On November 18 and 19, the Honors Program hosted two events that focused on integrating members of the Honors community. The Honors Olympics and the Run Run Rudolph Run 5K events demonstrated the outcomes of hard work put together by Honors members, and how people that come together enjoy fun activities.
The Honors Olympics, which took place on November 18 in I-Wing gym, consisted of free pizza, different sports, and overall teamwork building activities. We first played “knock-out”, a basketball game that determined who would be the team captains. They ended up being two freshmen who showed enthusiasm, and also motivated their teams before each sport took place. The activities we played included dodge ball, volleyball (with a blow-up beach ball), a hula-hoop game, and a relay race. Although my team lost, it was an evening filled with fun, laughter, and friendly competition.
On November 19, the Honors Program hosted Run Run Rudolph Run, a 5 kilometer race that took place throughout Stockton’s trails around Lake Fred. Volunteers and runners woke up bright and early, and arrived at the TRLC near the freshmen housing. All the proceeds made during this fundraiser were to offer a local family a more joyful holiday. Volunteers spread out throughout the course, offering runners support as we raced.
Unfortunately, halfway through the course, another runner and I made a wrong turn and got off the planned route. By the time we returned near the TRLC where the finish line was, we were still one mile short of reaching the approximately three miles required for a 5 kilometer run. Nevertheless, we persisted on running around the freshmen quad until we completed all 5 kilometers. It delayed our time a bit, and we partly ran a different route than intended, but we still finished—sweaty, but accomplished.
Following the race, the first place runner won a basket filled with various snacks, while the rest of the runners hydrated inside the TRLC. The volunteers joined us, and we enjoyed the sounds of Christmas music playing in the background.
We then returned several hours later to reflect on the positives and negatives of the run. The director of events considered our suggestions for next year, such as advertising the event better so that there would be a better turnout. Despite less than twenty runners participating in the race, the event came together organized and full of spirit. This comes to show that the honors community truly puts their best efforts forward in integrating members of Stockton. Because the Honors Program is centered around service learning and helping the local community, we go above and beyond what is expected so that we get the most out of our college experiences. Learning also takes place out of the classroom, so events like the Honors Olympics and Rudolph Run reveal our underlying desires for high achievements.
As the semester comes to a close, all the events I have attended, even those not required for the Honors Program, have made positive impacts on me that I will always cherish.
-Jillian Umali