The Wellness Center is by far one of the best resources on the Stockton campus. Not only do they offer counseling and supportive services, but they also host a variety of special events. Some are held every week, such as yoga, or every month, like the health and nutrition seminars. The culmination of the autumn season events, however, was Lollanobooza, a Halloween extravaganza. Held on October 30th, the dance was a combination of frightful food, bloodcurdling music, and spooktastic prizes. And just like all of the Wellness Center events, it had a distinct purpose: to show that alcohol is not needed to have fun on college campuses.

With the central theme revolving around alcohol awareness, many student organizations pitched in by making “mocktails.” The punches ranged from sweet to sour, and one even had a gummy-bug surprise in the bottom of its serving “chalice.”  After being judged that night, the winning group was awarded a special trophy for their efforts.

Students, and many of the faculty, wore their favorite Halloween costumes to match the creepy spider webs and bales of hay that transformed the Campus Center Event room. Comic book heroes, ninjas, and princesses filled the dance floor. There was even a mummy who, by the end of the night, shed the majority of his two-ply overcoat (by the time everyone left, it looked like the host, Elsa, covered the room with toilet-paper snow)!

For the witches and warlocks who tired of the dance floor, there were a ghostly-array of games. Crowd pleasers included the mechanical bull, photo booth, and tattoo station. At the end of the night, well over two dozen door prizes left in the arms of students. It is not at all scary how fun things can be without alcohol.

~Alex Meyers

On October 7th, over 500 pairs of shoes were placed in a trail that followed the outline of the main hallway in the F academic building. Each pair represented a life taken by suicide on the nation’s college campuses each semester. Many people came up to my fellow volunteers and me, curious as to why these simple articles of clothing were against the wall. When we explained it to them, we saw faces staring back at us that were full of emotion. Clearly, this topic had an impact on everyone. It took just over three minutes to walk the entire line of shoes, but if they had represented suicides in a year, it would have been the equivalent of going from the TRLC building to the Lodge at Lakeside. Suicide is not something that is often talked about, much less presented through a symbolic visual, but it was time we spoke up.

The goal of this event was to “send silence walking,” and that is exactly what we did. Throughout the day, I conversed with complete strangers, both adults and fellow peers, all of whom made connections on the powerful message that was displayed at their feet. Other events during Suicide Prevention Week helped to continue the conversations. There were free depression screenings and consultations, panel discussions, a movie, and the Draw Hope art  contest.

The moment that was most profound for me, however, was a quiet time in which I was alone standing next to Lake Fred. I was privileged enough to work with the Active Minds student organization and was waiting at my post to cheer on the walkers of the first Send Silence Walking event. As I sat on the grass, I could not help but feel grounded amongst the pairs of shoes that lined the walkway; there were more than the number of students at my entire high school. Out of something so simple as a shoe, walked a concept more powerful than can be described in words. Together we must end the stigma on mental health, learn positive coping skills, and never let ourselves or anyone else walk alone.

~Alex Meyers

On what started out as a rather ordinary day, I was walking through a crowd towards my first class when out of the corner of my eye I saw something quite intriguing. At first I could not distinguish who or what it was, but imagine my surprise when a giant full-fledged (pun intended) bipedal Osprey came casually strutting past. This was no Mickey Mouse, but was still somewhat of a celebrity in his own right. This mascot, though a tiny bit creepy, represented the adventure that I knew I would be undertaking for the next four years, and I was only curious to see what the rest of the day had planned. Of course I had to stop to take a picture.

That morning, the Osprey was making a special appearance at the Get Involved Fair. This free event took place in the main hall encompassing the lower level of most of the academic buildings on September 16th and 17th, and could be viewed from 10am to 4pm. Over 100 student organizations set up tables, booths, and colorful displays, ranging from a high-tech gaming system to the traditional tri-fold board. Each station had engaging club members ready to answer any questions and provide signup sheets. Most groups had free “swag bags” to hand out, spreading club pride amongst the student body. All students were welcome to explore the many opportunities to get involved as they walked to and from classes, and were encouraged to find their own niche on campus (and I am happy to report I seem to have found mine).

For those who were unable to attend the event this semester, the Winter version will be held on January 27th and 28th. I highly encourage my fellow freshmen and upperclassmen who are interested in learning more about the great student-run organizations or Greek Life on campus to come spend a few minutes at the next event. Who knows— the one and only Osprey might make another appearance!

~Alex Meyers