs as he says, “I feel like in high school people didn’t like clubs because they were boring… so we try and do one fun community event a month.” These unique activities include a trip to Oaks Park in March and Cardoso says, “We bring everyone down there, spend the day there, and then go get food after, and that’s an awesome trip.” 

   When asked about his favorite event the club puts on, Cardoso eagerly discussed their finals energizer. He says every semester on reading day “we have a whole bunch of energy drinks, whole bunch of snacks and kind of just pile them all in a room in AuCoin and just let people take whatever while they’re studying.” Though not as outwardly noble as their recent event of passing out hygienic packages, the club continues to save students by providing everyone’s end of the semester dream: free energy drinks and food. 

   To answer a frequently asked question about events like these, “Do I have to be a member?”, the answer is no. Cardoso explains “All our events are open to the public, you don’t have to be a member to show up, but we love for people to join the club as well.” To answer the follow-up question of “How much does it cost?”, the surprising answer is nothing. 

   “Also, what the club really provides is it removes that financial barrier that a lot of students have… You don’t have to worry about that with the club, that’s why you pay tuition to fund these clubs and to kind of help provide community,” Cardoso says, leaving a lack of reasons for students not to attend. 

   In regards to criminal justice related activities, the club has another key event coming up: Pie With the FBI. A yearly occurrence, Cardoso explains, “We partner with our friends at the FBI here in the Portland office and they come down to campus, and we just all eat a bunch of pie. It’s really just an awesome time to talk with people who do really serious work.” Not your typical idea of an FBI agent, Cardoso describes these visitors as personable and open. This event provides a valuable Q&A for criminal justice majors to learn from people in a field related to their studies. 

   A consistent theme in the Criminal Justice Club’s activities is community. Whether it’s helping Forest Grove, hosting events for criminal justice majors, or just providing a fun trip for students to take a break, a vital aspect Cardoso stressed is the importance of creating space for students to connect. “It’s really community building and you’ll learn a lot of cool things throughout the process as well. If you’re willing and you want to have fun, and also learn some cool stuff. I think this club is for you and it’s for anybody.” Whether interested in criminal justice or not, all students can benefit from this club. 

   For more updates on the criminal justice club, find them on Instagram @pacificucjlsclub