Author Archives: klattm1

Run, Run Rudolph

Posted on by

On November 19, 2016, the Stockton Honors Program sponsored the first annual Run, Run Rudolph 5k race. Kate Volpe, service director of the Honors Program, spearheaded the event and encouraged Stockton students to become involved, whether it be running in the race or volunteering to work behind the scenes. Students of all levels came out to fundraise for the worthy cause and get into the Christmas spirit; all proceeds from the event were going to be used to purchase Christmas gifts for families in need around the local community. Following the race, there was a session for all the volunteers to discuss the positive and negative aspects of the day as well as provide input on how the event could be run more smoothly in the future.

My friends and I volunteered to help with Run, Run Rudolph, including set up at seven o’clock in the morning. Although I slept through my alarm, I was able to make it to the event prior to registration to set up the remaining water stations and make posters of encouragement that would be seen throughout the course. At eight o’clock, registration began. I was assigned to hold up a sign that directed runners to the appropriate room inside the TRLC. Standing outside of the campus center in frigid temperatures was not my ideal Saturday morning, but it was rewarding to know that I was a part of such an exciting fundraising event for a worthy cause. Finally, the racers were all checked in, and the volunteers were distributed across the course around Lake Fred. Before I went back outside, I had to stop at Dunkin Donuts for a hot chocolate and a donut for an extra boost of energy to cheer on the runners as they ran by.

After everyone completed the race, runners enjoyed water and fresh fruit while listening to popular Christmas music and socializing with friends. Kate held a closing ceremony where she congratulated all the runners and thanked everyone for their help and participation throughout the day. As runners started to leave, volunteers began cleaning up for the reflection session. Everyone who took part in the session was given an index card to record the best and worst parts of the day and how improvements could be made for the next few years. Overall, people were very analytical, and it was awesome to see the commitment to making the event the best it can be. The first annual Run, Run Rudolph 5k race was a success, and I look forward to volunteering at it for years to come!

RA Information System

Posted on by

On October 18, 2016, the Office of Residential Life sponsored their first RA information meeting of the year. Nearly 100 students gathered to learn about the responsibilities and benefits of becoming a resident assistant for the next school year. The meeting was the first step towards the RA application process, as well as an opportunity to meet other student leaders. The event contained a PowerPoint presentation, personal testimonies, a meet and greet session with current RAs, and light refreshments. Following the formal presentations, students could ask residential assistants from every area of housing more personalized questions, such as ones regarding the time commitment it requires and stress management.
My friend and I attended the information session to see if we would be interested in holding an RA position during our sophomore year at Stockton. We have both formed positive relationships with our RAs and were interested to learn what they did behind the scenes. It amazed me to see the passion and dedication that all the residential staff members have for their job, and most importantly, their residents. The job of the Residential Staff is to ensure students’ safety, organize monthly programs, and assist in student-to-student mediation when necessary. Although they are students first, RAs make it their mission to make sure those around them are feeling okay and transitioning well into the new semesters. Current RAs reminisced on their favorite parts of the job, mainly praising the leadership training, the resume builder, and the second family they received through this on-campus leadership position.
For me, the session was highly informative and eye-opening. I have gained a new-found respect for all that the residential staff does behind the scenes for every student, even if it goes unnoticed. My favorite part of the night was the chance to talk one-on-one with current resident assistants. I was able get their input on the application process, the different standards they must uphold, and the rewarding perks of being a resident assistant. Talking student to student rather than resident to RA created a laid-back, informal conversation that was relatable, yet detailed. Although I am still unsure if I will become a resident assistant, I am glad that I attended this workshop and learned the background of Stockton’s residential life.

Day of Service

Posted on by

On September 10, 2016, Stockton University hosted its annual Day of Service. Over 500 students and faculty, representing a variety of different university programs, gathered in the event room to kick start the day of giving back to the community. The Office of Student Development, along with Circle K and local organizations, organized the service activities that were to take place throughout the day. Each station worked diligently to fight global hunger, provide arts and crafts for children in the hospital, and pack books for disadvantaged countries, as well as offered education programs for suicide prevention, CPR, and voting registration. Following the activities, students were involved in a dialogue session to reflect on the work they had done and the lives that had benefitted from their work, including their own.

Two of my friends and I participated in the Day of Service for the first time, and we were amazed by the dedication and commitment that Stockton has towards giving back. There were hundreds of students and staff who, through collaboration and teamwork, worked towards something bigger than themselves.  My favorite station of the day, personally, was the Stop Hunger Now station that provided meals for underprivileged cities across the world. Students were asked to pack pre-sectioned meals of rice, soy, dried vegetables, and vitamins. Latoya Gillyard, representative of Stop Hunger Now movement, encouraged students to work as hard and effectively as they could; ultimately, setting a goal of making 48,000 meals in the allotted four hours of time. Every time the group made 1,000 meals, students would ring a bell to mark the effectiveness of their efforts.

Following the events, each group separated into mini breakout sessions, led by members of Circle K, to discuss the events of the day and the impact the Day of Service had on everyone in attendance. Not only had we helped those struggling both locally and globally, we learned the value of putting others before ourselves. I find great pleasure when making a difference in the world around me. Service has always been a big part of my life, and it was cool to bring that with me as I started my college experience.