As the semester closes and I prepare to write my last blog post, I can’t help but think back and reflect on all that’s happened these past few weeks during my first few months at Stockton. The campus itself is always a fun, welcoming place to be, but I was surprised to find that many of the students who attend Stockton posses the same jovial, hospitable spirit. Because of this, it has been easy to make a handful of great friends over the course of just one semester.

One of the friendships I’ve made is with a girl I met quite accidentally but felt immediately connected to. Olivia and I have been very good friends from the start of the semester. Recently, for one of her classes, she had to participate in a small play on campus. On November 3^rd in the Campus Center, Professor O’Hara’s Dissent in America class put on a play called The Trial of the Catonsville Nine. The story takes place in Catonsville, Maryland during the Vietnam War. The plot unfolds as nine people go to the draft board and steal over 300 draft files. They take these files with the intention of publically burning them. They used homemade napalm to burn the files and then prayed over the flames while they waited for the authorities. Each of the nine testified in court after, but were all found guilty. The play itself is adapted from court transcripts.

Olivia had a pretty big part and it was great to be able to support her as a friend and watch her perform. The play was creatively stitched together; the fact that it was a small group, performing in a small setting, made it more charming and delightful. It really was a pleasure to see. As a performer, I really appreciated the class assignment and applaud the students on a job well done.

Being an honors student at Stockton can mean a lot of different things. Aside from being service driven and having a commitment to improve the world around us, we are encouraged to be active participants in our community. Being an active participant does not solely means being the ones to bring about change. Actively participating includes attending events and showing support. As a freshman, this continues to be one of the easiest and most fun ways to get involved and feel a sense of community.

Most recently on campus, I attended a comedy show. A small group of students from my honors class were looking for something fun to do and came to the conclusion that nothing could be better than a Friday night comedy show to end the week, and when we found out that admission was free, we were sold.

The comedy night took place on October 10^th as a part of Heroic Homecoming Week. It started at 8:00pm and was held in the Sports Center. The event was sponsored by S.E.T (Stockton’s Entertainment Team).

The stand up night featured Nicole Byer and Kevin Barnett. I was most excited to see Nicole Byer perform because I knew of her. She is one of the comedians featured on MTV’s “Girl Code.” Although the material on the show can be inappropriate at times, it never fails to make me laugh.

Being at the event was enjoyable. There were a lot of students but I stayed close with a small group of friends. We sat together and laughed simultaneously at all the same jokes. It always seems as if jokes are funnier when you’re laughing at them with other people… Byer’s style was a slightly offensive. Her approach was straightforward and shameless, talking about sensitive and provocative topics. Some people were uncomfortable, but I thought it was still entertaining. Barnett’s style was a little more relaxed and laid back. He made jokes about himself and his friends; he even made some comments about the homecoming king and queen.

Overall, the Stand Up Comedy Night was a lot of fun. It was an easy way to get involved and a great way to start the weekend.

Some people say that their college years were the best years of their life. It’s no secret that the “college experience” means so much more than having the opportunity to live away from home and study extensively for 4 years. College is a time to make new friends, try new things and explore the world of adulthood without ever getting too serious. Although it all seems so exciting in theory, as a freshman it can often times be difficult to be so daring as to try new things in an unfamiliar place.

This year, Stockton’s “Get Involved Fair” helped many students, freshman and seniors alike, do just that. The fair was held on September 16th and 17th from 10am to 4pm. Banners hung around the school and circulated e-mails saying “Find your fit!” This was the perfect opportunity to any student to come out and explore new things.

On the days of the event, Wings A through J of the academic building were swarming with people. Long tables displaying a colorful array of posters, pamphlets and food lined the walls. A fraternity, sorority, volunteer club or some other type of student organization occupied each table.

Of course, it didn’t feel like it would be possible to visit each table, but each organization found a way to stand out. One student got my attention by calling out, “Hey! Do you want free stuff?” and pulling me over to their table. The Stockton Qudditch Club stands out because of how unique of a club it is. Some other clubs, like The Physical Therapy Club, I visited because it applies to my major. In addition I made some stops at volunteer tables, such as Circle K, because I had heard about it and wanted more information.

Of all the tables I visited, the ones that I will commit to in the future are Circle K, The Italian Heritage Club and the Stockton Dance Club. I was surprised at things I found once I stopped to read the displays at each table. I’m happy I had the opportunity to go and see exactly what my college has to offer.