Even though I am a first semester freshman, one of the programs that really interests at Stockton University is studying abroad. As a commuter who lives at home, studying abroad really appeals to me because it would give me an opportunity to experience the world outside my comfort zone, and take a step forward toward independence. One of the steps to study abroad is to attend a Study Abroad 101 workshop. There is a meeting every month, held by Natalja Manger, the Study Abroad and International Advisor. On October 13^th, I attended the Study Abroad Workshop in room F111 where I learned what it takes to actually study around the world.

One of the first things I learned at the workshop was that only 1% of college students around the country actually study abroad. This fact really astonished me because I know many schools offer students the chance to study abroad, and I am surprised more students do not take advantage of it. Also, I am now more motivated to be part of the 1% so I can set myself apart from other students. Natalja Manger showed us the step-by-step process of looking for different programs, how to apply, and the different deadlines. Finally, we learned very important information about how to fund our ventures to study abroad. We learned that financial aid, scholarships, and grants can be applied to our cost of studying abroad. Since the cost can be lowered, the prospect of studying abroad seems possible despite a student’s financial concerns. Applying to study abroad is a very elaborate process, but with the help of the Stockton Portal, our preceptors, and Natalja Manger, studying abroad seems feasible and less daunting.

In conclusion, I am very glad I attended a Study Abroad Workshop early into my time at Stockton. Studying abroad seems like an amazing opportunity and attending the meeting helped me get one step closer to changing my dream into reality.

     As a freshman commuter, I started to realize by the first week of school that making friends would be harder for me than it would be for the students who live on campus. Lucky for me, Stockton held an event called The Get Involved Fair. The fair took place on  September 16th and 17th from 11 am to 4 pm in the Main Campus Center and the A through N Wings. The Get Involved Fair included over one hundred clubs, various service opportunities in the community, and the different sororities and fraternities. The Fair was a great way to learn about different clubs and an even better way to build future relationships.

     First of all, I learned that there are plenty of clubs to join on campus. There is a club for almost every subject and interest group. The club leaders were very friendly and helpful, and really encouraged everyone to sign up and learn more about what their clubs had to offer. I walked passed religious clubs,”artsy” clubs, science clubs, and so many others. There were also different opportunities to give back to the community, like volunteering to tutor or even traveling around the globe with the Peace Corps. No matter what one’s interests may be, there was most likely at least one club at the fair that pertained to that interest.

     Overall, I am really glad I went to The Get Involved Fair. Making friends and getting involved can be really overwhelming, especially when all the upperclassmen talk about the lasting impression of college friends and the professors stress the importance of resumes. The Get Involved Fair allowed for students to dip their toes into different groups and interests, and to receive information about the vast amount of opportunities Stockton has to offer.

Welcome Week was a great way for freshman and transfer students to kick-start their new experience at Stockton University. Many of Welcome Week’s events included speakers, comedians, free samples, and much more. Of all the mandatory Welcome Week events, one of the most important was the Title IX presentation, which was held on the last day of Welcome Week. The event was presented twice during the day, and each time, males and females were separated. By separating the student body by gender, we had access to more individualized information, as well as to a more comfortable environment to discuss such personal topics. The Title IX presentation provided students with important information on how to get help in the face of sexual assault, where to look when in need of support, and much more.

First of all, at the presentation, students learned that the Title IX is a federal law that prohibits discrimination based on gender. One of the heaviest topics Laurie Dutton, Director of the Women’s, Gender & Sexuality Center, talked about was sexual assault on campus. She mentioned how there is a Red Zone during the first six weeks of school in which individuals are more susceptible to sexual assault. The fact that there even is a proven Red Zone time period really hit me because it makes sense; the start of a new experience, like college, can make anyone vulnerable and likely to do things that he or she normally would not. The most impactful video of the presentation was the “tea” video, which defines consent as asking someone if he or she wants tea. The video was funny and simple, but it made its point of what defines consent and what not to do if someone does not “want tea.” In all, I learned that sexual assault can happen to anyone, but that there is help on campus. The presentation stressed that a victim of assault is not alone, and that there is support and confidentiality.

Overall, the presentation was helpful and matter-of-fact. At the end of the presentation, we were given a list of valuable resources we could contact if we were ever in need of help. Going into the presentation, I thought sexual assault or gender discrimination could never affect me, but I left the presentation realizing that it could happen to me or someone I care about. The Title IX Presentation helped open my eyes to all the support I can find on campus and helped me feel like I am not alone.