Jordana Castelli – Campus Correspondent
Despite The Daily Campus being my one true love, there’s a couple other things I’m involved in on campus. Last spring I took a leap of faith and applied to become an FYE Mentor. First Year Experience is a program intended to help freshmen students transition into college, through a mentor-mentee system. Every Tuesday from 2 to 3:15 p.m. I help instruct a UNIV course to a few freshmen English majors alongside Inda Watrous, their instructor. I can’t even begin to explain how much joy this hour brings to my week. I love being able to answer their questions or give advice on how to solve their struggles. Knowing how much of an amazing impact my mentor had on me, I can only hope to do the same for them. I strongly believe that the FYE program provides the breath of fresh air that incoming students need during their first semester. When everything is so new and exciting, it can also be overwhelming. Our mission is to be that break during their week where they can sit back, learn about the tools UConn has to offer them, and discuss amongst each other. Other than being a great resource to the freshmen, FYE has introduced me to so many new friends that I would never have met otherwise. Every week I leave class feeling more and more inspired to help others and continually bring kindness into this world.
Melissa Scrivani – Associate Life Editor
The Daily Campus was the first organization I joined my freshman year, and while it has a special place in my heart, it isn’t the only thing I’m involved with on campus. Volunteering and helping others has always been one of my greatest passions. One of the best decisions I’ve made during my time at UConn was getting involved with HuskyTHON – an annual 18-hour dance marathon that benefits Connecticut Children’s Medical Center in Hartford. Different organizations create a team and then individuals can join their organization’s team and begin raising money. I joined my sorority’s team last year knowing that it was for a great cause, but I was nervous about standing and staying awake for 18 hours straight. I raised money all year and before I knew it February had arrived, which is the month of the actual event. As soon as I stepped foot into the Fieldhouse I felt an energy and excitement that didn’t waver at any point throughout the night. Everyone comes together for one night (and year round as we fundraise) to show our support for the kids. We dance, cry, laugh and have an amazing time. Children from the hospital come to the event to share their stories and their positivity, bravery and strength is unmatchable. For 18 hours, we all dance for those who can’t. Knowing that the entire campus comes together for such a good cause so amazing, and I truly think it’s one of the best things UConn has to offer.
Meghan Shaw – Campus Correspondent
Since I was six years old, playing hockey has been a huge part of my life. It was through town leagues and summer programs that I made some of my closest friends and best memories. Out of the many clubs and organizations available here, hockey was the first one that I looked into joining, before I found out about the Daily Campus. I was thrilled to be a part of the team, and it has been one of my favorite on-campus activities. As a generally unathletic person, playing hockey has been my primary source of exercise. I am incredibly grateful for this, especially since during the season I can go up a flight or two of stairs without wheezing. Practices and games give me a way to work on endurance, strength and balance without traditional exercise like lifting weights and running on a treadmill (which I find incredibly boring). Not only has playing club hockey given be fitness benefits, but I have also had the opportunity to be a part of a new team. Just as fun as practices and games are the car rides and team activities. A three-hour drive to another school isn’t something I would usually look forward to, but spending time with the rest of my team turns a long car ride into one of the best parts of playing hockey. From fitness benefits to getting to make new friends, being a part of the club hockey team has definitely improved by experience at UConn.
Hollie Lao – Staff Writer
Hi, yes, a member from USG, a.k.a. Undergraduate Student Government, here. Whenever I’m rushing out of the dorm or coming home late, my friends can correctly assume it’s because I’m either writing an article for the DC or doing something for USG. Despite popular opinion, USG is not SUBOG. I think what’s awesome about USG (besides that I’m in it), is that there are so many opportunities and there are plenty of ways to get involved that offer different levels of commitment. I first got involved in the Student Services committee, which is one of USG’s four committees in which you can just show up and become a voting member after just two meetings. We deal with issues like student health and wellness, transportation, sustainability and dining, so it’s cool to make an impact and try to make a change on issues that a lot of students talk about. I also serve as a CLAS Senator, which is more commitment with three-hour long Senates, but convening with such a high-powered, diversally minded group of peers has developed, and continues to develop, me into the leader I am today. Just like how I view my membership in the DC, the people are what make the org – I wouldn’t enjoy being a part of either nearly as much without the friends I’ve made and people I’ve worked with. One of the coolest opportunities I was given was being able to travel to Houston last spring for a conference with other collegiate student governments from across the country, and that was such an amazing and enriching experience. Now, along with being a senator, I also serve as Vice Chair of the Student Services and Parliamentarian of the Senate, so I’m sure if you come to me with any concerns, I can find some way to help you.
Photos provided by authors / The Daily Campus
The Daily Campus Life Section – Can be reached at life@dailycampus.com
