On September 27, 2015, Humans vs. Zombies came to Stockton University. The week-long game was organized by the Live Action Gaming Club (LAG) and is held each semester. In this game, there were two teams, humans and zombies. Players were randomly selected to take on the role of “original zombie”. Their mission was to tag as many players as possible and add to the zombie team. The human team’s goal was to avoid being tagged. Players could do so by hitting a zombie with a Nerf gun dart or even a sock. This event took place everywhere on campus except for inside or in dangerous areas, such as stairs on in the parking lot. In order to avoid confusion, anyone playing had to wear a yellow band at all times. A band around a player’s arm meant he or she was a human, while a band worn as a headband identified a zombie.

On Sunday evening, there seemed to be a pretty good amount of people in attendance. About 70 students met in the Campus Center with Nerf guns and plenty of spare darts. After a brief explanation of the rules, the group headed towards the Lakeside Lodge. Along the way, half of the party became lost before the game even started. When it did, however, many people became zombies quickly. Throughout the week, there were many missions for supplies to prolong human survival. Many paid attention to their surroundings for the chance of a zombie attack. During the day, many humans opted to walk to class indoors and out of the refreshing weather. On Friday, the zombies’ victory brought the game to an end.

As a whole, I thought the game was pretty enjoyable but could have had a few improvements. Many did not play fairly. If someone was tagged, he or she wouldn’t admit to it. A program used to keep track of the teams often took days to be in effect. Most of all, I believe zombie team worked more than anyone. Since I was tagged early on, I could say that the zombies played by the rules. These people continued to play after being tagged and were good sports when stopped by a human. The humans made up excuses for why they weren’t playing, even if they were wearing armbands.

Despite these setbacks, I believe that I will play again next semester. I felt that I have an better idea of what to expect.

On Tuesday, September 15, The Stockton Entertainment Team (SET) put together their own rendition of The Price is Right in the Campus Center Coffeehouse.

From the beginning, this event made a good impression on the average passerby. A considerable amount of students showed up to enjoy the night. Each student was given a raffle ticket. Four students were randomly chosen in a drawing to participate in each round. Then, a common household or cleaning product was described. The student who is closest to the retail price without being over wins that product and has the opportunity to compete in a mini game. The other contestants are given another opportunity to be chosen for the drawing. It seemed that as long as students didn’t win a prize, they can be chosen at any time.

The rules for the mini games were a little more complicated. For some games, contestants could win however many prizes were available for that round until they guessed the wrong price. For other games, if students didn’t guess the right prices for all of the products, they wouldn’t win anything.

This process repeated itself for about two hours. At the end of the night, unclaimed prizes were raffled off to those unfortunate enough to not have had a chance to compete.

The best part of the game would definitely have to be the prizes. Instead of a one-time item like a gift card or movie ticket, students won practical prizes that could be used anytime.

Some won non-perishable items to add to their dorm’s supply; others won laundry detergent or cutlery. I won a packet of microwavable mashed potatoes myself. Not only was the night enjoyable, but people brought home practical prizes.

With the help of several faculty members and volunteers, Stockton University hosted its 12^th annual Day of Service on September 12, 2015. Though participants are encouraged to engage in service projects regularly, this event takes place once a year.

When first arriving, volunteers chose to be on one of four teams. Each team then rotated among four different service projects. For my team, our first stop was in C-wing. Topics for this presentation included the services ACUA (Atlantic County Utilities Authority) offer, opportunities at Stockton’s very own organic farm, and information on the Water Watch Club. What stood out for me was the actual harm that bottled water poses on someone’s health. It’s just the type of information companies do not warn about.

Next, we learned about the dangers of prescription drugs and heroin In Atlantic County. We also learned of the ways we can help others cope with addiction. Another interesting project was definitely working with Books without Borders. We helped this club package books for underfunded libraries. The day ended with information on how to educate oneself on current matters of government. During this time I registered to vote. I also learned about the Petey Greene Project, a program in which volunteer teach prisoners hoping to get a GED. I learned how our generation really needs to know what’s going on in the government we’ll eventually take over.

While many enjoyed this day, most can agree that the event did not meet expectations. Many new-comers anticipated more hands-on projects, instead of just learning about them. Volunteers from previous years preferred the old way Day of Service was organized. Overall, the day inspired me to get more involved.