Author Archives: Kelly Burns

About Kelly Burns

Hi! I'm Kelly! I am majoring in Literature with a concentration in Creative Writing. I am minoring in Holocaust and Genocide Studies. I am a writing tutor, Honors Program mentor, and sister of Delta Delta Delta.

Expanding Horizons: Stockton’s Get Involved Fair

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On Tuesday, September 19, tables lined the academic halls of A-J wings to establish the lively, exciting environment of the Get Involved Fair.

When planning to attend the Get Involved Fair, I created a list of what I wanted from a club. When I entered the Fair, I sought clubs that offered leadership opportunities, music appreciation, authorship opportunities, and characteristics of my favorite popular culture concepts. The Get Involved Fair provided outlets for all my interest and more.

I found leadership opportunity in several clubs. Alpha Lambda Delta, an honor society, offers opportunities to serve. Circle K’s friendly members informed me of their service projects. The College Republicans, alongside their wide array of free posters, stickers, and buttons, encouraged me to explore my political affiliation with them. Additionally, there was the Student Senate.

Logo of the Stockton University Pep Band.

Many tables featured the opportunity to enjoy music. The Stockton Music Union offered the opportunity to collaborate. The Stockton University Pep Band was perhaps the most engaging table when I surprised even myself in enrolling in the corresponding Pep Band course.

In the main foyer were groups that embraced literature and writing. The Argo staff immediately provided me with the opportunity to contribute to the paper. The Literature Club was happy in seeing me interested. I was thrilled to discover Stockpot, Stockton’s literary magazine and hub for all things creative.

To satisfy my passion for entertainment media, I examined the hallways of I and J. There I found the Anime Club and Gaming Club. I was most excited to find Stockton’s Quidditch table. I was beyond ecstatic to learn about the upcoming practices and cups.

The Get Involved Fair was a positive experience for me. As a Freshman, it is reassuring to know that I am encouraged to become an integrated member of the Stockton community.

Seize the Day: Day of Service

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On September 9, 2017,  my four roommates laid comfortably in bed as I readied myself for the day, knowing that what I was about to embark on was even more blissful than sleep.

The Stockton Day of Service is an annual event that demonstrates the importance of service. Over 450 volunteers came out to “exit [their] comfort zones,” as put by Stockton’s Associate Provost. My group of 40, so designated by our red-colored name tags, were promised an hour in each project, hoping that one would be the “launch pad” for a commitment to service. We first headed to work in civic engagement with the Service Learning Department. Activities included taking a Naturalization Test and publicly displaying our political opinion. When we “voted with our feet,” I spoke on the issue of free college tuition. I left the event confident in having spoken for what I stand for. With Circle K, we were able to help the local community. We made peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for the A.C. Rescue Mission. We were guaranteed that the sandwiches are “appreciated,” even when imperfect. It was uplifting to help the my local community. In the afternoon, we learned about Cerebral Palsy with Alpha Lambda Delta. There, we constructed ribbons for the cause. Having had a cousin with Cerebral Palsy, I was particularly engaged in this activity. The final event of the day was to help end world hunger. Our group personally packed 10,000 meals, rounding out the 45,000 meals made that day for those suffering from starvation.

The Day of Service turned out to be the best way to spend my Saturday. I cannot wait for next year!