Just as students are beginning to feel a little homesick, Stockton’s family weekend comes! Not only does this four-day event take care of homesickness; it provides endless activities for students to reunite with their families in the most enjoyable way possible.

“Stocktonopoly” begins the Thursday night before homecoming weekend by showing “Monsters University” in the campus center, just in case any young children and their parents decide to visit a little early. Then, a parade goes through the campus, allowing the various clubs here at Stockton to recruit more members and impress the judges. Then, a bonfire and the S.E.T. comedy show end the night with lots of fun and laughs. To start the next day, parents were welcome to enjoy a brunch with their Stockton student.

The fun goes on from here. With a carnival taking place in the parking lot of “Big Blue,” the commotion increases as the day goes on. A twisting ladder game, trampoline, and blow-up obstacle course are sure to take up the day in the sun. Students find that after being active for so long, the water balloons cool things off a little, and then it’s time for some basketball and getting to know different clubs at Stockton. For my family, the blow-up games and obstacle courses were a perfect fit for five cousins under the age of ten. After we squeezed a total of fifteen people into the dorm room to see the pictures on the wall, my cousins couldn’t wait to see what the carnival was all about! This provided a way to reunite with them in a unique way.

Finally the Osprey Ball comes, where students hang out and dance the night away with friends. Homecoming weekend concludes with an Alumni Walk and baseball games on Sunday, which prove to be a perfect way to close a hectic weekend. All in all, Stocktonopoly definitely succeeded in providing fun activities for students and their families to enjoy together.

I have plenty of things to worry about as an incoming freshman. “Where are all of my classes?” “What is my chemistry professor talking about?” and personally, “Why do I keep locking myself out of my dorm?!” These questions aside, we are all thinking about one main worry: “Will I be able to make friends?” Unlike the previous three questions, this one has a simple answer: S.O.A.R! Being able to “soar” like an osprey before starting the semester is a great way to become comfortable with new peers before setting foot on campus as an official Stockton student.

S.O.A.R (Stockton Outdoor Adventure Retreat) is a three-day camping trip intended to bring students together through activities such as high elements, “Big Black Pony,” and our favorites, the mind-twisters. S.O.A.R. includes eight tribes in total: green, navy, sky, red, pink, orange, yellow, and purple. After coming up with their individual chants, the tribes then split up for scheduled activities. For instance, the low elements activity was made up of various challenges, such as walking across a log to get in birthday order, without falling off. Another activity, the high elements, included more fear-inducing tasks, such as rock climbing and the tight rope. Between making up skits, meeting the T.A.L.O.N.S, and playing blind dodge ball, all tribes can agree that SOAR has proven to be one of the most effective activities at Stockton. Coming back from the trip, we were able to easily transition to our new lives here at Stockton, excited for the next step.

One more intention of this trip is to open minds; since we are all new to this setting and to each other, this is the perfect opportunity to become acquainted through new activities. Along with an open mind comes a well-rounded college experience. In other words, the skills learned in S.O.A.R. will be applied to a countless number of experiences, from learning names as freshmen to finding career interviews as seniors. Meeting people outside the classroom also proves to be influential due to the fact that each person is interested in different activities, whether it be athletic, academic, or just for fun. Each student has a way to get to know the various clubs Stockton has to offer by communicating interests.

Upon returning to Stockton at the conclusion of the trip, there is already a sense of unity. This unity will provide students with long-lasting friendships, in addition to new experiences. Communicating interests to different people, therefore, is another way in which S.O.A.R. makes the college experience at Stockton even more influential than it already is.

Blog 15: Stockton Shootout

            On April 26^th, the Stockton Shootout took place in the I-wing gym from noon until 4:00. This event was made for children with disabilities to play basketball with honors volunteers, who all decorated a Stockton Shootout 2014 green t-shirt for the event.

During the reflection session that was held afterwards, we were asked about the deeper meaning of the program, as well as any improvements that should be made for next year’s event. For the deeper meaning, I wrote down that taking a few hours out of someone’s day to participate really pays off, and it makes the volunteer feel as if he or she made a big difference in doing so. There were six athletes that came to participate, all ranging from the age of twelve to forty-one. Their names were Jeffrey, Dylan, Natalie, Dan, Chris, and Joe. Starting with stretches, jumping jacks, several dribbling drills and lay-ups, we were all ready to be part of a real basketball game! It was so much fun, and we were helping the community in doing so. What I loved about this event was that it didn’t feel like service.

As for improvements to be made, there was one major problem that everyone agreed on. For the event to be more successful, there should be much more advertising, since it is a great cause and a lot of fun in the meantime. The flyers that went out for the event were also misleading, stating that the volunteers would be playing basketball with honors students rather than honors students playing basketball with the athletes that came.

All in all, the event showed that people with disabilities are fully capable of doing the same things that everyone else does, and that these disabilities shouldn’t be a label to anyone. My mom works with children of special education, and I remember watching them play in gym class separately from most of the other kids. Playing basketball with everyone today really showed that we can make a big difference.

Blog 14: NAMS Poster Viewing

On April 26^th, several students presented their research and findings on the projects they’ve been working on for anywhere between one semester and three years.

After walking around the atrium about three times, a few posters caught my eye, especially the one that focused on the effect of a protein called TACE of Alzheimer’s disease. Another poster focused on the mathematical aspects of ecology by representing graphs, both 2 and 3 dimensional. Several equations were used to calculate different aspects of an environment. In addition, there was another student who focused on raccoon diseases, but more importantly, the vaccines that help prevent these lethal diseases. Finally, there was one student who focused on coral and their growth. Two years in the making, this poster was called, “Analysis of the Effects of External Electrochemical Charge on the Astrangia poculata Transcriptome.” The student took the DNA sequence of the coral at several stages in the experiment to find out the effect of injecting electricity into the coral.

Apart from making advancements in fields of varying fields of research, the posters also allowed students, especially freshmen, realize the extent to which Stockton can reach out to a multitude of ideas and interests. The poster that caught my eye the most, I realized, was the one most related to the medical field and mental illnesses, and this helped me ensure that I’m making the right decision in going into the medical field after graduate school ,medical school, or wherever else I may wind up.

This event covered biology topics (which I found to be most interesting), as well as chemistry, physics, and mathematics. Walking by all the posters inspired me to do research of my own, which would help me in deciding on a future career.

Blog 13: Taylor II Ballet

            Lights, camera, action! After everyone settles in, the music begins and the curtains open, revealing six dancers, dressed in either flowing white dresses or white leotards. The excitement begins right off the bat, with upbeat music to get the ballet started. Beginning with a classic ballet, Aureole set the stage for the remaining two pieces, one entitled Company B and the othe entitled Esplanade. Each dance flowed together perfectly, transitioning from one “scene” to the next by gracefully running on and off stage. The three dances, although they consisted of the same style of dance, captured my attention in different ways. The distinguishing feature of being theatrical is what drew me to the second piece.

On February 6^th, a story was told on the stage of the Performing Arts Center. The Paul Taylor II Dance Company put unique twists on ordinary ballet techniques in attempt to capture the attention of the audience, while being dramatic enough to give their dances a theatrical theme. However, a ballet doesn’t just consist of dancing; there are a variety of factors that go into producing an effective ballet. For example, the costumes must be reflective of the piece in which they are paired with. If the performers wore their 1920s outfits in the first piece, I doubt I would think the ballet was affecting. There would be a sense of confusion, since the costumes and dancing would represent two different styles of ballet.

Each piece consisted of its own style and technique, which is how the dancers try to capture the attention of the audience and to keep them on the edge of their seats. I was able to realize how much work goes into each and every skill. Flexibility, as well as strength is needed to perform in a ballet, as well as a theatrical appeal. Taylor II successfully executed every aspect of a ballet, despite any viewer’s preference of one over the others.

Blog 12: Get Involved Fair

            At the Get Involved Fair, several tables are set up in order to get students involved on campus. Although the fair is open to anyone who is interested in joining clubs, I found the fair extremely useful as a freshman, since I was not too familiar with the clubs here at Stockton. I signed up for the American Sign Language Club, fencing club, the Biology Society, and Occupational Therapy Club.

The fair is handy in that you can sign up for as many clubs as you want, and this gives you a way to find what fits into your schedule for the upcoming semester. When I first decided to come to Stockton, I knew there were lots of clubs, but I was not aware that some clubs aim to help aid the decision of a career.

I’ve developed an interest in occupational therapy ever since my high school anatomy teacher recommended it to me, but it was hard to have my own opinion on it just by looking at the Wikipedia page for occupational therapy. After going to a meeting for the club, the graduate students answered any and all questions I had for them, like the aim of an occupational therapist or the types of classes they take as graduate student. There was strip the club went on, but I was unable to participate, and therefore I have even more of a reason to put my email address on the list to re-join the club.

As a sophomore, I plan to join the Quidditch team, which I would never think of joining before coming to Stockton. I also plan to work my schedule around the Biology Society and Occupational Therapy Club, and it would be extremely difficult to find out information about either of these clubs if I couldn’t put my name down on the sign-up list at the Get-Involved Fair that occurs at the beginning of each semester.

Blog 11: Woodstockton: Goo Goo Dolls

            Toward the end of the Spring 2014 semester, the Goo Goo Dolls came to Stockton! The Goo Goo Dolls had perfect timing; just as the workload is getting heavier in classes in preparation for finals, they gave students a way to free their minds of biology, chemistry, or whatever else is becoming more stressful than usual.

In addition to the lesser known songs, the Goo Goo Dolls performed songs that are commonly heard on the radio. The only concert I’ve been to was Maroon 5, and from the lawn seats, it was hard to even tell that it was them singing. However, at the Goo Goo Dolls concert, I was able to get much closer.

Personally, my favorite songs were “Iris” and “Slide.” Whenever I’m in the car with my mom, 106.7 is playing on the radio. For some reason, it always seemed as if “Iris” was the most popular song on the station. To see them in person (as well as video tape a few songs to show my mom), reminded me that some of the artists I hear on the radio still sound the same way in person. The ten dollars was absolutely worth it, and I was shocked to find out that the Goo Goo Dolls were the ones singing familiar songs like “Iris;” it was not expected at all!

After the concert, t-shirts and CDs were sold, not just for the Goo Goo Dolls, but for one of the groups that went on as an opening act as well as the Battle of the Bands winner. One of the opening acts included a violin, which I found surprising. However, I thought it was a great addition to the group.

SET did a great job organizing the event, and I can’t wait for next year’s Woodstockton concert! Not only did this event show me the awesome things the Stockton Entertainment Team is capable of, but it allowed me to forget about all the studying I’ve been doing, and to remind myself that having fun is also an important part of being successful at Stockton.

Blog 10: Civil War Reenactment

            A former student of Stockton College came to Freshmen Seminar to show off his hobby of Civil War reenacting. As part of a reenactment group, the actor explained to the honors freshmen what his hobby is like.

As a biology major, I’ve never really had an interest in history. However, bringing history to the present gives new perspectives on the history lessons I’ve learned about countless times from a textbook. The actor, who was completely open to answering any question we had, notified us of the accuracy, down to his uniform. Apart from the heavy clothes he had to wear and the bag he had to carry with false weapons, for some reason I remember the shoes the most clearly. They were big, clunky, and they must have been difficult to walk in. Not only does the Civil War Reenactment give an extremely accurate portrayal of the factual history, but it also provides a fun way of learning.

In addition to learning a lot about the Civil War, this class was a great way to change it up a little, rather than having discussions only on the books we read in class. This was a perfect example of a more hands-on activity that is educational without even feeling like it’s a lesson. In high school, I usually just read the history textbook to learn, and then the teacher would spark up a discussion on the material. If the teachers took a break from this every so often, I probably would’ve found history class much more enjoyable.

If the actor comes back for the next freshmen honors classes, I would recommend that the actor brings a video or two of his work to show the class exactly what it’s like, and to give a better idea as to what it’s all about. When the actors was talking about his hobby, it seemed as if the actors joked around a lot while learning about history, and I thought that would be a great way to present history to a class a non-history buffs like me.

Blog 9: Hunger Dialogue Session

            As part of the curriculum for Honors Service-Learning, students must attend a dialogue session. The topics of these sessions range from hunger awareness to quantitative data to show the effects of our actions on worldwide hunger.

For my dialogue session, I attended the Hunger Awareness session, which took place in the Campus Center coffeehouse. In the coffeehouse, approximately 40 students gathered in a circle in order to maximize the number of participants. This was certainly an effective way to organize the group; if we had to sit in rows like we do in class, it would be much harder to get everyone to participate. Under the direction of the session leader, each student was able to voice their thoughts in contribution to the topic.

Everyone received a double-sided paper; on one side was a map of the world, and on the other side there were several statistics. On the side with the world map, certain colors coded for a certain amount of hunger in that area. Looking at the map, I was astonished to see how many nations are suffering from severe hunger.

The region with the most hunger seemed to be Africa. This session got me to think about what I can do to help. I remembered that in the fifth grade, I used to go on “freerice.com,” website that allows students to donate rice to those in need by answering vocabulary questions correctly. Each time you get the answer right, ten grains of rice are donated, and therefore, each time you get the answer right, it’s a piece of cake to donate lots of rice in a very little amount of time.

What can we do to change the statistics? Throughout the dialogue session, several students were given the opportunity to voice their opinions on the matter. For example, many students suggested volunteering at soup kitchens to help those in need.

Blog 8: HvZ

            For one week per semester, there is complete chaos throughout the college. “Humans Versus Zombies,” or HvZ for short, is a campus-wide event that includes nerf guns, socks, and just about anything you can think of! Preparation includes buying the best nerf gun (with tons of ammunition) from “Toys R Us,” having a green band, and prepare for LOTS of paranoia!

The green bands can stand for two things: 1) if the band is around a player’s arm, it means he or she is a “human” and 2) if the band is around the player’s head, it means he or she has turned into a ”zombie.” Every night for one week there is a mission for the players to accomplish.

For instance, one night all the humans had to make it through the dark path to the apartments without being tagged by the zombies. (Zombies tag humans, while humans either shoot zombies with a nerf gun or with socks.) As if that doesn’t provide enough paranoia, there’s a big catch! When walking around campus, humans and zombies are free game. In other words, humans must run from building to building to make it difficult to be tagged.

Most people prefer to always walk with a friend, just in case the friend sees danger coming from another direction. However, if the human hits a zombie with a nerf gun, the zombie will remain inactive for ten minutes, thus giving the human time to get away as quickly as possible. The missions get harder and harder each night, until there is a winner.

Humans Versus Zombies provides a fun way to interact with different people, since there are no rules against forming alliances. Especially as freshmen, this event allowed us to get to know as many people as possible. Rather than just getting to know people on my floor or in my building, I was able to become acquainted with people I don’t live with.