Category Archives: Service

Day of Service Sept. 2013

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On Saturday September 7th, Stockton held it’s 10th annual Day of Service. Being a freshman, this was my first time participating in this event. When I first got the email for the Day of Service, I pre-registered right away. I knew it was something I really wanted to be a part of.

Day of Service is sponsored by the Office of Student Development. This year the event would take place in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Besides all the glitz and glamour of the casinos, I knew there was a side of AC that needed help from whoever would give it.

The night before Day of Service, I set my alarm for 6:30am since I commute to school. I wanted to get to school early so I didn’t have to wait in line for long. When I got to school, there was already a crowd. I was in the last group since my last name starts with a “W”. After waiting for about a half hour, I was finally able to sign in. The event leaders provided us breakfast and gave us shirts to wear for the day. So after eating breakfast and throwing on my new shirt over my tank top, I made my way up to the event room. Inside, there were many tables with different club/organization names on them. I browsed around at the different activities but eventually settled with Circle K.

We were taken to the Atlantic City Police Athletic League. We set up shop in one of the event rooms. There was a station making PB&J sandwiches for the homeless, one making dog toys for the Humane Society, and another making cards for terminally ill children. I spent my day sewing blankets for Project Linus. In short, Project Linus makes blankets (Like the one Linus has in the Preanuts) and gives them to ill children. I already knew how to sew, so I figured this would be the best activity for me.

I consider myself socially awkward so I didn’t expect to really talk to anyone or to make any friends. However, I was suprised how welcoming upperclassmen were. They helped me feel comfortable and I had a great time. I made new friends and helped out a great cause. When it came time for us to leave, we found out our bus had broken down on its way to pick us up. So after waiting another twenty minutes or so, we got another bus to take us back to the campus. Overall, I had a great time participating in the Day of Service and I’d definitely do it again.

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.

Blog Post Twelve – Service Learning Event The Celebration of Creativity

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As I have discussed in my previous blogs, I am completing Service Learning for two of my courses, the Honors Program and Public Health Marketing. I decided to work with the Jersey Shore Children’s Museum and complete marketing work for them. Through the Service Learning Office, I was put in touch with the marketing company that works with the museum, Ugly Baby Marketing, and the two women that run the business, Sherri Brentari and Karen Komo. By working for the museum and Ugly Baby Marketing, I was also introduced to another student, Stephanie Mak, who has been my marketing partner throughout the semester. We all agreed the Jersey Shore Children’s Museum was a great place for families to go and we want everyone to have the same perspective we have.

In order to complete this vision, we decided to create an event that involved the communities around the museum. The event was on April 21st and was called the Celebration of Creativity, the first event ever dedicated to the museum. I never understood how much work went into planning and organizing an event. I was in contact with numerous Stockton Staff and Professors, the coordinator of the Shore Mall, Daycare Facilities, Learning Centers, and Supermarkets for food donations. The Celebration of Creativity involved two contests and art work from Stockton, near by High Schools, and Daycare/Learning Center Facilities. The event went really well for the first time and I hope that I can work with the museum for my Service Learning Project for the following year so that I can run this event again! (I have attached the flyer underneath).

Celebration of Creativity Flyer

Blog Post Eleven – Celebration of Service

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After participating in the Day of Scholarship, I wanted to share my Service Learning project with even more people and decided to attend the Celebration of Service on April 10th. The event was from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. that Tuesday located in the F-Wing Atrium, by the library. There were multiple clubs, organizations, and event information available throughout the day. I was really excited to participate in this event because I wanted to showcase my work once again and I even got my own table to present my service project! Also from attending the event, I obtained information from Student Development to help me promote my event, the Celebration of Creativity, as well as was introduced to a Marketing professor that helped me gain insightful information about the field I am currently working in.

However, compared to the Day of Scholarship, I wanted to discuss and promote the event itself, on April 21st, rather than discuss my experience with the project. The location was to everyone’s benefit because students, faculty, and staff travel through that area often throughout the day. Presenters, like me, were encouraged to bring flyers, pictures, and any other means of promotional or educational material. For example, I used the same tri-fold from the Day of Scholarship, but brought more flyers, magazines, and stood by my poster to encourage participation. Even though this was the 1st Annual Celebration of Service and I think it was a great success and hope that even more individuals and groups will be present next year!

Blog Post Ten – Day of Scholarship

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The Day of Scholarship, on March 22nd, was a wonderful event where individual students or a group of students were promoted to present any type of service or educational project they have been working on from the fall 2011 semester or spring 2012 semester. I am currently a student in Public Health Marketing and the Honors Program, both which take part in Service Learning. For both of these courses, I wanted to attend the Day of Scholarship and discuss the work with the Jersey Shore Children’s Museum for my Service Learning Project. I made a tri-fold poster that talked about the museum, the fundraiser event we would be having on April 21st, and my experience working on this project.

This Service Project I am completing has become so much more than just a requirement for my class. I am involved in marketing work for the Jersey Shore Children’s Museum. It is a non-profit organization that is in need of much assistance and I am happy to say that I am a part of the helping process. I am also being assisted in this project by another Stockton student, Stephanie Mak, and two very important role models in the marketing field, Sherri Brentari and Karen Komo. Our main work has consisted of putting together an event to bring more attention to the museum and involve Stockton even more in the community. This opportunity has changed me in so many ways. I now feel confident in myself to take on larger responsibilities and become more involved in marketing and Stockton activities.

Blog Post Six – Stockton’s 11th Annual SIBS Event

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On Saturday March 31st, 2012, the 11th Annual SIBS event at the Richard Stockton College of New Jersey took place. The event was from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Sports Center and was really great. As a freshman, this is the first SIBS event I attended and it was so much fun I can not wait for the event next year. My parents and family were not able to come down to the event, so I invited my boyfriend to spend the day with me attending the different activities the school was offering that day, such as the Environmental Forum earlier that morning and the movie night later on in the evening.

Although the event was more aimed towards younger children, for example the featured blow-up attractions, my boyfriend and I were still able to enjoy the event. The first thing we did was take our picture in the booth set up in the middle of the gym. After that, we grabbed a plate of food and watched the K-9 unit and police officer presentations. My boyfriend is a police officer so the presentations were really entertaining to the both of us. Even though we were not able to stay for the rest of the event, we acknowledged some of the groups that made the day possible included the Hero Campaign, Neighborhood Watch, SAFER, Atlantic County SWAT, Atlantic City Bomb Squad, NJ State Police CSI, South Jersey Fire Departments, and south Jersey EMS Units.

Blog Post Five – Service Learning Project (Spring 2012)

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Although I participated in Service Learning for the Honors Program in the fall of 2011, my Service Learning project for this semester has felt like a whole new experience. For the spring semester I have completed my Service Learning for two courses, the Honors Program and Public Health Marketing. Since this is my second time completing a Service Learning Project, I feel as if I truly understand the purpose of the program now. This time around has been different because I have completed more hours and am more involved in the cause I am promoting.

At first I tried to find a site that appealed to my major, Public Health Pre-Physical Therapy, and my minor, Holistic Health. However, I wanted to try something a bit different and decided to complete marketing work for the Jersey Shore Children’s Museum, located in the Shore Mall. The site I choose was different, yet still appealed to my love of working with and for children. Through the Service Learning office, I was put into touch with the company that does marketing for the museum, Ugly Baby Marketing. I was introduced to two wonderful women in charge of the business, Sherri Brentari and Karen Komo, as well as another Stockton student, Stephanie Mak. We all began collaborating ideas to bring more attention to the museum.

We really want everyone to know of the joys the Jersey Shore Museum offers. It is such a great, fun place for children to get a hands-on learning experience through the use of fun, themed exhibits. It is our responsibility to spread the word about such a unique place right in our own neighborhood. I have been having so much fun completing this project that I have decided to minor in Marketing and possibly pursue a part time job opportunity in this field. Hopefully, I will participate in Service Learning the next semester here at Stockton and continue to help other non-profit organizations in the area, or help the Jersey Shore Children’s Museum even more.

Day of Service

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On September 12th, a great many students were in for a surprise.  They came thinking that the event was going be a bunch of hands on service projects, but instead it was something much more valuable.  As the students arrived, they were first greeted with bagels, muffins, and coffee, which is always a good way to make a first impression.  Then the students went into the event room where they listened to the opening remarks of the keynote speaker, Todd Bernstein.  He enlightened our minds as to what we can achieve through service learning and the kind of impact that we can make.  After the keynote speaker was finished, the students were divided into various color groups and went on to do many different service learning projects.

One of these projects was to help students become politically knowledgeable.  One project involved writing a letter to the Governor regarding issues the students care about, and another allowed students to register to vote.  Also in this section, students could debate whether or not they thought the death penalty was just.  At a second section of the event was where students could learn about the Books without Borders group.   Here students aided in packing textbooks to give out to other students who do not have enough money to afford the books themselves.  Another section showed students what the Atlantic City Rescue Mission does for the homeless population across New Jersey.  Students could help make food, tote bags, or birthday cards for the homeless and learned more about the statistics of homeless people in the state.  To some, this particular section was a real eye opener.  The last section of the day was about Stockton’s “green dot” program.  Students learned about what the difference is between a red dot and a green dot, and also learned how to help make the campus more safe and reduce violence.

At the end of the Day of Service, there was a large reflection session.  During this session all the students discussed what the impact was on them from what they learned that day.  They also discussed how they could help now, and in the future with the new knowledge that they had learned.  Many students enjoyed the Day of Service and took away from it many valuable lessons and ideas.  Hopefully because of this event, many more students will get involved in a lot more meaningful service projects and begin to make their own impact on others.

Helping Out After Sandy

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On Friday, November 16 my friends and I went with Water Watch to help out Operation Blessing who were helping out hurricane Sandy victims.  We went to a little store that they were using to keep all of the donations that they received.  The place was gammed full of clothes for all shapes, sizes and people and a whole section for toys for the little kids.  It was organized to a degree but things were everywhere and there was even more stuff to sort through and find a place to put.  Eventually we created another pile for things that would not fit into the store to be donated to the Good Will.  There were so many things, it was nice to see how much the community was pulling together to help those in need.  Everyone had a job to do, be it sort through the new donations, or organize existing donations so that everything can be easily found, some of my friends and I organized the toy section for the children.  There were piles and piles of board games, puzzles, coloring and regular books, and stuffed animals.  There were more stuffed animals than anything else and we filled seven big bags full of them just so that we had a place to put them all without having everyone step on them to get to the other things.  It took us a about two hours to get through all of the toys and set them up in a presentable way that they all could be seen and easily gotten too.  Luckily there was a lot of volunteers there to help everyone out; like little working ants people formed lines to get things done as fast as possible.

When we finally did finish with the toys we moved outside to help the other volunteers as they sorted through the mass of donations that clogged the sidewalk in front of the plaza stores.  All of it had to be sorted—garbage, keep, good will—by the end of that day and there was practically no room for anything else in the building.  A few of the things had to be thrown out; though people’s attentions are good some things were just too matted up or old to be donated to others.   By some miracle we got through all of the stuff before the day ended and the people were so happy for all that we did.  There was also a table set up a little bit away from the store where a family came with hot chili and other food to give to the volunteers and the victims for free.  They weren’t there with any group but by themselves just because they wanted to help out, buying food and making meals for others simply because they were good people; and the chili was pretty good if I do say so myself.

My favorite part of the day was when I was able to help a Spanish speaking family with my limited knowledge of the language.  It was a husband and a wife with their little infant boy trying to find some clothes after they had lost everything; the husband spoke some but the wife close to none.  Through my broken perfect Spanish and hand using smaller, basic words on their part we were able to get them everything that they needed and more.  They were both so grateful and it made me feel wonderful that all of my attempts at this language weren’t for not.  The fact that I could actually help out a family in the real world, putting my skills to the test, was a wonderful feeling and reminded me of why I am going through all of this schooling.

All in all there was a lot of work but it was all worth it and I am so glad that I could help out.  I will be going back in the weeks to come to help out with Operation Blessing’s other projects as well.  This group does so much and I am so happy that I can help them out even if it is only a little bit.  If everyone helped out just a little bit it would make things so much better, but after helping out on Friday I do believe that everyone is helping out.  Maybe there is hope for humanity still to be found.