Cans Across The Conference

My lacrosse team makes it a priority to participate in several activities that give back to the community. They’re excellent for team bonding and allow the team to do something productive for youth and surrounding neighborhoods. Recently our team, along with every other sports team at Stockton and in our conference, took part in an effort to raise donations in the form of cans and other food donations for families who cannot always have the most luxurious Thanksgiving. Each of us asked our friends and family to donate cans of corn, instant mashed potatoes, and other thanksgiving staples. The response we got was overwhelming, raising over 100 items as a team. We were so happy with our ability to aid local families who wanted to have a nice thanksgiving meal but couldn’t afford it. Thanksgiving is a holiday that’s about giving back to people without expecting something in return; it’s about the joy of helping and being thankful for whatever we might have. It’s important to realize that however much one might have, there is always someone that has less. Participating in community service activities has given me a new perspective on volunteering, and has given me way less to complain about. I now seek out opportunities to volunteer on my own, because it’s an excellent feeling when people give thanks for donating time and resources to their cause. I’m sure the families we were able to help were thankful and joyful, but really it is the team and I that are thankful for the opportunity to give back.

Kristen Russo

Atlantic City Half Marathon

Early Sunday morning, my lacrosse team and I volunteered at the Atlantic City Half Marathon as the 2.5 mile refreshment team. I woke up at 5:00, put on an absurd amount of layers (morning temperature 42 degrees), and drove the half hour from Stockton to the main drag of the marathon. It was still dark and windy, but our team was in it together. As soon we realized the full extent of the weather, we immediately sent a few of our teammates on a WaWa run to get hot chocolate and bagels for everyone. Then we had to set up the tables and start pouring refreshments for over five thousand runners that would soon be upon us. I was working the first table of water with three other teammates and we had the entire table full of water before the race started at 8:00. Miraculously the first group of the fastest runners came past our table at 8:13! They were moving so quickly that nearly all of the water spilled out of the cup when I tried to hand it off. Then around 8:25 an enormous mob started moving towards us. I frantically started handing water to the runners as my other teammates poured more cups, but it was nearly impossible to keep up with the demand. Water was spilling everywhere, crushed cups were strewn around the road, and people were stripping layers off and tossing them aside. In the midst of all of this hectic action, runners were thanking us for encouraging them and cheering them on and telling us how much they appreciated the volunteers. It was at that I started truly enjoying the volunteer work. Our team bonded so much that we agreed to do it again next year!

Kristen Russo

Freshman Convocation

 

To start, the opening statements from President Harvey Kesselman were inspiring and soothing; he made me feel welcomed immediately! I’ve definitely been enjoying my time at Stockton University so far. After Ellen Forney disclosed that she had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, I had trouble believing that she could make such amazing and thought provoking comics. This disorder makes it difficult to express feelings so I commend her for finding such an effective way to express herself. Besides her comics in The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, her comics in Marbles really sent a powerful message. She talks about feeling vulnerable and alone, which is something I think a lot of freshmen were able to relate to on the first day of college. Junior also is also vulnerable and alone when he switches schools, but he draws comics so that everyone, no matter what language they speak, will be able to understand his state of mind. I think that she’s inspired me to find a channel where I can express myself as well as her. It might be my sport or a club I haven’t joined yet, but I’m definitely looking. This event was useful for me and I’m happy that GT told us to go. I think Ellen’s story relates to more than just people suffering from bipolar disorder. She talks about feeling shameful because she has this baggage that she’s carrying, but it’s all in her head because she’s just a normal human being. I honestly feel like anyone with a mood disorder would be able to gain the courage to accept their lives the way they are from listening to Ellen Forney. (Kristen Russo)