Author Archives: ukac

Poignant Memories of Stockton Soccer

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There is something magical about Stockton’s soccer games. Losing our first game earlier this month to Rensselaer was a hard pill to swallow and left a bitter taste in the mouths of many of the players. This desire for redemption brought a certain flare and cadence onto the field. Victory was already ours before the game began. I could feel it.

I remember this poignant game like it was yesterday. Bright lights contrast the night air, warmth from neighboring bodies radiate in the biting autumn cold, and the animated cheers of Stockton Soccer fans swelled with hope as the countdown to the buzzer beckons us to victory. We were up 2-0 at the beginning of the second half and our rivals seemed to be unraveling. There was electricity in the air and our players were tactful and precise. I felt a sense of expectancy—an urgency watching the game, and I could tell I was not alone. All of a sudden, number 26 charges, striding across the field with the ball. We rise as one in anticipation. With one swift move, he kicks it, making a perfect arc over the goalie’s head and into the goal—Amazing!

When I share a part of myself, even if it’s small, it makes me feel like I’m part of something bigger. I love how people show their true selves at these games, both in frustration and acclamation. Although Stockton University is not known for its abundance of sports, the campus community is eager to support the few we do have! It’s comforting to see familiar and new faces with each game and build a foundation of camaraderie. We rise together or stumble together, but united we will always stand. Our soccer team holds great talent and I find myself in constant awe as the starters show off foot tricks I’ve never seen. We won 3-0 to Mary Washington and I would never had expected to see this much Stockton school spirit at our games, but I aim to go to as many as possible.

Stockton Stand Up!—Justice March

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I rushed to the campus center after my 4:30pm class to join the sea of students and faculty milling in a group, and handing out posters. We wore black and red in unity, for what we were about to do was important. Charged up and ready to go, I grabbed my poster, which read BLACK LIVES MATTER and #HANDSUPDON’TSHOOT, and with my first step, I pledged my solidarity to the University of Missouri.

The University of Missouri have been experiencing extreme racial tensions as blacks and African American students there feel like they aren’t safe on campus. Physical and verbal threats were hurled towards them, yet the administration remained silent. The acquiescence to racial disparity on their campus led to protests not only in Missouri, but universities nationwide.

Despite the pouring rain outside, we decided to continue with our march, protesting against the racial injustice and tensions that are present in the very fabric of American values. “NO JUSTICE! NO PEACE!” I yelled, leading the chant. “KNOW JUSTICE! KNOW PEACE!” they responded in unison. I remember seeing teachers, students, and other faculty walking alongside me, basking in the joy of doing something meaningful and with depth on our campus. While walking I conversed with Mrs. McLeod, a philosophy teacher at Stockton University, who spoke at a panel discussion earlier this month on institutionalized racism, the black lives matter movement, and white privilege. We both expressed a shared appreciation that we were using our voice to speak about the true problems on campus, instead of shallow concerns like unpredictable WIFI on campus. In that moment the color of our skin didn’t matter—we looked so different yet we were the same.

After taking pictures for the ARGO, Stockton’s newspaper, I was able to reflect on the importance of standing up for what you believe in, especially when people are trying to keep you down. This protest was my first, but I know for the rest of my life I will keep speaking out to the multitude about any injustice perverting the American Dream. My voice will not be muffled. A poster read, “Will you stand if we walk for justice?” I feel empowered to do and be anything. To rise when society tries to pull me down and be a light in the darkness so that all might see what true freedom means. To be free at last and break the chains of discrimination and institutionalized racism is a dream I will keep fighting for with each step I take. My question to you is: Will you walk with me?

Canvas Night: Bringing Awareness to Domestic Violence

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Canvas night was hosted by the Focused Educated Motivated Aspiring Ladies Empowering Society (F.E.M.A.L.E.S.) at Lakeside, and was truly an event I’ll remember throughout my stay at Stockton. Although my friend and I were one hour late to the event, there was still a multitude of paint, supplies, and blank canvases to make use of. The purpose was to bring awareness to how common domestic violence is, and the discussions that came up at my table were quite informative, and even sobering. For instance, I learned that every 107 seconds someone in sexually assaulted in the United States—that is less than two minutes!

Each of us were given a statistic or fact to paint on a canvas; mine was that sexual, psychological, emotional, economic, and physical violence are all types of domestic abuse. After painting at least one canvas relating to the theme, we were given creative freedom to paint whatever we pleased. Many of us made up to three or four paintings displaying encouraging quotes, initials, or abstract designs in about a two-hour period. At my table we talked about how stimulating, yet relaxing this activity was. I for one, saw this as a chance to de-stress and take a break from analytical thinking and immerse myself in all things abstract—it was quite liberating!

Despite being apprehensive about using the shuttle so late at night to go all the way to the other side of campus, the bus drivers, going there and back, were extremely friendly and always took the extra mile to help freshmen like me feel comfortable and safe. This event is hands down one of my favorites! I went back to my dorm with three painted mementos to decorate my walls and precious memories I will keep with me for a very long time.