Lily Davis

Blog Post 3

Bay Atlantic Symphony Concert

On Friday, November 11, 2016 I went to go see the Bay-Atlantic Symphony’s “Veterans Day Salute” concert.  Originally, I went to the concert because I was required to for a class I was taking, but I ended up really enjoying it.  The concert was in the Performing Arts Center, and there were so many people there, they filled up practically all of the seats.  The Bay Atlantic Symphony, which is an orchestra that  anyone in South Jersey can join, comprises of violins, violas, cellos, bass, flutes, oboes, clarinets, bassoons, french horns, trumpets, trombones, tuba, percussion, and the harp.

At this specific concert, the orchestra played a selection of songs that all have resonating themes of American spirit.  These songs include “Armed Forces: the Pride of America,” “1812 Overture,” and many selection of pieces  from Leroy  Anderson.  During the “Armed Forces: the Pride of America” piece, the orchestra would play each branch of the military’s song, and the people who served in that branch would stand up. It was such an amazing experience, to see just how many people have served in the military.  It was also very emotional, because there were just so many people who have sacrificed so much for our country.  

Personally, this was my second Bay-Atlantic Symphony concert that  I have gone to this year.  The first one was a very formal concert, which I enjoyed a great deal.  But this concert I appreciated so much more because it was such an emotional experience.  At the end of this concert, the orchestra played a surprise song.  It was the National Anthem.  Just after the first few notes, the entire Performing Arts Center was on its feet, singing along.  It was truly such a beautiful and emotional experience.  

Lily Davis

Blog Post Two

Joining Alpha Phi Omega

Alpha Phi Omega (or ΑΦΩ) is a national co-ed service fraternity organization  which is based on the three principles of Leadership, Friendship and Service.  It was founded on December 16, 1925 at Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania by a group of former Boy Scouts who  wanted to continue to perform service and help their community, while also being in a group of people who  have the same ideals as each other. After being a male-only  fraternity  for fifty one years, it became a co-ed fraternity in 1976. This meant that chapters now had to accept women as well as men.  

Currently, Alpha Phi Omega has over 400,000 members on over 375 college campuses in the United States.  There is actually chapters in Canada and Australia as well!  

I first became interested in Alpha Phi Omega actually over the summer, when I met one of my coworkers, who also goes to Stockton University.  She told me all about the fun opportunities that Alpha Phi Omega provided to her and she also told me about  how many new friends she had made in the fraternity.  I’ll admit, it took a little bit for me to adjust to being “in a fraternity” but so far it has been a lot of fun!

During Rush Week, we had to go to some really interesting activities. We had to make capes for children in hospitals, and we also participated in bonding activities, which included things like mocktails and an ice cream party.  After Rush Week, we were initiated into the frat which consisted of some things we were told to keep secret, but included a ceremony in a dark room. So far, in Alpha Phi Omega I have not done much, but I am excited to do more!

Lily Davis

On September 26, I watched a Presidential debate at the school’s viewing party in the event room.  This was the first time I have ever watched a televised debate, so this was pretty interesting for me, and this is also my first time voting in a Presidential election.  This election is a pivotal one, and it feels like my entire future is resting on it.

It was really fascinating to me to be able to watch the debate in real time, and thinking that the candidates were actually discussing these topics in real time was very amusing to me.  What peeved me about the debate was the lack of actual answers to the given questions.  Personally, I think that the moderator asked fitting questions, but they were not targeted towards the younger crowd of voters.  For example, one topic was about the security of America, especially relating to the cyber protection and defense. While this is a very important issue, I feel that this was probably not the issue that most millennials care about.   Instead of discussing  who is behind  the country’s cyber attacks, they could have spent the time talking about how to make college more affordable, or discuss the changing healthcare system and what they would do what they would do if they became president.  

Another thing that I did not appreciate about the debate is that Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton almost never really ever answered the questions that were provided.  When a question would be asked, the Presidential Candidates would dodge the actual point, and pretty much just blame the the other candidate for something they did many years ago.

I turned eighteen in April, and this is my first time voting for the President of the United States. This has been really a very interesting experience for me, because I feel like I actually will have a say in what will happen in this country. Even though I am one of two hundred million or so people that are able to vote, I believe that every person’s vote counts.  

After watching this debate, I am actually really excited to watch the next Presidential Debate, because I want to see how the next moderator deals with the constant interruptions, and hopefully  asks some different questions.  I cannot wait to cast my vote in November!