Pearl's Picks of the Week💙💛

Check out Pearl's Picks of the best events and resources for this week, May 12th - May 18th:

🗳️ Vote Now! 2025-2026 A.S. Student Government Elections

Your voice matters, help us decide who represents SMC Students for 2025-2026. Submit your ballot and vote now! SMC Student Government Elections are running between May 12 – May 15.

What You Need to Do:

1. Cast your vote via Corsair Connect by May 15 at 11:59 PM:
2. Log in to Corsair Connect.
3. Click on Resources and Services in the left-hand menu.
4. Scroll down to find A.S. Student Elections.

The Imperial Presidency vs the Noble Court: The Arm Wrestling Event of the Century

• When: Monday, May 12, 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
• Where: SMC Student Services Center, Orientation Hall (S183)
• What: Featured Speakers: Erwin Chemerinsky, Dean of the UC Berkeley School of Law and Sheila Kuehl, Founder, SMC Public Policy Institute.
• Discover more!

Take a Break. Learn to Cope. (In Person)

• When: Tuesday, May 13, 11:15 AM - 12:30 PM
• Where: Math and Science Building Room 208
• What: Drop in for weekly workshops where you'll learn simple tools to manage stress, emotions, and everyday challenges.
• Check it out!

Unilateral Authority? Examining the Constitutionality of Executive Orders

• When: Tuesday, May 13, 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
• Where: SMC Student Services Center, Orientation Hall (S183)
• What: Dr. Richard Amir Tahvildaran-Jesswein, Professor Political Science, Santa Monica College, Co-Director, Public Policy Institute, Santa Monica College.
• Read more here!

Mindful Meditation Drop-in

• When: Wednesday, May 14, 11:15 AM - 12:30 PM
• Where: Main Campus SSC 290
• What: Feeling Stressed? Please join us for a weekly mindfulness meditation.
• Learn more here!

$how Me The Money! How to Pay for Your Bachelor's Degree

• When: Wednesday, May 14, 3:45 PM - 5:00 PM
• Where: Online
• What: This workshop will provide detailed information regarding the cost structure of a Bachelor's degree and what funding options are available to student's. Federal, state, and institutional financial aid will be reviewed as well as unrestricted scholarship opportunities.
• Read more here!

Author Talk with Liann Zhang

• When: Wednesday, May 14, 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
• Where: Online
• What: On Writing a Brilliant, Dark, and Diabolical Thriller with Author Liann Zhang. Grab your popcorn, grab your friend, and join us for an propulsive online conversation with author Liann Zhang as she chats with us about her debut thriller Julie Chan is Dead.
• Read more here!

Studio Ghibli Films: Environmentalism, Collective Grief, and Collective Liberation

• When: Thursday, May 15, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
• Where: SMC Student Services Center, Orientation Hall (S183)
• What: Join Dr. Drea Letamendi (co-host of the Arkham Sessions Podcast) as she explores psychological strategies for framing resilience, cultivating belongingness, and affirming purpose in education, advocacy, and stewardship work.
• Get details here!

SMC Mariachi Ensemble

• When: Thursday, May 15, 11:15 AM - 12:15 PM
• Where: SMC Performing Arts Center, The Edye Second Space
• What: Come celebrate the soul-stirring rhythms and vibrant melodies of traditional mariachi styles and sounds.
• Get details here!

Hubble at 35

• When: Friday, May 16, 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM
• Where: Online
• What: May 20 marks the 35th anniversary of Hubble Space Telescope’s “First Light.” This week’s show looks back on the storied telescope’s path to launch, on-orbit repairs, and stunning contributions to astronomy.
• Learn more here!

Japanese Conversation Café - Tea Time at SMC

• When: Saturday, May 17, 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
• Where: Main Campus Cafeteria
• What: The Japanese Program and the Japan Foundation, Los Angeles will be co-hosting the Japanese Conversation Café again this year! Come meet new friends and practice your Japanese conversation skills with native speakers.
• Explore here!

Pearl and your SMC family can't wait to see you there!