Fresh Eyes

In Rememberance of NIU

2008-04-02T10:54:00.011-05:00

With Mu Associate Chapter's Mid West location, we could not help but be affected by the tragic events that have recently occurred at our Founding Mother's home, Northern Illinois University. Like any good Z-Chi, we hold NIU very near and dear and were deeply impacted by these events.

However, with the visions of our Founding Mothers pulsing in our hearts, we wanted to shine a beacon of RADIANCE on our place of birth. In remembrance of the Mommy Chi's, we made the three hour drive down to Illinois to assist Big Brothers and Sisters in Bowling for the Kids' Sake.

In doing so, we were able to raise $100
that benefited this philanthropy and
were able to bring laughter and smiles to a University that has been stricken with tragedy. During our visit, we were able to pay our respects at the numerous memorials around campus.

We also set out on a mission to find our original Crest. Though the building it was once housed in has now been rebuilt, and the Crest has been moved, we did have the opportunity to see the picture of the original, which is displayed among other crests of the Divine Nine.

It was a humbling experience; one that was filled with a mix of emotions. It was heart breaking to see the impact of the recent violence, but it was also exhilarating to be on the very grounds where our Dream was born. We were so thankful for the opportunity to celebrate our Founders in a way that we know they would have appreciated.

World Fest Flag Ceremony

2008-04-02T10:42:00.003-05:00

So, I'm from Kenosha County, and I get a lot of folks for tours that are from the area, or from Wisconsin, or from the states, that ask about our student population. If you're like me, and from the county, you might feel that attending Parkside will be just like high school - and you'll know everyone there. You might be thinking, "I've got to get out of here!" You might even think about traveling abroad.

Well, I know I've said it before, but one thing I love about UW-P is that it doesn't feel like the same old-high-school-thang. We have tremendous diversity, part of that being out international student population. (I blame our awesome soccer team!) :) We have students from around the globe and tons of activities centered with an international concept. We have an international house, Parkside International Club (PIC), a study abroad program, and an exchange program with our sister schools in Germany and Italy.

Every spring we have World Fest Week, and the campus is almost completely transformed! Every year we kick it off with a Flag Ceremony, to honor the numerous countries represented in our student population. This year I started off helping with the flag of Germany, with my soror Tracy, but then ended up carrying the American Flag at the front! Some of my sorors carried the the flag of their home country, Mexico.

It was a great week full of education, fun, and tasty food!!!

Chill'n in Milwaukee

2008-03-10T20:59:00.004-05:00

So these pictures were from a little while ago, but sometimes it takes me a little while to get stuff up here. I haven't really talked about the location of Parkside, (besides K-Town and Racilla ... what?!? what!?!?), so let me touch on Mil-Town for a sec.

Milwaukee is only a 30 minute drive from UW-Parkside. If you're not from the area, Milwaukee's pretty big stuff. That's where the Rave and a couple of other concert locations are, so it's really nice to have within driving distance. Even before I went to UW-P, I was driving up to Milwaukee for concerts. I've seen everyone from Tool, Mike Patton, Les Claypool, NIN, and even local bands from Racine/Kenosha up there!

Recently, I went up and visited some of my sorority sisters who actually graduated from UW-Whitewater in the 1990's. Even thought the chapter at UW-W is no longer active, there are still a lot of Z-Chi's in the area, so it really gives me a scope of our history. Anywho ... the night-life in Milwaukee is fun too! We went to some fancy resturaunt, of which the name escapes me, and a couple of other pretty hot places too! I definitely suggest a drive up there: it is well worth it!

Road Trip .... I mean Air Trip!!

2008-02-29T10:20:00.002-06:00

Yay! This past weekend I was able to take my first trip ever as an adult, (I know ... I'm so lame!) I left from Milwaukee with my sorors Martha Mendoza and Maria Guadalupe Torres and flew to see our sorors from other chapters in Towson, Maryland!

Overall, it was an amazing experience and so much fun! The plane ride was scary, but we made it through! I would never have had this opportunity if it weren't for Zeta Sigma Chi Multicultural Sorority, Inc. Not only has it taught me a lot about the different cultures of my sorors here at UW-Parkside, but it has given me the opportunity to connect with women from around the world and all over the United States!

Gangs vs Greeks

2008-02-29T10:03:00.002-06:00

I don't know what I will do when I graduate from UW-Parkside! Besides seeing all of my friends everyday, I think I will miss the events the most. I love when I am bored, just hanging out, and realize and event is going on. Social events are fun, but the diverse educational events put on my organizations, fraternities and sororities, and departments are my personal fav.

Last week I was able to attend an event put on by those Lovely Ladies of Delta Sigma Theta entitled Gangs vs Greeks. It was lead by my friend, Jakia Johnson, who had done a lot of research into the topic. She had interviewed members of Greek fraternities and members of gangs, and had also done some background research. Department events are cool, but it is so neat to see you friends stepping up to help teach fellow students something new.

It's such a great experience if you get to be the person stepping up! The leadership opportunities like this help prepare you for the professional world! It was an awesome event and I am so happy I was able to attend!

Sacred Circle's Annual Honoring the Children Pow-Wow

2008-02-20T10:52:00.004-06:00

Wow! This Spring semester is already flying by! UW-Parkside's Native American and Indigenous People's Organization, Sacred Circle, put on their Annual Honoring the Children Pow-Wow a few weeks ago. Every year they have it in the Field House of the Sports and Activity Center (SAC), and this year was truly amazing!

I was able to volunteer with Zeta Sigma Chi Multicultural Sorority, Inc. As a smigin-Native American myself, it was an exciting experience to be able to share in my culture with my sisters. I was there on Saturday from 7am-11pm. It was a long day, but so worth the time! We were able to participate in prayer and other spiritual ritual, as well as join in a dance or two!

Zeta Sigma Chi also volunteered to make tobacco ties for the dancers and drummers of the Pow-Wow. This was an educational and cultural experience, and I was glad that we were able to participate in this. I can't wait for next year's Pow-Wow!

Go Get That Money! (Time is Running Out for Scholarship Applications!)

2008-01-20T11:12:00.001-06:00

Wow. Can you believe it's almost February? There are still two weeks to apply for a scholarship at UW-Parkside! Applications are due by February 1st ... but that's still plenty of time!

As a scholarship recipient myself, I understand the fear and doubt that a lot of students might have in applying for a scholarship. Even though it's a little corny, it's very true that you will never know if you could have won if you never tried! Even if you have applied before and not received one - you should apply again! The first year I applied I did not get one, but this year was different!

I probably never would have applied if I was not encouraged. Sometimes it's hard to believe in yourself, but you might be really surprised! There are so many scholarship opportunities that UW-Parkside offers, so there is something out there for everyone!

This year I was the recipient of the Chase Bank Leadership Scholarship. As you can probably see from my bio, I've had a number of years of experience in student leadership at UW-Parkside. Sure, some of these leadership positions have offered monetary stipends as incentive, but most have not. My involvement in leadership has never been about the money - it has truly meant so much more!

Those that have spoken with me know that I haven't always been such an uber-involved student. I will freely tell people that I probably spent more time in high school in detention than in extra-curricular activities. I made the honor roll my senior year, with early release and an English, Choir, and Orchestra class, but my parents were so elated they bought me a cake!

Clearly, my experience at UW-Parkside has changed my life dramatically. When people from my high school see me now their response is usually, "what? this is Carly?" I am so thankful for the leadership activity opportunities at UW-Parkside. They have helped me develop friendships while giving me a chance to EXPRESS myself and work for things that I am passionate about. It has also given me a new love for my education! In all aspects I am treated like an individual - not a cog in the wheel.

The Chase Leadership Scholarship has also meant so much more to me than monetary assistance. Yes, it has helped me dramatically in being able to financially support myself during this intensive senior year, but it is so much more. It is the capstone of my involvement. It has shown me that anything is possible for anyone. It has shown me that second chances can happen. It has shown me that the work I have put into the university has truly been appreciated.

You might be like me, or you might not. You might be thinking that you're not a great student, or you might be struggling financially. I want you to put aside your doubts and believe in yourself. I tell people, if I can do it, ANYone can do it! But you will never know what possibilities are out there if you never try.

Please, check out the numerous scholarship opportunities that UW-Parkside offers! If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me!

UW-P Athletics: New Look and Feel

2008-01-20T09:39:00.000-06:00

While I was at UW-Parkside this week I noticed all the signs advertising our Spirit Week this spring. I don't have the dates, but check back! I will post information and pictures as soon as I have the details. However, if you are itching to find out more about our athletic teams, games, and highlights you should check out their new page!

http://www.parksiderangers.com/

It looks awesome! It's probably the best looking page from any department at UW-P. I know Dave Williams, the athletic director, and he has really done a great job in boosting not only our athletic department, but the PRIDE in UW-Parkside athletics! A lot of people that have come in for orientation have asked if we have a football team. No, we do not have a football team. But we do have a lot of amazing teams here that we are very proud of. And we now have a cheerleading team! Spirit week is going to be awesome! I will keep you all posted on those details ... but make sure to check back!

A Chance to be Creative

2008-01-11T07:24:00.000-06:00

After talking to some folks about their college experiences in other universities, it has occurred to me that what I've heard about UW-Parkside is true: though it is a UW-university, you can really gain the education of a private liberal arts school. The opportunities for creative and social expression are endless and sometimes all it takes is a little foot work.

My senior seminar, (the class that is equivalent to a senior thesis), was on the Graphic Novel. It was such an interesting and different experience, and the subject was a fun step away from the traditional. In this class I was able to work on my own comics, and I got pretty good at it! During the same semester I was taking a math class, where I was required to submit weekly journal entries on my experiences with math. The professor said that we would be able to use any format we were comfortable with, so what did I do? I make weekly one-page comics depicting my journey into the land of math! Though I really enjoy writing, it is sometimes nice to be able to try something new!

This past semester I took Cuban American Literature. Beyond being just an amazing class, the professor said that if we did really well on the first major paper assignment that we would be able to do something more creative for the second major assignment. Of course I had to take advantage of this amazing opportunity to try something new, instead of just writing another paper! Ever since I got my AppleMac, I have been interested in making movies; (it's sooo easy)! I interviewed a bunch of people on Cuba and America and edited a short documentary. It was an interesting experience and definitely something new!

Follow this link to see that documentary! http://web.mac.com/carlyanneravs/iWeb/Site/FidelvsChe.html

Feel free to check it out. This is just a little taste of the expansive opportunities for alternative learning that you can gain at UW-Parkside. No, we do not have a directors program, but we do have a Film Studies Certificate. We also have UW-P TV for anyone who is interested in working with film. We might not be Chicago's Columbia, but you can make your experience at UW-P just as cool! But, like I said, it might be more responsibility on you. No one will make you find the hidden opportunities at this diamond-in-the-rough, but you will find them if you are looking!

To Grandmother's House We Go

2008-01-09T11:44:00.000-06:00

It is a tradition in my family to travel to my grandmother's farm in Iowa for holidays, and this winter was no different. I traveled with my husband out to my parent's house in Kenosha County to spend a smaller, more personal celebratory time with my mom, dad, and my little sister, who flew in from Colorado for a few weeks. (But, sadly, has gone back!)

One of the things I most appreciate about attending UW-Parkside is that I live so close to home! It is a reasonable 30 minute drive to the county from Racine, but it's far enough away that I have always been more connected to the city than the county. This makes every get away to "home" an experience to treasure! Often, my parents come up and visit me, too!

On the trip to Iowa I got some good reading done and was able to catch up on some much needed sleep, but the rest wouldn't last long. As we drove down the gravel road to my grandmother's farm, listening to the radio forecasting more snow, I realized that there would be lots of shoveling ahead on me for this holiday. My grandmother's driveway was completely covered in ice! We had to salt it, chip it, and shovel it. It took nearly two days to finish!

I was glad to help my grandma, though. She turned 85 this year and is still living on that farm and driving. Pretty crazy. It was nice to get a break from school and visit with family, but I'm glad to be home with my kitty-babies! Now that I've had a nice long break I am ready to get back into school!!!

I'm Back for Spring Semester! Are you ready?

2008-01-09T10:11:00.000-06:00

Hi everyone! I'm sorry I haven't posted anything new for a while! If my last post is any sign to the affect that 18 credits can have on one person's sanity, perhaps you will be understanding of the needed hiatus after fall finals!

There has been a lot that has happened since I posted last, and I am hoping to do some back posting on those experiences today. Spring semester is a week and a half away, so there will be all kinds of new and exciting posts coming soon! But first -- If you have stumbled across this blog and are planning to attend school next semester you might want to read this:

If you have received an acceptance letter from the university, and are a new incoming student for the spring semester, (and you don't have any transfer credits), you should contact the advising center at UW-Parkside. If you are planning to transfer, (and have received an acceptance letter and a transfer credit report), you should also call the advising center! Make sure you call as soon as possible! The sooner you can sign up for classes the easier it will be! (However, if you are waiting on transfer credits and are anxious to sign up for class -- don't freak too much. :) There will be classes open, but you should be prepared to be a little flexible and take a little more time in selection. It won't be the end of the world!)

For current students, if you haven't met with your adviser you might want to give them a call. It's good to get into see you adviser earlier vs later. At the end of each semester, (ei November/March-April), you need to meet with your adviser to review your plan for graduation. If you have a declared adviser you have to meet with them to lift your flag! If you have a declared major your adviser is in that department, unless otherwise specified.

I hope you are all ready for spring semester! If you need to reach advising you can call 262-595-2040. You can also access information on the advising session and other links online

Post any advising questions or concerns below and I will either answer them, or refer you to a source with the necessary information!!!

Focus: It's Finals!

2007-12-11T04:41:00.000-06:00

Well, ever since returning from Thanksgiving Break, all the work for finals has begun to stack up! This semester I am taking 18 credits, (which, I do not recommend! I've never gone above 12/13, and I am barely working. Please, reconsider taking so many classes!)

Anyway ... as you can see I've grown a bit desperate! Every professor I have has been throwing quizes, tests, and papers at my feet! Luckily, this week is "supposed" to be Dead Week. Teachers are "supposed" to cancel class to allow students plenty of time to study and work on those final major papers. Right. Unfortunately, it seems like an unwritten rule that view teachers honor.

The upside? Well, at least I really enjoy my classes. I'm in my senior year, which means I am done with my GenEds, (General Education Requirements), and I am into all the fun stuff. My internship is done for the semester, and I get to write a bunch of really interesting papers. Love it! This doesn't mean that it is not stressfull, but atleast we've got all the end of the semester parties to look forward to.

Parkside is jumping! The Chancellor's Holiday Party is on Wednesday; the Women and gender Studies Holiday Party is on Thursday; next week Rainbow Alliance is having their en of the semester party; and right after that, my friends are throwing an Ugly Christmas Sweater Party -- you have to wear an ugly Christmas sweater to get in! (Neat, huh?)

I also got to see the Theatre Department's production of the Laramie Project this last weekend. That was a nice break away from studying. It was absolutely amazing! The student actors were great, and a friend of mine actually designed the set. It reminded me how awesome our Theatre Department is. (We're the Best in the Midwest!) I currently have a friend from high school that was stage manager in our plays back then, who came to Parkside and did stage managing. Now she's living it large in San Fransisco! (I'm so jealous! It's been snowing here all week!)

Speaking of the snow: it's been really crazy! Parking has been very interesting. (I don't know what some folks are thinking -- just because it's snowing they think they can park anywhere). But the campus is even more beautiful than in fall. Everything is covered in snow, so wherever I walk I feel like I am on a safari in Alaska. It's been very cool.

So, if you're coming up to enjoy Parkside's winter wonderland, drive safely! Those county roads can be dangerous!

A Sneak-Peek Inside the New Student Union

2007-11-17T13:23:00.000-06:00

As a senator for Parkside Student Government Association, (PSGA), there are a lot of responsibilities that fill my week and make me extra busy. Our meetings are weekly, in Molinaro 137, Fridays at noon. General business includes reports from our staff of directors, and different resolutions and issues that are brought to the floor by senators.

We have a director for everything from Multicultural and Women’s Issues, to University and Legislative Affairs. These folks put together programs to raise awareness of different issues facing the student body, to lobby politicians with student concerns, and to help change university policy so that it fits and meets every student’s need.

A senator generally serves two office hours a week, works on resolutions, and sits on different faculty committees. This week I sat in on the Academic Policies Committee, and helped share a student’s perspective into the new second-language policy change. Trust me, it wasn’t the most exciting meeting, but it is a great learning experience and will definitely translate into the professional world after my graduation.

I also am a voting member of the Segregated University Fees Allocation Committee, (SUFAC), which is the committee that allocates funding to not only student clubs and organizations, but to departments like the Sports and Activities Center and Athletics, the Child Care Center, Student Activities and the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs, etc! This will be my third year on the committee, and it has really helped me develop a broad understanding of all the ins-and-outs of the university.

SUFAC and PSGA are responsible for the funding of the new Union construction. If you’re at UW-P, or you’ve been to UW-P within the last year, you probably couldn’t help but notice all of the construction. When I came in, as a freshmen, PSGA had already decided to begin ramping up student seg. fees in order to fund this construction, and it is expected to be open in 2009.

In the meantime, the popular student hangout, known as the Den, and the cinema have been shut down. The arcade games and pool tables have been put in Whyllie Hall until everything opens up. SUFAC got to tour the construction this week, as you can probably tell by the pictures. (Aren’t the hard hats cute?)

It was so cool to see the huge changes that were already in place. We got to see where the ballroom, the radio station, and the grand staircase are going to be. The New Den looks like it will be so cool, even if we no longer have bowling lanes, (they were too expensive). Even though I will have graduated by the time the Union opens, I am still excited. It will be loved by generations to come, and I’m sure my generation will be coming back to visit all the time!

College: Where Tradition becomes Non-Traditional

2007-11-10T13:11:00.000-06:00

While working in advising, I have had a lot of students call who are worried about coming to college. It is not that they are intimidated 18 year-olds, they are coming back to school after taking some time off. They are worried that they won’t be able to cut it, that it’s been years since they’ve taken a math class. I ask them what they’ve been doing since high school. Whether it’s work or family, if you can handle doing either you’ve got the time management skills to balance a class schedule!

I only took a year off after high school, but during that year I learned valuable life lessons. I developed responsibility in paying my rent and bills, and established a hardworking mentality. I worked double shifts as a CNA and quickly learned the importance of an education. When I came to UW-Parkside, I was eager to learn and grow. I had respect for my professors and a respect for my education. Even though it is fairly common for students to take a year, or so, off before heading off to college, those students are still considered “non-traditional.”

As a non-traditional student, I won’t lie, I did find math very difficult. I had not had a math class for three years, and it hadn’t been my strongest subject to begin with. I was more than rusty; I was terrible! I had also never really had to study math very hard to pass in high school, and then I was content to struggle by with C’s. College was different. Now I care about my GPA, and understand the importance of good grades. I am finally finished with my math requirement at UW-Parkside, but it was not easy. It took a lot of studying and many visits to the tutoring center. I couldn’t have done it without Isaac, (who was the tutor I would most often turn to). The best part? The UW-Parkside tutoring center is totally free! (Amazing, right?)

I have enjoyed making friends in Parkside Adult Student Alliance, which is a student organization for non-trads like myself. I have really embraced my status as non-traditional student, so much so that I added another non-trad element to my lifestyle this year and got married! I had met Nicholas while working on The Ranger News, (UW-Parkside’s student newspaper), three years ago and have been dating for the past two years. It is challenging balancing school and work, let alone a husband and two kitty-babies, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world.

And I Thought College was Scary Before...

2007-11-03T13:04:00.000-05:00

I woke up Wednesday morning like any other morning ... with lots of coffee! Soon, however, I realized that it was not any average day of the week: it was Halloween! Instead of putting on the same boring old jeans, I got to open my closet and find something funky!

I didn't really have time to go to any costume parties this year, (why do schools celebrate holidays with semester exams?), so I hadn't masterminded any interesting persona. I took the easy way out, grabbed the funkiest dress I could find, and called myself a hippy.

The first thing I saw, after grabbing a Bacon Ranger from Whyllie Market, was this guy that looked like the puppet from the Saw movies, (can't wait to see #4!), and man, that was kind of creepy! He was ridding a little tricycle and everything! I made him stop and take my first Halloween picture of the day!

Throughout the day, while walking to class, I saw so many creative costumes. There were witches, (like my friend Stacy), Salor Moons, and a couple of former presidents roaming the halls. I saw V, from V for Vendetta, but I was so star-struck I forgot to get a picture.

I have no idea who the guys in the masks were, but the guy in the dinner jacket is a friend of mine from PAW (Parkside Association of Wargamers). He looks happy now, but you should see him after I beat him in Smash Brothers! (Oh ... slam!) There were people dressed up in class, but I didn't see any teachers getting in on the action.

Even so, there was an energy in the classroom that reminded me of high school. Usually, everyone is content to sit patiently and eager to learn. Even though we're too old for trick-or-treating, we still couldn't wait to get out of class and enjoy this holiday.

Let the Fall Take You by Surprise

2007-10-27T09:00:00.000-05:00

Every year, the fall takes me by surprise, however, it’s never hit me like it does at UW-Parkside. As soon as you drive in, trees surround you! I have even seen some people who will park in PETS, which is the state park right across Outer Loop Road, and walk to campus. I’m not that athletic … but I try to enjoy the scenery every chance I get.

I’m sure you’ve heard that our Student Union is being expanded, right? Well, before that started, UW-Parkside’s shuttle bus would drive around Inner Loop Road, bringing students to their desired locations. Now that the construction has partially closed Inner Loop, the shuttle, (sometimes referred to as the Pickle Bus because it used to be ALL Ranger Green), makes its course around Outer Loop Road. I love parking in Tallent and riding in a window seat of the shuttle, just so I can really enjoy the UW-Parkside view.

Though the woods are great, they can be rather distracting to drivers. I’m from Kenosha County, (Wilmot, what’s up?), so the occasional deer is no thing. Except, the deer here are pretty brave. If you’re leaving late at night, you might get the rare opportunity to stop you car dead in the road and watch a deer feeding in the parking lot for a good ten minutes!

But you have to stop! So many people at UW-P will go to and from their classes, barely stepping a foot outdoors. Now, I can understand when it’s winter, but during the fall is the best time to do it! The leaves are all turning, the deer and the chipmunks are rushing around in a search for those last meals before it frosts. The infamous UW-Parkside geese are here, making their last preparations for the long flight to Florida.

I try to walk outside every chance I get. Its almost November, can you believe it? Soon, there will be snow days and folks sledding and throwing snowballs by Ranger Hall, but not yet. There is still time to stop and take a minute to appreciate the world around us. At least before it gets too cold to enjoy anything!

Helping me Achieve my Dreams

2007-10-23T05:47:00.000-05:00

Hey, I’m Back!

I’m glad to see that the beautiful student bloggers are finally linked up! Now I’ll be checking in weekly for sure! Have you seen Ranger Bear’s blog? It looks really neat, and there are soooo many pictures! I know there’s a lot of competition out there, but I just want to let ya’ll know that I am totally Ranger Bear’s number one fan! (I think he’s just adorable!)

Anyway, did you guys know UW-Parkside was on channel four news last night? I was lucky enough to have attended last night’s speak out by Judy Shepard, mother of Mathew Shepard who was slain tragically in a Gay Hate Crime almost 10 years ago. All of the beautiful Rainbow kids were there, including myself, and it was truly one of the most inspirational and emotional experiences.

During my time with Rainbow we have been trying to get Judy Shepard at UW-Parkside for years, and it was not easy to forget the amount of people who have been so instrumental in bringing this event to campus. This is really the year that everyone has come together in UNITY, united as one UW-Parkside family. There were so many people there!

I missed Heroes, but it was worth it to see a real life Hero who has been such a driving force in the movement for LGBTQISA equality and acceptance. But I did get home in time to see it on the 10:00 news!

(Here is a link to that news story):

http://www.todaystmj4.com/news/local/10731096.html

Last week we celebrated National Coming Out Day, and I thought that was a moving experience! For both events, the room was packed! So many new faces have taken that brave step into coming out, and being true to themselves. That was a big part of Judy’s message: BE YOURSELF!

It’s part of the reason I love UW-Parkside and all of the amazing organizations we have on campus. There are so many ways to express who you are, to work on issues that you are passionate about!

But hey, I didn’t see Ranger Bear on the news last night.
Funny, he LOVES the camera! (Can’t get enough of it!)

Unity in Involvement

2007-09-23T20:57:00.000-05:00

Like many UW-P Students, I have come to love and look forward to the Involvement Fair, which is held once at the beginning of both fall and spring semester. It is a great opportunity for new students to meet other involved students, and learn about prospective organizations, clubs, sororities/fraternities, volunteer events, and other ways to become engaged students on campus.

But it is also a time for those current students to reunite with friends and colleagues of fellow UW-P organizations. Throughout the year we become busy with school and work schedules, and forget to zoom from our general focus to appreciate the diverse and fierce work being accomplished by our comrades.

The Involvement Fair is one event where not only a bunch, but nearly every student org can be found mixing and mingling in a shared space. It is one day where we all coordinate our schedules and come together to celebrate campus involvement. It’s not like the Student Leader Awards Dinner; it’s different. Our celebration on this day is not in retrospect of our accomplishments; it is a communal gathering of pride in our work.

We laboriously hand out informational packets, deliver pontifications of the purpose of our representational entities to new or unaware students, eat free cupcakes with advertisements drawn on with frosting, and take turns leaving our post to make the rounds. That’s my favorite part!

Every fair has a different theme, (this year was Pirates), so every year organizations come up with new and creative (often humorous) poster board displays for their org. People wear costumes, play music, and did I mention the free food and candy? It’s a giant party with one purpose in mind: strengthening the community of UW-Parkside through student participation and involvement.

I truly felt the P-Side unity as I watched my sorority sisters join other Greeks in the Unity Stroll. So many people of different cultures, ethnicities, races, genders, sexual orientations, religions, classes, majors, (etc!) coming together as brothers and sisters. It was a really neat day, and I think it got everyone excited for the new school year.

This year’s theme: True Unity!

Fellow Parksidians

2007-09-15T13:58:00.000-05:00

Aloha Parksidians!

I am still working to perfect the layout design of this page, and there are a few more elements I’d like to ad in and tweak up a bit. Nevertheless, I decided I would begin with a welcome.

Two years ago, a friend approached me, and in his greeting referred to me as his “fellow Parksidian.” I have always found this term intriguing, as it seems to unify not only our campus, but the surrounding communities as well.

Instead of viewing ourselves as Americans or international, flat-landers or cheeseheads, Milwaukians, Kenoshans, or even Racillans, commuters or residents, faculty or students, enrolled or community members, now we can unite under one identity.

Whether you attend UW-Parkside, or whether you just come to watch the soccer team, we are all Parksidians.

So, stay tuned and keep in touch. There’s a lot more to come!

Aloha!