Category Archives: First Year Experience

The 8th Annual Day of Service

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On January 16th, Stockton College held its 8th Annual Day of Service in which students and faculty worked on various service projects that benefitted the local community.  Not coincidentally, this Day of Service was held on the Martin Luther King, Jr., federal holiday.  During the opening remarks, the speakers connected the day’s purpose with the life and vision of Martin Luther King, Jr.  Besides honoring the life of a great civil rights leader, this holiday was also envisioned as a call for Americans to go out and volunteer in their communities.

The Day of Service took place both on-campus and off-campus at charities in the surrounding community.  My project that day was working at the Gilda’s Club of South Jersey in Linwood, NJ.  Stockton sent seven students to Gilda’s Club, and upon arriving, we were greeted by Adria Light, Gilda’s program manager.  Before assigning us the tasks for the day, the group learned about the purpose and history of Gilda’s Club.  Gilda’s Club was named after a former Saturday Night Live comedian named Gilda Radner.  In 1989, Radner died from ovarian cancer, and Gilda’s Club was formed in her honor.  The purpose of Gilda’s Club is to provide emotional support for people and their families who are suffering from the effects of cancer.  Gilda’s Club is a free service to the community, and today, there are 22 Gilda’s Clubs in the United States offering their support and care to all who need it.

The primary job that Ms. Light had our group complete was cleaning the clubhouse.  Each person chose a different job to do.  I primarily washed windows while other people swept and vacuumed floors.  Ms. Light first sent us to clean an area of the clubhouse that is leased to local businesses.  These local businesses provide a source of income for the club that helps fund many of their programs.  Spending the Day of Service at Gilda’s Club was a wonderful experience.  It felt great to help a local charity that keeps the spirits up for those suffering from cancer.

 

Operation Blessing

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Hurricane Sandy left its destructive mark on New Jersey at the end of October. When the hurricane hit, I was one of the least affected. My broken fence was the only indication a hurricane had even passed over my house.  However, I watched in horror what the people in other areas, especially the barrier islands of New Jersey, were going through.  I saw the disappearance of Long Beach Island, the swell of sea foam in Seaside and the rise of water lines in towns I usually ran through with summer glee.  I knew as soon as I had the time, I would hop in a car and help the best I could.  Whole neighborhoods had flooded and many people were waking up after Hurricane Sandy with absolutely nothing of their houses left.  Who was I to sit in my perfectly fine dorm watching Netflix all day when people had lost everything and were trying to rebuild?  In my search for a way to help, I found myself at Operation Blessing, Friday, November 16th with the club, WaterWatch.

Operation Blessing is an international organization that often provides disaster relief.  They currently operate out of a church community center in Atlantic County.  Mostly, they help people clean out the houses but on Friday we had arrived too late because of classes to be assigned a house. Instead we were given t-shirts and an assignment to help out a Hurricane Relief Center a few miles down the road from the church.  We ended up at the Pinelands Community Hurricane Relief Center, helping the free clothing center.

The clothing center was packed with bags of donations and disorganized clothes spread out on long tables.  The three rooms, which only a week before had been open stores for rent, were stuffed.  In one corner was even a sprawling collection of toys, from stuffed animals to Fisher-Price cars.  We were handed trash bags and asked to help make some order in the place.  To add to the task, more donations lined the front of the stores and sat in front of a grocery store further down the shopping center. We worked quickly to make some semblance of the overwhelming supply of donated items.  I helped organize all the toys for the kids to sort through and then helped bring newer donations into the store.

While I was brining in newer donations, I was able to chat with one of the organizers of the clothing center.  He talked of the overwhelming response of the community with donations.  A few nights before we came, he said the entire area in front of the store was piled high with bags full of donations.  He had to call in ten trucks to take the donations away since they had no space. It was evident that everyone wanted to help donate what he or she could to the people in need. I find it amazing how New Jersey citizens have responded to the hurricane victims’ needs. In this time of need, people were generous enough to give bags of donations for the people. The donations weren’t just clothes or toys either, some were just items to make a house a home again for people.  There were Christmas decorations and house decorations that could help a person refurnish his or her home now that it was stripped of everything.

The people at the Pinelands Community Hurricane Relief clothing center were overwhelmed with all the supplies.  Operation Blessing sent us there to relieve that overwhelming feeling and help them sort through it all. I watched hurricane victims look at the donations with no clue where to start in some areas of the center.  However, in the parts we organized, they were able to find things easier.  A woman was able to get clothes for her son and herself much quicker a few hours into our organization than another woman I saw struggling when we first walked in.  As well, a small girl was able to find herself a new Barbie who she lovingly named on the spot.  We might not have been at the forefront of the work but we were able to help make a difference.  We didn’t help tear down walls or pull up carpets, but we were able to organize items that people will need to help put their lives back together.  I plan to continue volunteering with Operation Blessing to help, even if it is in the smallest way.

 

Constitution Center: 10/27/12

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In high school I participated in few extracurricular organizations, instead focusing a considerable amount of time on improving grades, on developing a solid network of friend, and on volunteering.  These activities were enjoyable, but there was a continuous yearning to become a more active participant in the school’s events. Unfortunately, I was crippled by a fear of commitment and change, and so my desire remained unfulfilled.

Armed with this recent failure and a determination for improvement, I vowed to enter college as a go- getter.  I do not regret this decision, for it is the main reason that I participated in the October trip to the Philadelphia Constitution Center. I was the first to sign up for the event, happily embracing the cliché of an overly enthusiastic freshman. I pride myself in this action, as it shows a determination and openness that was previously hidden. I was hoping for an interesting trip with an enjoyable group, but there was no way of knowing if this would be the case. Thankfully this initiative did not go unrewarded, for the day proved itself to be one of the best college experiences thus far.

The 8:30 bus was predictably quiet, full of tired eyes and blank gazes.  It was not long into the hour-long trip, however, that the coffee set in; conversation began, mainly focused on the museum and city we were heading towards.  Excitement built, climaxing as the building rolled into view.  We rushed off the bus, smiled impatiently for pictures, and headed to the first site.

We were ushered to a small dark room that was arranged in an interesting, movie theatre- type setup.  And, because it was so early in the day, the room was filled primarily with Stockton members.  The lights were soon dimmed, and a dramatic performance unfolded.  A combination of well timed flashes and an impressive commentary created an ambiance that is difficult to forget.  In 15 short minutes, the history of America was laid out in a way that was both educational and exciting.  The intriguing display left a craving for more, and so there was a pang of disappointment as the clapping began and the lights returned.  Thankfully, this feeling quickly vanished as we exited the room into the grand foyer.

The day became a blur of excitement and joy as we traversed the building, studying the interesting information and artifacts that were on display.  Pictures with Ben Franklin and Alexander Hamilton made for an interesting time, along with a crazed search for Richard Stockton (it turns out he signed the Constitution, not the Declaration).  This was followed by an expedition into the Prohibition Room, which features advertisements and statistics that supported both sides of the cause.  We became enveloped in the past, taking in the culture that helped shape our country.  Old cartoons were on display, and tutorials for 1930’s dances were available.  The conga revealed itself to be more difficult that first imagined, and it enveloped a large chunk of time.  Before we knew it the buses were outside and waiting, and we were herded away from Pennsylvania.

I am now thankful for the initiative that I displayed early on, for the trip proved itself to be a wonderful experience.  The people were fun and interesting, the program moved fluently, and the museum taught and engaged in a way that is impossible in regular classrooms.  It was clearly worth the early- morning bus trip, and I look forward to similar events in the future.

 

Blog Post Three – Shangri-La Chinese Acrobats

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I was already excited to see the Shangri-La Chinese Acrobats show since the minute I got my ticket. However, I was completely awestruck and blown out of the water when I actually went to see the performance on November 1st. The entire show was mesmerizing from start to finish. The performance involved a number of incredible acts. These included an impressive martial arts display, complex acrobatics, stunning balancing acts, and much more. Each and every action was executed with both grace and precision. Although there were tiny mistakes made throughout the show, they only rendered the performance to be that much more thrilling and real to me.

The show kept me on my toes the entire time. There was never a dull moment. The audience and I also loved how the performers added a little bit of comedy to their daring acts. My favorite act definitely had to be when acrobats did a piece on one moving bicycle! There were ten people on the bike at the end and the act was nothing less than spectacular. One of the other acts I really enjoyed was the insane rope routine! Words cannot describe the amount of strength and talent the performers displayed. These extraordinary performances, along with a variety of music and their dazzling costumes, proved to make one breathtaking and truly entertaining performance. I would most certainly see the show again and highly recommend it to anyone who has the opportunity to see it.

S.E.T. Hosts Bingo!

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On December 5, 2011 I went and played a bingo game that was sponsored by the Stockton Entertainment Team.  I was invited out by my fellow honors friend and I really had a blast. I did not know that the Stockton Entertainment Team hosted a bingo night and I wish I would have known this before the end of the semester. There was an ice cream bar for us as well thank you to S.E.T.’s generosity.  There was chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry flavors with a few different topping choices available. We played various strategies in order to attain a “BINGO” shout. We played all four corners, five in a row, pig in a basket, the outside border, and an L-shape. Stockton does a splendid job offering activities to keep the students actively engaged on campus during the evenings. I am not normally a bingo goer but I wanted some kind of stress relief during the week of finals. My other friend won a pair of tickets to the movie theater and I also did not know that these raffles occurred during the bingo game. I had the misconception that only elderly adults played bingo, but it stimulated my mind much more than I expected. We were allowed to use four bingo board games at a time and that is much more stimulating to one’s brain than I would expect. The woman who called the different spaces moved at a very energetic pace. Now I understand why people encourage the elderly to play this game because it really does stimulate the mind subconsciously.  Overall my night was very nice and I enjoyed my time; I hope to be more involved and aware with the different activities that various clubs hold on campus.

 

Ed Asner as FDR

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On October 22nd, the Richard Stockton College Performing Arts Center hosted Ed Asner as he portrayed one of America’s most beloved presidents, Franklin Delano Roosevelt.  During the performance, the audience traveled back in time to the Great Depression and World War II.  The audience had the opportunity to watch some of the most important events and decisions of FDR’s presidency unfold, as if given complete access to the Oval Office.  Asner’s impressive acting ability truly made history come alive in this memorable performance.

Ed Asner became famous during the 1980s, when he played Lou Grant on The Mary Tyler Moore Show.  Since that time, he has acted in many films and television shows.  Although, my generation may not be familiar with some of his early work, Asner is certainly recognizable in the recent film, Up, in which he was the voice of Carl Fredericksen.  Asner’s years of acting experience were truly present in his performance as FDR.

In this performance, Asner depicted the presidency of Roosevelt from his first election in 1932 to his death in 1945.  The performance began with Asner rolling out on stage in a wheel chair because FDR was paralyzed from the waist down.  FDR became paralyzed from the waist down, and in one powerful scene, FDR stood for the first time without the support of any object.  It was a powerful scene because of the determination FDR exhibited, and it set the stage for how he would conduct himself throughout the rest of his presidency.

For the majority of the performance, Asner was busy portraying FDR as being busy talking to people or making plans at his desk in the Oval Office.  FDR spoke with a variety of people including his trusted advisors, world leaders, and family members.  One of the challenges Asner had was in letting the audience know who he was talking to.  Since he was the only actor on stage, he had to work extremely hard and be very creative to make it seem as though he was speaking with another person on stage.  The telephone on FDR’s desk served as a tool to introduce new people.  Before a new person would come into the Oval Office, Asner would make a call asking for so-and-so to be sent in.  This kept the audience informed to what was happening during the performance.

The conversations that Asner had reflected the important decisions and events that FDR faced during his presidency.  Asner displayed the wide range of emotions that FDR exhibited from his cunning in packing the Supreme Court with new justices, to the charisma of campaigning in elections, to the indignation following Pearl Harbor.  The success of the performance rested on Asner’s acting ability.  His ability to effectively convey the mannerisms, decisions, and speeches that defined FDR’s presidency truly this performance feel like a trip back in time.

Preserving Local History on Stockton’s 8th Annual Day of Service

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Atlantic City has had a rich and varied history for the past 150 years.  From its beginning as a small seaside community, to the glitzy gambling and shopping destination it is today, the city has been reinvented and reimagined many times over.  Since 1857, one constant has remained.  The Absecon Lighthouse quietly stands on Pacific and Rhode Island Avenues, keeping an ever watchful eye on the sea.  For Stockton’s 8th Annual Day of Service, a group of students including myself had the opportunity to learn about and preserve this historic structure.

The Day of Service started on the morning of September 10th with a gathering of participants to listen to an opening address by President Saatkamp, and a speech by Charles Uhl, an EMS responder on September 11, 2001.  Their remarks set the tone of the day by focusing on the 10th Anniversary of 9-11, and the meaning of service.  After this, everyone was dismissed to their various projects.  Roughly 25 students boarded a school bus that took us to the Absecon Lighthouse.

Upon arriving, we were greeted by Alice Stryker, a member of the museum staff, who split us into several groups and assigned each group different tasks.  Our first job was picking any weeds that had grown around the base of the tower.  Next, we worked on cleaning the windows of the tower and their sills.  After this was completed, we climbed to the top of the lighthouse and took in the impressive views of Atlantic City and the ocean.  Our final job was sweeping and wiping down the walls of the Oil House.  The Oil House had to be cleaned with extra care.  We wore gloves because the oils from our hands could damage the mortar of the walls.  That day, I learned that the Absecon Lighthouse was built in the 1850s and was used until 1933.  It is the tallest lighthouse ever be constructed in New Jersey, and it is the third tallest lighthouse in the United States.

Volunteering at the Absecon Lighthouse gave me an appreciation for the local history near Stockton.  Structures likes this deserve the attention of the local community.  I am especially grateful to the Office of Student Development for making this day possible.  It is important for college students to give back to their community, and I look forward to next semester’s Day of Service.

 

Blog Post Two – The Four Bitchin’ Babes

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“You know the movie American Graffiti, and the part where Terry says to Debbie, that gorgeous blond honey, “What a babe…what a bitchin’ babe,” well that’s us, that’s how we chose our name.” On October 16, 2011, I saw the show, “The Four Bitchin’ Babes.” This particular act they were presenting was called “Diva Nation.” The performance was fantastic from the very beginning. A man came onto the stage, introduced the ladies, and then cut a big ribbon to initiate the start of the show. The four women started with a very funny song all about the items people frequently lose, such as, one’s glasses, the television remote, the money to pay the pizza man, and a purse. This song was a perfect introduction as to what the whole show would be about. The women sang songs about real life events, but made them hilariously entertaining by “letting their inner diva come out.” Their show was definitely aimed towards older women, so some parts I did not understand or find as funny as the other members in the audience did. Nonetheless, “The Four Bitchin’ Babes” was an awesome show performed by some very awe-inspiring babes.

Each of the four babes, Christine Lavin, Patty Larkin, Megan McDonough, and Sally Fingerett, put on a unique performance. One of the babes introduced the other and her accomplishments, then that lady spoke and sang a song she wrote. Their songs were personal, yet everyone could emphasize with them. The ladies had such a great view on life and a wonderful spirit about them. For example, one of the songs the audience and I found extremely amusing was one called, “The Boob Fairy.” They each went back and forth singing their own songs until the end of the show, when they said, “Thanks for coming; it would have been different if you hadn’t.” The last song they sang together, which summoned up what “The Four Bitchin’ Babes” and their shows were all about, “happiness, love, laughter, singing, and women.” (The show also inspired me to check out their website for more information about the babes at – http://www.fourbitchinbabes.com/).

Bingo Night

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Bingo Night

Walking into Bingo Night, I already had preconceived notions of how much fun I would actually have; which erected from pop culture associating hearing-impaired retirees with utter and vicious enjoyment of the game. I reluctantly went with a group of my friends. We were forced to position ourselves toward the back because, as always, we arrived late. I quickly realized this was a disadvantage because of the distance one would have to race compared to others on the path of victory to receive their prize if they indeed got five in a row. Nevertheless, I received my three boards and the game went on.

On the stage the orator called out the letter-number combinations. Having three boards proved to be an exasperating task as I vigilantly searched each in hope of finding the announced coordinates. Tension and misguided hostility filled the atmosphere almost instantly. This surprised me because before I even knew it I was immersed in the competitive spirit. I never realized how much anxiety a person could experience playing Bingo, hoping they have the lucky board, praying for others’ misfortune. It was intense.

Throughout the night we played about fifteen games, each having three-five winners who won raffle tickets that could potential get them a prize. We didn’t just play traditionally (marking five places in a row either vertically, horizontally or diagonally), but instead switched it up by spelling out letters, or getting each of the four corners or the entire board. People at my table won here and there and I was happy for them but it would have definitely felt better if I won. There was actually a time when I thought I won and in my excitement I ran all the way up to the stage just to find out spatial positioning matters (the seven was upside-down).

Overall, the experience was a positive one, although many times I wanted to rip my hair out or trip people on their way to the stage. It was nice having a community of people who had the same goal and experienced the same roller-coaster of emotions. I learned that Bingo has the ability to bring out a different side of me, one I’m still figuring out whether I like. I am going to encourage as many people as I can to go to the next Bingo Night because it truly is a fun pastime that brings people together.

Holocaust Studies and Happiness

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On Thursday, October 27th, I attended the seminar on Holocaust Studies and Happiness, which is part of the MAHG Lecture Series. The speaker was the Dean of the School of General Studies, Dr. Jan Colijn. It was incredibly fascinating to ponder the concept of whether intensely examining the Holocaust on an everyday basis makes one depressed, but his argument was that all of the faculty in that department are very good-humored people. He also inspired his audience to step up and get involved in anti-genocidal movements. One example of this was a girl in the times of the Holocaust who shot a Gestapo member in the head to save the lives of the Jewish refugees that were hiding on her property. That is an extreme act of taking a stand against genocide, but it is still a touching account. It causes one to feel the need to step up against menacing oppressors who prey on innocent victims.

Perhaps that is why those faculty members and countless others study the Holocaust and other genocides; not to stop genocide completely, but to help improve the world one little step at a time. Every person counts in this ongoing battle. Another woman the Dean mentioned had grandparents who were Nazi sympathizers. After a few weeks of studying the Holocaust, she risked losing her witnessing job as she told her manager that his entire kitchen staff was making anti-Semitic remarks. Knowledge in genocidal studies brings about a unique kind of grit, the stuff that true heroes are made of. These everyday people are consumed by the injustice that those victims have faced and have longed to do something, anything to help them, even if it is really small and seemingly inconsequential. These kinds of people are who I admire, and I hope that I will be able to make even the slightest difference for the good of others. The real benefit of this lecture came not from the ultra credit I received for attending, but rather in the inspiration to minor in Holocaust and Genocide Studies in my time here at Stockton.