Packing into H-9 on a busy Wednesday afternoon, Rios general ed and ILS students come together for a weekly meeting of Lunch With Friends.
The purpose of the club is to better integrate the ILS students with the rest of the student body. Club president and senior Ella Feliciano said.
“We provide opportunities to build connections and form a strong community.” Feliciano said. “Every student at Rio should get the chance to make new friends and I think that this is a really good way to meet new people and form connections in a chill and welcoming setting.”
During the lunchtime meetings, members do crafts, eat lunch, and chat amongst each other. Feliciano has been in Lunch with Friends for 2 years.
“This club has let me build very strong connections with students that I don’t think I would have gotten the chance to build if I hadn’t joined,” Feliciano said.
Students in Rios ILS community said they greatly appreciate the Lunch With Friends atmosphere and opportunity.
“I like hanging out with my friends and eating snacks,” senior Ruby Gallo said.
The most special aspect of the club is “hanging out with my best friends,” senior Evan Mohamed said.