This has been the most exciting, terrifying, thrilling week I have ever lived through. I had never thought I would ever get the chance to play in a live action video game until I came to Stockton and heard of the human verses zombies. To think such an unofficial, farfetched, event could be so popular and active is hard to believe but personally I can’t wait to play again. This year there were a total of 211 students and alumni participating; one of the largest turn outs yet. The game starts with only one zombie and as the week goes on more and more people get infected; the number of zombies increase and the human population begins to fear for their lives. Every night there are missions that pit humans against all odds and force them to step out of their comfort zone to meet new people, form alliances, and protect your fellow humans.
The game goes on throughout the week, day and night. So classes or not, as long it’s out doors, humans are free to shoot and zombies are free to chase. Missions are scary but for humans, even walking to class is filled with anxiety. Nothing is cooler than seeing a gang of ‘humans’ walking around campus fully equipped with loaded nerf guns, bullet belts, and sock grenades. The one thing that might be cooler is being able to be a part of that gang and to see the faces of confused pedestrians. Sure there are always those few who cheat and are sore losers but overall I must argue that this game brings people closer and is extremely fun. For me the game encouraged me to stay indoors as much as possible so besides classes, being indoors gives a person a lot of study time. The neon green band do attract a lot of attention so hopefully by the end of this week everyone on campus will know about HVZ and join next semester.

One event that I have been waiting for since the summer was the Get Involved Fair. I was on a mission to try out as many clubs as possible because I really wanted to be as involved as possible. Since I am an incoming college student I’ve heard many people talk about the importance of getting involved and how it makes the college experience. A week before the fair one of my friends had a pamphlet about the different clubs which especially got me interested. I looked at the list and found that Stockton has a lot of clubs to offer, and just by looking at the names of the clubs I knew I was interested in at least twenty.

The morning of the fair I wasn’t sure when I would be able to walk around and see all the clubs I wanted. I had a class in the morning, then I had to do my daily track workout, and I had an evening class. I wasn’t going to attend class due to having a meeting for track, so I still did not have much free time that day. I thought I would have to go after the meeting but that really wouldn’t have left much time to visit all the clubs if they were even still there. Some did pack up throughout the day. Thankfully my roommate wanted to go, and I got my workout done early so I got to go in the middle of the day, so we went on to adventure at The Get Involved Fair!

My roommate and I started from the very beginning. Every table had nice decorations to relate to their club and many of the tables had free stuff. Some of the people sitting at the tables did not seem interested at being there at all, while others smiled and waved and would call me over if they heard me ask a question about their club. It was nice, no matter what table I walked to I was greeted with a smile even if the person was just sitting in boredom a few seconds ago. All the tables I approached were very good at explaining their club and I ended up signing up for a lot more clubs than I planned to.

We made our way through the fair and began looking at the same clubs. We walked through for 10 minutes and couldn’t really find all the clubs we were looking for at first so we stuck together just talking and walking. As we got to the main part of the fair I started seeing more and more clubs I was interested in. It got to the point where my roommate walked on without me since I was stopping at almost every table. I was really excited to get to the EDIBL club since I remembered it being about bugs. When I got to the table I learned that it wasn’t a club about just bugs, it was a club about eating bugs. At that moment I also realized how clever the name was. EDIBL. I felt silly but I was super excited to learn about eating bugs.

I continued to make my way around the giant circle of clubs. I was finding most of the clubs I was interested in but I was really looking for the Geology and Art Club, they were nowhere in sight though. As I was talking to all these people about their clubs I realized that I couldn’t make a lot of the meetings. So many clubs had meetings around the same time and same day. That was kind of disappointing, especially since I had evening classes on Tuesday and Thursday. Still I was determined to try and be a part of all these clubs. I finally started to make my way down to the end of the fair where I finally found the Art Club. I was impressed with their setup since art was being displayed. After that I saw the Math Club, it caught my eye because the poster mentioned the possibility of being a Wu Warrior. I had Dr. Wu as a professor over the summer and he was great. Who wouldn’t want to be a Wu Warrior? I definitely wanted to join that club. That was the last club table I got to, and then I walked into the track meeting since it was right in that hallway.

Overall I really enjoyed the Get Involved Fair. I would like to think it has helped me get involved a lot, and even though I’m going to have trouble making it to most of the meetings. I signed up for 21 clubs, but I was disappointed that I didn’t see the Geology Club even though I went both days for the fair. The friendly faces and free candy was a very nice touch. If I had any complaints it would be about the lack of organization, or how sometimes I couldn’t see the signs for some of the clubs. The Get Involved Fair was a very useful event for students and I enjoyed it.

Bloods is racing, adrenaline is pumping, and the nervous pee is coming back. It’s now or never, get on that stage, take the mic, and sing your heart out: that’s all karaoke is really about. Monday September 16 SET hosted the first karaoke night of the year and I must say it was quite successful. It was a good turnout and the stage never lacked a star. It didn’t matter who sang, whether he or she came with a group or alone, whether he or she was good or not, whether he or she liked country or rap, the stage loved everyone. No one was booed; the audience was great and always supportive. If there are any people out there who have always wanted to make their debut and sing on stage for the first time I must recommend going to the next karaoke night. There were so many songs to choose from; from “Do the Time Warp” to “Call me Maybe”. There really is no reason for stage fright because the audience really doesn’t care since they are there to have fun not to judge.
No one is required to sing, it can be a blast just to go out and support friends and fellow classmates. People were able to enjoy the lively atmosphere just by being there since the Campus Center already provided a great variety of things to do. So people who had to wait to sing could play pool, Ping-Pong, or just hang out. It’s events like karaoke that give people the chance the express themselves and show a side of themselves no one has ever seen before. This was one of the best events SET has hosted this year so far and the year is only just starting; I look forward to the next karaoke night.

On Thursday September 26th Stockton hosted a convocation with guest speaker Mary Roach. Roach is the author of multiple science based books including Stiff and this year’s required freshmen reading, Spook. At the convocation Mary Roach discussed a wide variety of topics ranging from the disputed ending to her book, the perks of being curious, and even some interesting facts about hyenas. Roach used a combination of comedy, inspirational advice, and a wide variety of intriguing subjects to keep the audience attentive and entertained.

During the extended question and answer session Roach discussed the premise behind her book stating, “It wasn’t a book to say there’s no such thing as the afterlife.” Many readers, including fellow students, have questioned the purpose behind her book. At the convocation I believe she made it clear that her book was not about finding an answer to a seemingly unanswerable question so much as investigating the beliefs and methods of others in a simple attempt to learn more about that which we know very little. Roach claimed that she is a very curious person by nature and is constantly questioning how things work and where they come from. With this notion in mind, Spook makes more sense. After hearing her discuss her curious nature and the intent of her book, claims made by students that the book did not make sense and went off on tangents seem invalid.

In my opinion, this book was not written to prove or disprove the afterlife; however, it was simply Roach’s investigation of the methods and opinions of professionals in the field, believers and skeptics. Many people expected her to give a clear answer on whether or not she believed in the afterlife and were upset by her statement at the end of the book. At the convocation she stated, “I don’t want to be in a world with no possibility of ghosts.”  Her statement at the end of Spook reaffirms the fact that her book was written with the idea of acquiring knowledge and still choosing to believe in what makes people comfortable or happy. Overall the convocation was an informative, entertaining, and eye opening experience.

On September 7, 2013, the Campus Center Event Room was filled to the brim with students clad in black t-shirts, all clamoring for a seat at their desired service project’s table. This frenzied scene can only be Stockton’s 10th annual Day of Service. Luckily, my two friends and I had gotten there early enough to receive our desired service project helping Shore Park Tenant Association with an end-of-summer barbeque. We were going to be working with three other girls and our two project leaders.
A half hour later the army of buses were packed and set off for Atlantic City. We arrived at our destination ten minutes later and were greeted by the president of Shore Park Tenant Association. She told us a little about the residents and how many of them are disabled, elderly, or previously homeless. Shore Park provides them with housing and makes it easy for them to get around. The president also filled us in on all the events, from bingo to music nights, which Shore Park puts on for its residents. The end of summer barbeque, however is by far a crowd favorite.
We then received a tour of the main hall and garden where the barbeque would take place. After that, for the first hour or so, it seemed as if the organization didn’t need our help cooking, grilling ribs, or doing any heavy grunt work. My group and I stood at ease, ready to jump and seize any opportunity to help, even with small things like rolling utensils or moving a table.
When the food came out, it was definitely a sight to behold. With hamburgers, hot dogs, potato salad, fresh crabs, corn on the cob, ribs, salad, and a plethora of cakes, there was enough food to feed an army. Our job was to help serve all of it, and I got put on crab duty.
Immediately after the residents started to trickle into the hall, our idleness was no more. Each one of us was busy serving food and helping residents, especially those who were disabled, receive the food they wanted. As the person in charge of the crabs, I was to take exactly four freshly cooked crabs out of a wooden barrel, wrap them in newspaper, and dole them out to whoever wanted them, which was almost everyone. Many people were eager to make sure I gave them the right amount of crabs, especially the legs.
All of the residents were extremely grateful for our help and of course the free food. They could not stop saying “thank you” and it was heartwarming to see the smiles on their faces. Even though I clearly smelt of crabs the rest of the day, I enjoyed my time there and realized that the day was not just about serving food, but making people feel loved and cared about. Though I wish we could have done more to help at first, my first Day of Service at Stockton was a memorable and enlightening experience; it is definitely something I would participate in again.

As a disclosure, I would like to point out that the event I plan to write about in this blog has not yet happened. However, the preparation that the event entails is a true testament to how much is involved in putting an event together. As secretary of Active Minds Club, I have learned what the club stands for and what it takes to spread its message to other students. On October 22^nd, the club is hosting an event to raise awareness on suicide rate among students in college. An average of 1,100 college students commit suicide every year. To spread the word on campus, the club is making 1,100 origami sailboats and hanging them in the trees to “Send Silence Sailing.” Students struggling with mental disorders such as depression and anxiety sometimes do not get the help they need, and it is imperative to break that cycle. Even making the slightest impact in the thoughts of students will make a difference and satisfy the goals of the club.

Through holding an officer position in the club, I have learned a variety of important skills such as leadership, communication, initiative and teamwork. My friend Nicole and I had arranged for all the girls on our dorm floor to help with folding the sailboats, a demonstration of initiative and teamwork. In pursuit of making this event successful, brainstorming with the president and the club has given insight as what to do for food and entertainment. Catering was established for the food and music will be played during the event. Competitions for prizes on the day of the event will be used to peak interest and encourage participation. As a way to make a difference aside from raising awareness, forms to detect mental disorders will be given at the table. After all the ideas voiced, emails sent and boats folded, Active Minds is fully prepared for the event on Tuesday.

On Tuesday November 17th, Kappa Sigma’s Xi-Rho chapter hosted their annual Wing Bowl event. The event was held at JD’s Pub and Grill in Smithville, which is approximately ten minutes away from campus. Although it was a fraternity sponsored event, it was open to everyone, whether or not they are involved in Greek life. Tickets for the Wing Bowl were sold in lower D Wing near the computer lab wing.

The night of the event was very exciting. Many people filtered through the pub enjoying wings and each other’s company. Kappa Sigma brothers were stationed throughout the cozy pub helping the night move smoothly. If students did not purchase tickets during tabling, which occurred on; Thursday, the twelfth, Monday, the sixteenth, and Tuesday, the seventeenth, they had the option to buy them at the door for the same prices, five dollars for six wings, or for ten dollars, students could participate in an exhilarating wing competition to win some cool prizes. The winner of this year’s Wing Bowl was Aaron Reader, a Kappa Sigma brother. The contest challenged anyone interested to eat ten chicken wings as fast as possible.

The money raised by the event went to Kappa Sigma’s philanthropy, the Military Heroes Campaign, and totalled $1,031. This charity works closely with organizations such as The Fisher House to help aid thousands of veterans and their families in America. I believe that this event can be considered a success. The fraternity gained positive exposure to possible rushes and towards the school and they were able to raise a decent amount of money to donate to a positive cause.

On Friday, September 11 the men’s soccer team went up against Rensselaer. Both teams entered this game with an undefeated record (Stockton 3-0 and Rensselaer 4-0) to begin the Stockton Seashore Classic.

The game started out slow, having the first goal coming at minute 41 with a penalty kick by Clevon McPherson giving Stockton a 1-0 lead heading into halftime. Unfortunately this would wind up being Stockton’s only goal of the game. As we entered the next half, McPherson received a red card so Stockton had to play down a man. Rensselaer was able to score on the following free kick. It took just a few more minutes for them to score their second goal, bringing the score to 2-1.

Even though the Ospreys were playing down a man, they still put up a good fight toward the end, with their total of 10 shots throughout the game, but Rensselaer’s goalkeeper Ryan Nealon did a great job protecting his goal. The last few minutes were full of suspense as Stockton consistently came closer and closer to making the game tying goal, but they were just unable to overcome the fact that they were down a man. The Osprey’s suffered their first loss of the season to start the Stockton Seashore Classic. They can only hope to be better prepared for their next game against Mary Washington.

Every Wednesday around 12 p.m. students can listen to a vast variety of music in the Campus Center by the Dunkin Donuts.  While eating some lunch or just killing time in between classes, students have the option of grabbing a table and enjoying the sweet melodies from different bands, solo artists, and even impersonators. “Tunes at Noon” is a fantastic way to give students that extra push to get through the rest of the week. This weekly event allows students to become more aware of local bands and artists. It also allows these musicians to showcase their artistic abilities. “Tunes at Noon” displays musicians of all different kinds of music genres to keep every student on campus entertained and satisfied.

There are many different bands and artists who performed in the fall semester of 2013 for “Tunes at Noon”. Some of these bands and artists include Brent and Company, a reggae oriented band, Elaine Faye, a solo artist whose music is considered soft rock, and even a professional Michael Jackson impersonator. There is always someone new performing in the Campus Center for “Tunes at Noon” which makes every Wednesday that more exciting. Country bands, soft rock artists, reggae musicians, punk rock bands, and impersonators are just a few of the types of entertainment that cab be found in the Campus Center all because of “Tunes at Noon”. If a student has a passion for music, wants to know more about local bands and artists, or just wants an escape from the “middle of the week” blues, all they have to do is stop by the Campus Center and enjoy some music.

For my third Stockton Event of the semester, I chose to attend the Girl Rising movie screening on Tuesday, November 19^th.  It was held in the Alton Auditorium at 4:30 PM and lasted approximately ninety minutes. The event functioned as both a Reflection Session and Dialogue Session through the Office of Service Learning. I decided to attend the event because I wanted to learn more about the film’s mission to educate a greater number of women globally.

The film presented the stories of nine different girls and their struggles against slavery, sexual abuse and poverty. Girl Rising advocates for more widespread access to education for girls. The campaign highlights the impact that education can have on women’s lives. According to the film, 65 million girls are not enrolled in school globally and that two-thirds of the world’s illiterate population are women. Interestingly, for every extra year of education they receive, girls earn 20% more money. Also, the film asserted that if India enrolled 1% more girls in secondary school, its GDP would rise by $5.5 billion. Girl Rising demonstrated the social and economic value in educating females that I previously was unaware of.  Following the screening of the film, a brief question and answer session was held.

Aside from being informative about the problems with global education, the event demonstrated that many fellow Stockton students are concerned with the impact and availability of education worldwide. I enjoyed the event and would recommend watching Girl Rising to learn more about educational inequality throughout the world.