On December 2nd 2016, Stockton Environmental and Sustainable Community hosted an event in solidarity of the situation in Standing Rock, North Dakota. The Dakota Access Pipeline, a part of the Bakken pipeline project, is an underground oil pipeline project in the United States. The pipeline is being planned by Dakota Access, a subsidiary of the Dallas, Texas, corporation Energy Transfer Partners. It begins in the Bakken oil fields in northwest North Dakota and is set to travel in a straight line through South Dakota and Iowa, and end at the an oil tank farm near Patoka, Illinois.  The pipeline was originally routed across the Missouri River near Bismarck; however, this was rejected because of the route’s proximity to waterways and roads in this area. The predominantly white area, fearful of contamination and an oil spill, were successful in moving the pipeline to another location, which would end up being the Sioux Reservation.

As the pipeline began construction, the Sioux Indians were concerned with an oil spill that would contaminate their water, and the location of the pipeline that would be so near to their sacred burial grounds. The Sioux began to peacefully protest the pipeline, facing intense retaliation from law enforcements who used military weapons and gases to disrupt the peaceful protestors. Many protesters were imprisoned for trespassing, including the Sioux who were in their land that had been privatized for capital gain. The event commemorated the struggles of the Sioux and their ongoing challenge for the right to clean water. We began by creating posters with powerful messages for the protest across campus towards the end of the event. Several professors  gave empowering speeches about the injustices committed against Native Americans since America was colonized and how, perhaps, it is too late to stop the Dakota Access Pipeline, but if it is the Sioux today, it will be us tomorrow. The event was very empowering and beautifully organized. It was clear that the people who attended were passionate about the issue. Everyone is ready to combat the situation in their own way whether it be donating, protesting, or going to Standing Rock. This event left me feeling ready to take on issues such as this that are a clear violation of people’s rights, and wanting to join Stockton Environmental and Sustainability group.

             On October 7^th, 2016, the Stockton Student Development was in the midst of its annual University Weekend celebrations. On this particular night, they were hosting Chris Distefano from MTV’s Guy Code in Big Blue. I had arrived early so that I could ensure a seat in the front. I was especially excited because I had never been so close to a celebrity before. As I made my way inside, those who had organized the event were handing out free t-shirts, which made me even more excited to attend the event. Who doesn’t love a free t-shirt, right?

            The night was an overall success. Chris Distefano was absolutely hilarious. He cracked jokes about the various majors of the students, his Hispanic wife and daughter, and even the elections. My favorite part of the night had to be when one of the students asked Chris, “Are you going to chop your balls off when you vote for Hilary?” to which he replied “You clearly haven’t been listening to me the whole night. My girlfriend owns my balls. Are you going to put your confederate flag up when you vote for Trump?” As freshman, I was at first surprised he could say that, but then I remembered college is a lot less filtered, and I really felt myself enjoying the event and appreciating college.

The next day was the street fair, which I was excited to bring my family to. It was nicely organized and there were many vendors to buy food from. Unfortunately, I had missed the parade due to the rain, but it was nice to see what was left of the event. Perhaps for the street fair next year, student development might consider having the vendors in a closer proximity as the trucks and table were spread out from each other. This made the event space look quite empty. Other than this, it was a fun event to the addition of the weekend, and family enjoyed it as well. It left me excited to see what is in store for next year. (Nudar Chowdhury)

On September 23^rd, 2016, I had attended an Eid Party hosted by the Muslim Student Association. The group usually held two Eid parties a year to celebrate both Eids that occur throughout the year, typically two months apart. The party was organized beautifully as there were decorations strewn all over the room. Additionally, the food at the party was delicious as they had prepared more cultural items such as biryani, chicken tandoori, and shish kabobs along with a beautiful cake that was baked by one of the officers. The executive board had done an exceptional job in creating a festive event that could be enjoyed by freshmen and upperclassmen alike.

Although I had worn a casual skirt and top, it was nice to see that many of the girls were wearing traditional garments which furthered the festivities. Everyone was having a good time, conversing with their friends, but also meeting new people. Many had not skipped school on the actual day of Eid, so this event clearly made up for that. Personally, I had not been in the mood to attend a party as it was Friday night and the end of a long school week, however, I did not regret attending. Through this event, I had made some new friends, which I was having a difficult time doing in this new place. There were also non-Muslims who had stopped by the event after the Inauguration of the new President such as the Student Senate. I had heard a great deal about them so it was nice to meet a few of them in person. I was already thinking about joining the MSA as it was a club I had heard about from friends who were already attending Stockton. This event left me feeling quite pleased with the group and excited to partake in future events and service projects.

Overall, the party was a good time and a nice opportunity to make new friends. The environment was very relaxed. My only criticism is that the group may have considered having a few more activities during the event as everyone was simply standing or sitting around. This could have also made it easier for everyone to talk to each other as the party was divided into two groups towards the end of it. Also, it would have been informative for the executive to introduce themselves and their positions as this was the first event they had held this semester. However, this was not a big issue and I look forward to future events, and hope to attend general meetings so that I can really get to know the people I met at this party. (Nudar Chowdhury)