My third, and favorite thus far, event was the election results viewing party. I had already attended the first and third debate watching parties, and this event really seemed like the culmination of those. The debate parties had refreshments, but the results party had the normal refreshments and beverages with pizza as an added bonus, and a lot of it because the turnout for this event was rather impressive. Much like the debate viewings, the projector was set up with a livestream of the results from CNN. Updates, analysis, and projections from every election came pouring in. I truly will never forget this event. Everyone in that room was watching history. We were watching a new leader be chosen by the American people state by state. Many may find this boring, but I found it positively riveting. It really felt special, like we were watching one of the most significant events of our lifetimes.
This crowd’s political views seemed to be a tad more diverse than the viewing parties had been. The table I was at actually had far more Trump voters than Hillary voters, with a ratio of seven Trump to two Hillary. Because of this, the cheers were less one sided. Each time a state’s result was announced, there was a mix of reactions from the crowd. For some, relief. For others, total terror. Many are quite scared of what a Trump presidency may bring, so as it became increasingly clear that all the polls and predictions were wrong, there was a distinct tension that became apparent in the room. People on both sides were a little more anxious, some excited, but everyone seemed to be aware of the gravity of what they were witnessing. I did not stay for the results as I’m one of the people who are a little nervous about the president-elect, so my roommate and I dejectedly decided to view the rest of the results in our dorm. Be that as it may, it was still an unforgettable event and I still had a great time (for most of it).

My second event at Stockton University was the viewing party for the third presidential debate between Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Hillary Clinton. I attended the first one and missed the second. The event was run pretty much exactly like the first, and I assume second, party was ran. Refreshments were provided, debate bingo was played (and I won!), and, of course, the debate was projected onto the big screen. A much needed improvement of the first party was that the audio was much better. It was quite hard to hear at the first viewing party, and everyone in attendance needed to keep extremely quiet if the audience wanted to hear what the candidates were saying. These parties really excited me because of the environment they provided. Watching the debates were mandatory for class, so being able to join a big group with fellow students was really awesome.

Overall, I enjoyed the third viewing party even more than the first! It was really exciting to watch. I had never been in to politics before, as I really felt it was futile to keep up with them, because it can be daunting, and because before this year I did not have a vote, so I really didn’t see the point. I’m so glad I got interested this year though, and I credit Stockton University for really moving me to actively engage in this election. I was so interested with the process, the candidates, the ups and downs, and just everything about the election process in this nation. So much so, in fact, that I have decided to declare a minor in political science. It was really a blast to be a part of this event. The majority of the crowd was seemingly very liberal, which I expected. Clinton’s victories earned her rapturous cheers, while Trump’s blunders garnered him laughs and jeers. Being liberal myself, I fit right into this environment, but I would’ve rather had a more even split of views, as I think diverse schools of thought and civil discourse are the only way to get anywhere in politics.

Damian Majewski

On September 26, I attended the party for the political debate in the Campus Center Board of Trustees.  This event was run by professional staff members of the political science department at Stockton.  At this event, I was greeted with light refreshments and was able to meet others interested in watching our country fall apart.  Since these debates featuring the current candidates could be considered a joke, the viewing was accompanied with a bingo board.  While many of the phrases on it pertained to Trump and his shenanigans like ‘You’re fired’ and ‘China,’ Clinton had some such as ‘emails.’  During the debate,  topics such as Social Security and third Parties never came up, which defeats the purpose of creating a national televised debate for those issues. What surprised me most about this debate is that is was not aired on Comedy Central.  Although a small amount of informative statements happened during the debate, the main focus was on the two candidates.  I found that the debate was centered more around personal attacks, rather than the candidates focusing on the topics.  Some of their comments were quite entertaining such as “Trumped up, trickle down economics”, attacks at Trump for his tax releases, and Clinton’s email scandal.  I found the event itself to be put together well with the inclusion of another projector displaying live tweets on the debate all night.  The highlight of the night was when the debate closed and they announced that the upcoming one would be held in Arizona, which was the last word I needed for bingo.  With three debates left before people head out to the polls, I am excited to attend another one of these events.

When I think of Stockton events I think of loud excited college students covered in attire that bore the black and blue “S” of Stockton University.  As I walked into the Strike Zone bowling alley on Monday, September 26, I expected to see many of my fellow peers there showing off their bowling skills.  Alas, that is not what happened as I was not only the only Stockton student there, I was also the only customer there.  Of course I stayed for the designated 9-11 PM time slot for the $5 all-you-can-bowl Stockton bowling club special because I’ve learned to take all the deals I can get as a bowler.  The entire three-hour slot was filled with six adrenaline-filled games.  There were cheers, there were tears, there was everything in between.  Not really, it was just really fun.  The owner of the alley went out of his way to let me know that Stockton students are more than welcome to come Monday nights for as long as the special lasts, and he also hinted that he wouldn’t mind a Stockton bowling league either.  These Monday nights could be a very relaxing and fun way to end Mondays and they could be a good start to the rest of the week.  It’s also a cheap way to hang out with friends and unwind.  The bowling alley also has a small restaurant attached to it that sells pizzas, sodas, sandwiches, and more so you can have fun bowling and you can have fun eating.  The Stockton bowling club holds these specials every Monday night from 9-11 starting from September 19th to April 24th at the Strike Zone bowling alley about fifteen minutes away from the campus.  

On November 19, I volunteered in the very first Run Run Rudolph Run run by a fellow honors student.  The 5K run was held in order to raise money to give families in need a better Christmas by buying gifts to give to the children of those families.  There weren’t that many participants in the run, but there were many volunteers.  It was very heartwarming to see everyone come together to help families in need during the holidays.  We were unable to raise enough money to give an entire family presents, but we were still able to use the money we did raise to buy presents for families in need.  

The volunteers in the event helped run the event by passing out water, directing the runners, signing participants in, making posters, and selling holiday items.  I helped by making a poster to motivate the runners and I waited on the trail to direct the runners on where to go.  

Overall, it was a very fun time and it wasn’t very time-consuming.  It was nice to know that I helped in improving a family’s holiday.  Being able to be a part of something so wonderful was an amazing experience and I am glad I was able to help make the event go as smooth as possible.  I also admired the event coordinator’s passion for the cause and the effort and time she put into organizing the event and making it the best it could be.  The event will hopefully be held annually around the holidays and I am looking forward to seeing the event grow and improve into something even more amazing.  

As a member of the Women’s lacrosse team here at Stockton it is my job to make sure I am serving my community just as it is in the Honor’s Program. Since recently it was just Thanksgiving, those who are poor need to find a way to have the luxury of having a table full of food on Thanksgiving. I have always been able to take part in a food drive every year and was so excited to see that as an athletics program Stockton was having one too. A month before Thanksgiving I announced to my chemistry class that Stockton Athletics’ was hosting a food drive of nonperishable canned foods to donate to families who cannot afford the Thanksgiving dinner that every family deserves. Even though there were only 10 cans in the box by the time I had to return the box of cans, it was still a great turn out on my part. By myself I also donated 10 nonperishable food items. When I went to hand in my cans I was so glad to see how much was actually donated. I have never seen so many cans of food before even though I have done so many food drives before. It is a nice thing to see our community come together to help those in need during the Holiday Season.

On November 11, 2016, I attended the ceremonies held here at Stockton to honor our veterans and their service. I had entered the Warrior Champions essay contest—we had watched a documentary during Welcome Week about a small group’s journey to the Paralympics, which the contest was based on—and had been chosen as one of the top seven finalists. I did not know what to expect, really, as this is my first year at Stockton and I’ve never been to a ceremony particularly to honor veterans.

First, speeches were given on the steps to the school, where individuals of distinction discussed what lengths Stockton has gone or veterans, and the many lengths that veterans have gone for the freedom of our nation and its citizens. Afterwards, we walked to Veterans Park, where we listened to a stunning rendition of Taps by a student of ours, Brielle Lord. Following this, as well as some more remarks, we went to the Campus Center and were treated to lunch. It was there that the winners of the contest were announced. I tied for second with a fellow student, much to my joy and surprise. We were free to leave after winners were announced, or we had the option to stay and mingle. Overall, this event was one of peaceful solemnity; there was a note of gratefulness in the air that only comes when people think for a time about the sacrifices others willingly make. I think that it’s important that we have some sort of event honoring our veterans; it’s important to remember who exactly has to fight the battles that we may detest, who has to carry that weight and keep that flag standing, flying in the wind.

On Thursday November 17^th, I had the opportunity to table for the first annual Run Run Rudolph 5k race.  Organized and planned by Kate Volpe, this race was taking place in order to raise money to support one or more families during the holiday season.  However, while not enough money was raised to completely support an entire family’s holiday needs, we were able to raise enough money to buy many gifts for several families’ gifts.  While this wasn’t our exact goal, it was a tremendous first step for the first ever Run Run Rudolph and is a joy to be able to help out those in need a little, even if we did not reach our goal.  During my shift we raised around $50 dollars in order to help people during the holiday season receive gifts and aid when it is often needed most.

There is a deeper meaning than just buying gifts for people though.  The holidays represent a time of helping others, and really extending the olive branch to those less fortunate or more in need.  Whenever given the chance to help, I’ve learned to jump on it.  The enriching nature of just knowing others are feeling joy they might not have felt without our help makes all the difference in the world to both them and us.  By helping out someone in need now, hopefully this inspires them to help others in need when they become able to.  If everyone just took the time to help just one person, the world would be a more thoughtful and caring place.  The world is so full of hate, disagreement, and hostility, that it is more important now than ever to lend a helping hand in making just one person’s life just that much better however you can.  It will reward not only yourself, but the entire population as the domino effect takes place in a positive and helping fashion

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.

On Monday, November 14, I attended a poetry reading by Dr. Akhil Katyal of India, Stockton’s International Writer-in-Residence. At 7 PM, I took a seat. However, the seat I took was not in the correct location. Apparently, the reading was in the Board Room, even though countless emails had told me it was in the Event Room. So at 7:15 I took a seat in the correct room.
Luckily, I was not too late. He had only just started speaking, and not even reading the poetry, by the time I got there. I am not going to lie, Dr. Katyal had a bit of an accent. His accent made it a tad hard to understand, but I still understood most of what he was saying. Since it had only been a few days since the election, everyone was still pretty sensitive about the results. It was all so raw. He wrote a poem about how he felt when he saw the results. In another one of his poems, he slipped in that he had a boyfriend, which made me understand even more why the election results had such an impact on him and his psyche. Between being a person of color and being gay, there is a lot at stake for him when it comes to the social justice area of politics. His thoughts and poetry were profound. He wrote about his identity and his travels, from India to Chicago to New York to Stockton. Listening to his poetry was a great experience.