The bus pulls up to Eastern State Penitentiary and the scenery just doesn’t look real. Giant stone gargoyles, towering walls, the place looks beautiful and terrifying at the same time. As our group of honors students file off the bus, the students buzz with anticipation. We split into 2 groups and start our exploration of the grounds.
As we walk around the Penitentiary, we begin to understand why this place was once such a great prison. As we learn about the history, the rusted gates and dilapidated cells begin to reverse become like new again. With a little imagination, it is not hard to see the strong structure that was Eastern State. We learn about the luxury the prisoners were given, and of how some people actually wanted to come to Eastern State. During the time, it was greater than some of their lives at home.
For me, the most interesting part to learn about was the renovations that were done on the prison. In order to accommodate more inmates, security and the luxury given to the prisoners were jeopardized. Prisoners used to have a whole cell to themselves, an outdoor area for fresh air, and a skylight. However, as second levels were built on some blocks, first floor prisoners no longer had a skylight and second floor prisoners had no outdoor area.
After the guided tour, we were able to explore the ground on our own. Some of us went off to find the supposedly haunted portions of the penitentiary, including The Hole. The Hole is a portion of the prison which is underground and was used for punishment of misbehaving prisoners. We weren’t actually allowed in The Hole; however, we were allowed down to the gate. It had an incredibly low ceiling that I was just short enough to stand up straight in. It was in fact a very creepy environment and we could see why ex-inmates would want to haunt it.
After exploring on our own, we left the penitentiary for lunch. Walking around Philly, we finally came across Luigi’s, a small corner pizzeria that had a nice, comfortable feel about it. Of course, when in Philly, what else should you get but, you guessed it, a portabello mushroom panini. Hey, I’m vegetarian! With the exception of myself, everyone ordered Philly cheese steaks. After the meal, we all reached one conclusion. Luigi’s was amazing.
With full stomachs and happy thoughts from the wonderful meal, we ventured on to the used bookstore Professor Lenard told us about. The place was a book lover’s dream. Floor-to-ceiling shelves, wall-to-wall bookcases, two floors, all stacked to the brim with books; all genres, all age groups, all areas covered. I’d been meaning to get a new book for some time, and since Halloween had just passed, I felt the need for something that would chill my spine. I looked at the two shelves stuffed with Stephen King novels, unsure where to start. Finally, I gave up trying to guess and called someone I knew would know which book would be perfect: my mom. She promptly recommended Carrie. I had always wanted to know the story, and I knew that the book was always the best place to start. I paid for the book and left the store with my friends in search of ice cream.
After ice cream and a little more exploration of the city, we made our way back to the giant stone structure that was Eastern State. There we waited for the bus to bring us back to Stockton. While exploring, we formed new bonds among ourselves as a class. We had hung out with people that day who we had barely had a conversation with before then. New friendships were formed, stronger bonds were made, and none of us ended up in jail.

Paranoia is the feeling coursing through my veins. Constantly looking over my shoulder, I walk cautiously to my Monday 8:30 AM class. No sign of a green headband, barely even a Nerf gun in sight. It is the week of Humans vs. Zombies, or HvZ, a game which puts stealth and bravery to the test. During the week, all the participants wear a green band. For humans, the band is clearly visible and around their arm; while for the zombies, the band is clearly visible and on their head. The week starts out with one original zombie, the OZ, who then begins to infect humans. Humans are armed with Nerf guns, which, when hit with one, will make a zombie inactive for ten minutes. Every night of the week there is a mission that the humans need to complete. During this mission, the humans are not allowed indoors, which are the only safe zones; thus, giving free reign to all the hungry zombies. As more and more humans are tagged, the more and more intense and paranoid the rest of the humans feel.
Heading back from class on Monday, I had my first experience with the zombies. With a group of three friends, we took the long way around to the dorms. After being chased by the only three zombies created and sprinting to our housing, we finally understood why this game was such a test. Later that night on the first mission, two other friends and I ran into some trouble and became part of the zombie hoard. We were not at all upset and were in fact a little relieved to have that weight off our shoulders. We changed the position of our bands and joined the hoard.
Over the course of the week, the number of humans dwindled as the amount of the undead grew. Through this game, I have learned to take more risks and have more confidence in myself. The risk comes from knowing I could be hit with a Nerf gun at any moment; however, that is part of the game and it is only ten minutes, not the entire week. Also, charging a squad of humans or executing a sneak attack requires confidence in myself to know I can do it.
Almost 200 people were involved with HvZ and while nobody can know everyone involved, there was a certain bond that developed between the people in the groups. While wearing my band throughout the halls, I would spot many other zombies roaming around to their classes. We didn’t have to know each other or even have seen each other before on campus, but there was a sort of look and smile that would be exchanged. I, for one, have made friends with people during this week that I had never even known were on this campus. Humans vs. Zombies is more than a silly game of tag. It brings people together and unifies them, whether they are Human or Zombie.

I wasn’t completely sure what to expect for my first Day of Service. My friends and I line up in our respective lines to get signed in and go down to the campus food court to have breakfast. We sit gathered around the table, focused on what exciting work we will be doing. Immediately, my eyes lock in on Dune Replenishment. Being a marine biology major, I love doing anything I can that will help the shore. Being able to plant dune grasses to replenish dune damage done after Sandy made it almost a done deal! Once my name was put on the list and the welcoming remarks were said, the dune replenishment bus was on its way.
Once in Atlantic City, we were given a briefing of what we will exactly be doing. Using bamboo sticks, we were to dig holes deep enough for the roots of the dune grasses. Easy enough, right? Well, considering we are not just digging in sand, those bamboo sticks could take a very tough toll. In some places, the bamboo was the perfect tool. However, in most places, a pickaxe would have done better.
Little by little, progress was made. The 2,000 plants we were handed in the morning were slowly becoming part of a sand dune. The blue van that was placed as our goal line became nearer and nearer. After a quiet lunch break by the shoreline, we finally reached out goal. The last grass was planted and the team felt accomplished. We gathered for a picture and waited by the shoreline until the bus came. Walking along the shore and the ruins of a boardwalk really made me think. The project made me think about the magnitude of damage that a storm like Sandy can do. Not only were we working by what used to be a boardwalk and is now just stone structures with no boards attached, the dunes we were restoring were half in the street. Also, while planting grass seems like a minor contribution, the project made me think about how a simple thing like planting grass can help with not only erosion, but also a new habitat for animals, who have been left without a home due to Sandy.
The Day of Service was a wonderful event. I was extremely grateful to be able to contribute any service that was needed to Atlantic City. Dunes? Replenished. Amazing day? Most definitely!