What better way to bring the community together then to have global vendors come together to display and sell their products right here on Stockton’s campus? On Sunday, November 19th, from 10am to 5pm, Stockton hosted the 13th annual Fair Trade Certified International Gift Fair. Members of the community were invited to join the vendors in Stockton’s event room for an afternoon of shopping for homemade crafts and products from a variety of places and people around the world.

What exactly is Fair Trade? As the name implies, Fair trade is the global movement aimed at providing adequate and sufficient prices for the goods of people in developing countries. This movement not only promotes sustainable environmental practices in the production of these goods but also the ethical and respectful treatment and conditions for the makers, all while focusing on minimizing world-wide poverty and creating more equal commerce. This commendable effort shows the desire of people, including those in the Stockton community, to help others and is a symbol of respect for others and hope for the greater good. Stockton’s own club S.A.V.E or Stockton Action Volunteers for the Environment, had a table at the fair to display the message of the club and reveal the students’ concern for the environment and its people.

In Stockton’s event room, items such as soaps, (delicious) chocolate, pottery and hats could be found on display by the vendors and their organizations. Both members of the community and of the Stockton campus were welcome to come by and shop for gifts for themselves or others that go toward a wonderful cause. Tables were on display all around the room and conversation and smiles were exchanged as visitors and buyers came together to shop for loved ones and support communities and entrepreneurs around the world. Each interaction seemed very genuine and sincere as sellers explained their product and shared a little about their work to the consumers that happily asked questions and commended their work.

An event like this, I feel, is a very rewarding and eye-opening experience. It allows members of the community to gain a better understanding of cultures and businesses outside of the area they live in while supporting ethical and equitable working conditions and practices for all people around the globe. Fair Trade is a wonderful initiative to support and learn more about and this event allowed for both of those things. This event displayed the desire of people to support others and represents an understanding of the unequal and more negative qualities of our world and our dedication to fixing it.

On October 7, 2017 Stockton University hosted a parade and Street Fair, which took place behind the campus center on College Walk, as part of University Weekend. University Weekend was held to welcome families and friends to the Stockton community and the street fair was the perfect way to celebrate and display all of the clubs and organizations that make Stockton so diverse. As a member of S.A.V.E (Stockton Action Volunteers for the Environment), I volunteered to help set-up our table and promote our club and its cause. On a beautiful day in October, it seemed as though the Stockton community was entirely focused on celebrating what makes our school unique.

At 11:30, the parade of clubs and organizations, teams, sororities and fraternities sported their elaborately handcrafted floats as they drove through the campus. S.A.V.E’s float, in particular, celebrated Puerto Rico’s biodiversity and sustainability efforts. Students and their families stood on the side cheering them on and getting a taste of what Stockton is all about. As our club’s float passed, we returned to our table to finish any last-minute preparations. The club leaders were very enthusiastic and passionate about spreading the club’s message of promoting a more eco-friendly atmosphere around our school and in our lives and keeping our environment healthy and enjoyable for everyone.

Our table included a pledge for passersby to sign to petition clean energy to our governor, as well as honey sampling from Stockton farm’s very own bees and the fittingly named “smoothie bike”, which (as the name implies) requires pedaling to power a blender that creates a delicious homemade smoothie. Our table provided the perfect opportunity to demonstrate to the family and friends of the Stockton community how easy it is to get involved in taking action for our planet while incorporating a unique and fun experience to tie it all together.

The fair overall was a success. The center of the university was filled with music and conservation, unique vendors and a variety of delicious food. My hour of volunteer service led me to experience the happiness and contentment that comes along with communal events and provided an enjoyable way to spend my weekend at Stockton. It also highlighted the idea that getting involved in clubs and activities allows you to make the most out of your college experience. This fair served as a reminder that Stockton University is unique in its mission of promoting a positive and unified environment not only for its students but for the surrounding communities.

The Honors Program at Stockton University is a great way to help students get involved. Through service initiatives, students are offered the opportunity to contribute to community efforts and work to make any difference possible. As freshman entering the program, it is the perfect way to become a part of the school and meet new people. The program has not only inspired me to join clubs but also encouraged me to be as active as I can in the community around me and step out of my comfort zone to try new things.

Stockton provides many extracurricular opportunities for students through a wide array of clubs. This variety of clubs ensures there is something that can attract each individual’s interest. One of those is a renowned international service organization, Circle K. Circle K works to encourage college students to become active members in their community and build qualities of leadership through service. One of the many ways to participate is through Project Linus, a weekly service event in which students make teddy bears and pillows for children in hospitals.

Named perfectly after the blanket-carrying and compassionate character from Charlie Brown, Project Linus is an organization that aims to provide blankets to children who are ill or in need. From Stockton University, students are able to expand on these children’s gifts and make their own stuffed animals and pillows to provide for them. Through the program, college students can actively work to lessen the burden of the harsh reality some children face daily in this world.

Being in the presence of other students who were filled with happiness while creating something special for another person felt simply rewarding. The thought alone of helping to form a smile on the face of a young person who has been through so much inspired me instantly. Though the room was small, the happiness and compassion that filled it simply could not be ignored Through music and chatter, our small yet determined group cut, stitched and stuffed teddy bears and pillows in a variety of patterns and colors. Next week, the project will continue offering more children a token of comfort in their lives.

Project Linus offers students the opportunity to have a small yet direct impact on those around them while contributing a little bit of happiness and light into the lives of those is difficult circumstances. This event puts into perspective how life is never easy, even for innocent children. However, there is always something you can do, no matter the size of the gesture, to provide some comfort or safety for those in need.