Thomas Guardino

GT Lenard

December 2015

Learning Something New About Alcohol

I was given the opportunity to sit in on a nice presentation by one of our fellow Honors students, Anthony Thawley. He and three others were there to inform students on the true facts of drugs and alcohol. During the presentation, I found that everyone in the room was very down to Earth and realistic about the situation. It is understood that college students drink alcohol, so they should at least do it as safely as possible.

This presentation used various facts and examples to help students understand that there are many dangers that come along with drinking alcohol or even using recreational drugs. While it may be fun for a short time, it can very quickly become hazardous to your health and well being, as well as to the health and well being of the ones around you. There were statistics that absolutely blew my mind, like how close to 93% of fights are all involving the use of alcohol. After witnessing the effects of alcohol on my friends, it is almost frightening how obvious the influence of alcohol can change someone. When alcohol is present, the hormones in your body are altered and your decision making process is changed. You may feel angry about something that would otherwise be insignificant if the effects of alcohol were not controlling your mind and body.

Over the course of the hour and a half that this presentation lasted, there was an incredible amount of information presented. I felt far more informed about the dangers of date rape drugs that can be evident at even our own Stockton parties. I learned ways to ensure the safety of myself and my friends for the times that we do want to go out. I really liked one where you make plans at the beginning of the night and have a friend make sure you follow those plans exactly as you laid them out.

At the end of the presentation, I felt more confident in my decision making process and felt as though I could still have a great time here at Stockton, but in a safe way. Thank you Anthony.

Thomas Guardino

Professor Lenard

Honors Program

October 2015

Blog Post: Munchie Monday

On a sunny Monday morning, I had decided it was in my best interest to go and get food. I put on my shoes and exited my residential hall and was under the impression that there would not be any surprises on the way. However, that is the funny thing about surprises, you never know when one is coming. I entered the Campus Center at the end near the Dunkin Donuts and questioned why there is always such a long line. As I walked up the three steps that lead to the main hallway of the campus center, my stomach growled.

At a distance, I was able to see a figure of a woman standing near the wall behind a small cart with baskets on it. I had no idea what this could have been so I ignored my thoughts and continued walking. As I passed the woman, she smiled and asked if I would like a free snack. Taken back, I asked, “What is the catch?”.

She replied with a smile, “No catch, just need to swipe your ID card”.

I was thoroughly surprised and I handed her my card. Afterwards, she let me choose one snack from the wide selection. The choices were limitless, and they ranged from Welch’s fruit snacks to Lay’s potato chips and even had Raisinettes for the healthy munchers out there. Mulling over the options, a wave of excitement came over me as I discovered the Ritz Bitz that were hiding behind Cheetos that I almost grabbed.

As I walked away, I thanked the nice woman who had indirectly made my day just a little bit better. This type of action by the University, I realized, is something that is incredibly uplifting and great for general morality of the student body. It is the little things like this that have brought out my true love and admiration for Stockton University.

Thomas Guardino

Day of Service

September 12, 2015

On the morning of September 12, 2015, I was not entirely sure what to expect of the Day of Service. We were greeted with breakfast and broken up into teams. After opening remarks, our teams were sent to our first activities of the day. For Team Red, we entered the Theater and sat down to listen to representatives from various organizations.

Of the organizations in the Theater that spoke to us, the one that definitely caught my attention the most was the Covenant House. Located in Atlantic City, New Jersey, this organization opened my eyes to a new perspective on homelessness. This is a shelter for mostly teens who are without a safe home to return to every night. They offer over twenty beds and three meals a day. They provide the opportunity for these lost teens to continue their education and push them to do so.

Growing up with a father who commuted into Manhattan every day and tagging along to multiple ‘Bring Your Kid to Work’ days, I had always been familiar with the homeless that inhabited the busy streets. However, they all seemed to be middle-aged. I never truly considered what it may be like for a teenager to be in that horrible situation. Since poverty and homelessness is a scary reality, it is comforting to know that these unfortunate teens have a place to go where they will be taken care of.