Paige Weisman

The Stockton Honors Program sponsored Pizza and Pong, a one-time music-filled event held in the Campus Center on October 24. I probably will not tell anyone outside of this blog that my first time playing (water) pong was with my college’s Honors Program; nonetheless, I will always treasure it as one of my first college memories. I was thrilled to have the opportunity to compete and reignite my team spirit. Because I was one of the first people there, me and a few other people started a game and, surprisingly, we were all equally-matched. It was only until after I chugged my first cup that somebody told me we do not have to drink the water. Even though I would have preferred to quench my thirst while playing, I did not mind.
As I sat in my night class before going to the event, I was looking forward to Primo’s pizza, a Stockton Honors staple. I enjoyed getting to know other students over a couple slices along with some cups of water that were not in play. I especially loved talking to some of the kids I recognized from the freshman honors seminar. After we ate and more people came, a small tournament began at one of the two tables. I did not do too badly on my own for having just started to play, but I enjoyed spectating since most people have more experience than me. The free-play table was a lot more competitive than the tournament table because proud friends were going against each other. There is no better feeling than bonding over water pong. I am excited to attend more honors events, as I feel fortunate to have a built-in community as a freshman.

Paige Weisman

Although this was not the reflection session I thought I would be attending on October 10, I was glad that I got to listen to Gregory Pardlo’s poetry. A hometown hero who grew up in New Jersey, it was refreshing to hear stories about him and his family venturing the streets of Philadelphia. When he was introduced, he was portrayed as a complex writer. The Stockton faculty member highlighted the fact that he wrote about world issues like racism and poverty, yet also incorporated other art mediums into his work. Pardlo said that Bruce Springsteen and Jimmy Page have made appearances in his prose.
When Pardlo took the stage, I felt immediately connected to him when he asked “Does anybody even know who Jimmy Page is?” I raised my hand with pride.
Beaming, he asked, “Can you tell me what he’s known for?! I just need to hear you say it out loud.” I replied, “Led Zeppelin!”
It was very relaxing to listen to a craft with which I am not familiar. His flowery word choice thrilled my inner-writer. The poet was a captivating speaker. I was engrossed in his performance. If he returned to Stockton, I would make every effort to attend because I appreciate when people can articulate their thoughts with ease and with beautiful metaphors. His public speaking skills are admirable and I can see why he is a Pulitzer Prize winner.

Over two hundred members of the Class of 2020 made their first memories as Ospreys during the 2016 Stockton Outdoor Adventure Retreat (S.O.A.R.). From August 30-September 1, The Activity Leaders of New Students (T.A.L.O.N.S.) guided Stockton University’s freshman class through the winding dirt paths of Camp Ockanickon to help prepare them for the twists and turns of life in college.

Before the journey to camp began, Stockton’s newest students moved into their dorm rooms and were sorted into their tribe colors (although some think it is up for debate, Sky is in fact a color). After some emotional goodbyes, the students were eager to meet their new classmates. While waiting for the buses, the T.A.L.O.N.S. helped minimize the awkwardness of mingling by introducing icebreakers to play and mind games to go insane over. I still don’t know why I’m the broom.

There was SOAR much to do over the next few days, with a favorite being the never-ending list of S.O.A.R. puns. From relaxing swims in the lake to pushing personal limits on the Project Adventure course, Camp Ockanickon was filled with fun opportunities. In addition to the recreational activities, the Stockton and YMCA staff also held a variety of dialogue sessions throughout the trip. These activities focused on topics like getting involved on campus and becoming more empathetic. Strategies to be successful in college and beyond were also incorporated into exciting games and challenges.

S.O.A.R. is unlike any pre-college program seen at other universities. Stockton’s freshman retreat encouraged emotional growth during the transition into college. Students had the opportunity to think deeply about what they want out of these next four years; furthermore, the high-ropes course challenged students in new ways and instilled mental toughness. The first day of S.O.A.R. was really awkward, but by the end of it, I felt more prepared than ever to start college. I was put at ease when I recognized so many faces at Welcome Week; being in on all of the inside jokes from Camp Ockanickon was SOAR much fun.