Sharolyn Robinson, a Hartnell College pre-nursing student, is sitting across from Hartnell’s student body president, Christopher Luna. The two of them bounce ideas back-and-forth across the table as they help me compile a list of Hartnell hangouts. Every few minutes, one of them pauses to greet a familiar face who is passing through the Hartnell Campus Center.

“Come join us!” Luna calls to Desiree Lockhart, a sophomore. Soon, Lockhart is engaged in the conversation, and all three Hartnell students contribute suggestions. As I observe their enthusiastic exchange, I count six more students who have stopped to say hello. This is a friendly campus. Whether they’re at the CherryBean coffee shop in Salinas, or any of the other places these students frequent, I predict they will bring

both their excitement and their welcoming smiles along for the ride.

>>HARTNELL HAPPY PLACES

Lunch Spots: Gutierrez for cheap, Mexican food • Marie Callender’s Restuarant and Bakery • Applebee’s • First Awakenings health food/deli (all in Salinas)

Dinner: Outback Steakhouse • Gino’s Fine Italian Food and Pizza in Salinas • Billy Quon’s in Monterey

Night Out: Bonfires at Del Monte beach in Monterey • Doc Ricketts Lab • Blue Fin Café & Billiards on Cannery Row

Coffee: CherryBean Gourmet Coffeehouse and Roastery • Rollick’s Specialty Coffee in Oldtown Salinas • Starbucks Coffee (everywhere)

Nap: Hartnell College Center couches • Home

Study: Library study rooms • Coffee houses • Marie Callender’s • Applebee’s

Exercise: School Gym • Salinas Athletic Club • Terry’s Total Fitness in Salinas

Shop: Northridge Mall in Salinas • Del Monte Center in Monterey • Gilroy outlets • Lush Boutique in Salinas • Salinas Flea Market , Oldtown Salinas

Entertainment: CherryBean poetry slams • Western Stage

Key Dates: 8/26 Back to School BBQ (free food with ID) • 9/11 Hispanic Heritage Awards • 9/22 Club Day