Community Service

Posted on June 24, 2018
by Kevin Mercado

There are plenty of ways to be a part of the Oswego community! Living in Johnson Hall prepared me to be involved on campus. Ever since freshmen year, I have tried to make an impact on the community. Below, you will find a list of opportunities to get you involved!

Permaculture (between Lee Hall and Shineman) –

I volunteered for the permaculture on campus. A campus environmental development community service opportunity, created and led by Grace Maxon—in which we were given the opportunity to harvest a fruits and vegetable garden. This event was a hard but rewarding experience. We had to dig, fertilize, and plant to make this happen.

Alternative Spring Break (Habitat for Humanity)-

SUNY Oswego Habitat for Humanity offers volunteer opportunity during winter, spring, and summer breaks. There are numerous locations and different reasonings you go where you go. You are given the opportunity to choose the location with a small fee which covers food, gas, and housing. Some locations range year to year. This summer there was one for Puerto Rico. When I went, I went to Iowa to build a home for a well deserving family. We were only there for a few days during Spring break, but we were able to create all the walls, demolish the old home, and learned to use power tools. Within those five days, we were able to explore different states since it took 18 hours to drive there from Oswego. On the trip, I was able to go to Chicago for the first time and eat real deep dish pizza at the famous “UNO” restaurant.

Red Carpet Crew-

The Red carpet crew is a service that allows upperclassmen to assist resident halls to move in incoming students or returning students. The first day back to school is usually a hectic one, which is why this is such a great opportunity to relieve stress for students, families, and staff. Most students do this because they are able to come back to campus a few days earlier to have everything settled before everyone else comes to campus, while also providing great service to campus.

Mentor Oswego-

Mentor Oswego is a program where college students go to a middle or high school in the Oswego community. Here you are able to reach out to the youth and talk about your experience and answer any questions they may have. When I did it, my job was to get to know a group of students who were having attendance issues and figure out ways to ensure 100% attendance. As a group, we played games, ate lunch, and talked about ourselves and our future aspirations. It was very enjoyable getting to know the kids from the community and build relationships with others.

Overall, I was happy to help and loved the experience of meeting new people. These are just a few community service opportunities available. There are much more and there can never be enough help!

Life as an EOP student

Posted on June 2, 2018
by Kevin Mercado

My fellow readers, it’s great to be back! Just a heads up I will be posting my blog every week so keep an eye out.

To begin, for those who aren’t aware of what the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) stands for: its an organization whose purpose is “to fulfill New York state’s commitment to provide access to higher education for historically underrepresented students who possess the potential to succeed in college, but whose academic preparation in high school has not fully prepared them to pursue college education successfully.” Additionally, in private universities, the Educational Opportunity Program is recognized as HEOP, and SEEK in CUNY schools. Professionals say that it is good to have diversity in the workplace because people can relate to others and think outside the box.

The EOP program provides students with additional financial assistance. In fact, despite the financial stress, EOP students have higher graduation rate than admitted students and become successful.

I am an EOP student from the class of 2014. My experience has been amazing at Oswego and before coming here, as an EOP student, we are given the opportunity to come for a month. During this month you get the chance to live on campus and experience the life of a college student. First, you will meet your peers and live in one of the residence halls. Many of the students are from different parts of New York so you meet people from a similar but different background. Which is great, since you meet people before you begin your first semester freshman year, causing it to be less overwhelming. Second, your classes will mostly consist of English and math in order to help transition high school students to the college life. Lastly, you will be assigned to an individual Academic Planning Counselor (APC) but you can go to whomever you feel comfortable with.

In addition, there will be peer leaders to guide you which are upperclassmen that inform you about Oswego and their experience. The peer leaders spend a lot of time creating activities so that you can bond with each other. I know this because I was a peer leader for the class of 2015. After my freshmen year, I wanted to gain those experiences I lost because I was not involved in my EOP class. Which is why I wanted to become a peer leader. It was a channeling experience but I recommend that everyone should apply even if you are not an EOP student. It is an opportunity to build leadership qualities and something to put on your resume.

Moreover, if given the opportunity to do it again, I would be more social and attend group activities. I was lucky enough to find true friends which is why I did not do much, but I suggest talking to everyone. You can never have too many friends and sometimes your freshmen year friends will not be the same friends you leave with. You will be assigned to an individual Academic Planning Counselor (APC) but you can go to whomever you feel comfortable with.

A goal I suggest as EOP students are to be a part of the Chi Alpha Epsilon National Honor Society. I am a part of this and I have been a member since Spring 2016. To get into this honor society you must first maintain a 3.0 GPA for three consecutive semesters. Then you would be invited to be inducted as a member. It is an honor because not many EOP students are in it but I suggest to start off your freshmen year strong. Have a mindset of not going lower than a 3.o because freshmen year really does affect your whole college GPA. I mean I did not have a 4.0 at the end of my freshmen year but if you have that mindset you can reach close to it. There is plenty of great staff in EOP who are very friendly and there to support you.

Overall, what should you take away from this? Aim high because you were chosen to be in EOP. Do not be ashamed to admit your EOP because there are students who actually wish they were. Take advantage of all opportunities because you do not know where it will take you. Be an active student but remember that school always comes first. Make time for school and then everything will fall into place. Remember to be yourself because college is to grow as a person, not become someone new. At the end of your journey, you’re here to graduate so do not let anyone stop you!

Vulnerability and strength come together for ‘Not Someone Like Me’

Posted on April 27, 2018
by Kristen Beyer

Shana clicks off her phone and greets me as I pull up a chair. We’ve intended to have a lunch date, but as fate would have it we aren’t huge fans of the menu that day. Shana Weiss is a sophomore education student here at Oswego, and we’ve met today to discuss her upcoming role in a staged reading of “Not Someone Like Me” directed by Mya Brown, a professor at the college.

The show is structured as a series of monologues about survivors of trauma and assault within a group therapy session. The play, written by Susan Rice, features survivors of varying ages and backgrounds. Weiss plays Pam, a woman from a lower-middle class background whose mother’s dream for her is to pursue her education, but this dream gets harder after she is assaulted. Shana is no stranger to staged readings; she participated in one for a senior’s capstone last year called the Laramie Project, a show about the bullying and subsequent murder of a young gay man. “It’s different because I’ve never had this intimate of a look into someone else’s life. Laramie was intense, but this takes it to another level.”

The cast of five went through auditions in mid-March, got casted, and went straight to work. Weiss notes that this is a quick turnaround even in theatre, but also mentions that the cast got to spend two hours of alone time with the director, Brown, to develop their characters. “It’s been a very insightful experience. I’ve worked with a lot of different directors and directing styles, and it’s very important to her that you have a very good background on the character. It’s very important that you have a feeling with the character. She very much knows what she wants out of you and has this way of drawing it out of you without feeling like she’s controlling what you do as an actor. It’s very nice.”

In the wake of #MeToo, a national online movement where people who have experienced being sexually assaulted and harassed have shared their stories, this show that was originally selected in the spring of 2017 seems more timely than ever, and that isn’t something that has escaped Shana’s mind. “I feel like it lines up very well with the timing of the #MeToo movement. I feel that it’s very important that we’re having this show, especially around a time where when there’s all these allegations coming out, where there are all these issues… It was talked about before, but now its started to really pick up.”

Event co-sponsors include Artswego and It’s On Oz, an organization dedicated to the education and prevention of sexual and interpersonal violence. According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, one in five women and one in 16 men are sexually assaulted while in college. These statistics are alarming and bring up the issue that inspired an Academy Award nominated film The Hunting Ground. However, this show encompasses an array of experiences, and the production provides resources within their programs for anyone who may need to seek help. It is noted that the “detailed, vivid imagery” within the script that helped prepare Weiss for her portrayal may affect audience members sensitive to this type of content.

The event will take place in the Sheldon Ballroom on April 30th at 7:00 P.M. When prodded as to why people should come, Shana answers earnestly. “It is so important as to what is going on even though some of these stories have taken place 50-60 years ago. The fact that it’s still relevant and it’s still happening is why you should come see this show.”

SUNY Oswego Bucket List!

Posted on April 6, 2018
by Camry Liddle

With graduation being just a month away, my senior self is feeling very nostalgic about letting all of Oswego, go. With that being said, I have brainstormed a few ideas for seniors to do before we put on our caps and gowns in a few weeks. Here is my SUNY Oswego Bucket List!

One last meal in the dining hall.
Take a selfie with Sheldon!
Stop by Cooper Creamery, they have the best flavors.
Have a campfire by the lake.
Go to the final Chicken Patty Day.
Go to Old City for $1 Taco night.
Plan a flat rock day.
Get one last panini at Mackin!
Bowling at Lighthouse Lanes.
Visit the Bluffs.
Have a picnic at Breitbeck Park.
Get a burger from Dino’s.
Take the polar plunge into Lake Ontario.
Try and walk through campus with an umbrella during a rainstorm without it going inside out.
Visit the school store to stock up on Oswego Alumni gear!
One last ice cream cone from Bev’s.
Get chicken tenders and french fries from Crossroads with the best honey mustard on the planet.
last free skate.
Go to the dining hall on Broccoli Cheddar soup day.
One last trip to Hibachi.
Visit your first Freshman year dorm.
Get your favorite Fans smoothie.
Thank your favorite professors.
Let the smokestacks guide you home for the last time.
Stock up on Crossroads cookies.
The final all-nighter in the library during finals week.
Walk all the way from West Campus to Shineman and figure out how the heck you got to class on time in the morning.
Do circles in Lanigan because we are seniors and still probably get lost in there.
Grab lunch at Rudy’s and sit out by the lake in the sunshine.
Go to the senior nights of all the sports teams to see your friends play one last time at Laker.
Use up all your dining dollars.
Walk out to the lighthouse.
Find out what a Laker is.
One last movie in the amazing Oswego Cinema Theatre with the reclining comfy chairs.
Last but not least, take a picture in front of the Oswego sign in your cap and gown. (tears)

To all my fellow seniors, I hope that some of these ideas will get you guys out and about. We do not have too many days left here in Oswego. Let’s make the best of our last month!

How to Perfect your Staycation

Posted on March 10, 2018
by Kristen Beyer

The sun and the sand of St. Lucia sound amazing, but that’s not always realistic for a broke college kid. If you’re spending spring break (or any vacation in your house), I have a few pieces of advice to make it one of your best.

Sleep

Staycations are the perfect time to catch up on the sleep you missed for studying for midterms. If you’re at home, you don’t have to feel guilty about wasting any time you could be spending sightseeing or tanning.

2. Organize

If you’ve been letting your planner get messy or you’re pushing 587+ emails in your inbox, it’s a great time to hunker down and sort it all out. Getting prepped for the second half of the semester will make your life go a little more smoothly.

3. Do your hobby

If you’ve got a camera, a pair of skis, a computer, or whatever you like, pick it up and do it! Hobbies can be harder to execute while you’re at college because there is so much else on the docket. I’m planning on baking while I’m home!

4. Binge a new show

If you’re like me, you hate picking up a new show during a super busy time like right before big tests. A staycation is the perfect time to catch up on a show all of your friends have been talking about. Plus you have enough time to watch 2 (or 7) episodes in one day.

5. Relax

It’s spring break! The word break is in there for a reason, so at the end of the day, just relax and do what you want. You can treat yourself to a meal, new headphones, a little RnR, anything you want.

Don’t let envy take over! Your staycation can be just as beneficial as a trip to an exotic locale (and can be easier on the wallet). If you really can’t stand it, turn up the heat in your apartment and post a picture from the internet to your Instagram (kidding!). Have a happy and restful spring break!

Adjusting Back

Posted on February 9, 2018
by Kristen Beyer

I’m not afraid to say it; I miss being across the pond. By placing yourself in a foreign country, trying to build up contacts and a support network while cooking and doing other things for yourself, you change. It’s inevitable when you go off to see the beauty and the people that the world has to offer. You get pretty comfortable with introspection–and Citymapper for that matter. How can you not? You are undergoing so much personal growth and learning.

What’s the point I’m trying to get at? It’s easy to forget that being back is an adjustment. Yet another lifestyle change, and yes, you can get culture shock being back home. My first day back someone asked me what kind of tea I wanted. I said Earl Grey and she said “No, I meant hot or cold.” After being picked on by my fellow diners, I realized fairly quickly that I wouldn’t slip back into things as easily as I thought.

The college lifestyle is different back here, too. Classes are different and how students interact with each other is different. I think the key word in these phrases is different. Not better or worse, just different. That’s a really big takeaway from being exposed to new cultures that people don’t necessarily take the time to think about. It’s a concept that was mentioned in a communication class I had previously taken, and I always thought I had grasped it, but I truly understood it after my experience.

One thing to be really grateful for is my friends and family. I don’t think I’ve ever had better hugs in my life than those I received when I saw people for the first time in months. They are also what I missed the most, even more than Kraft mac and cheese or American peanut butter. They are what make the adjustment back so worth it.

All Things Lakers Have To Be Thankful For This Time of Year

Posted on November 20, 2017
by Camry Liddle

The Lake

Obviously….hello Lakers! But really, watching the incredible ice sheets form and crack throughout the winter is pretty fascinating.

Hockey…GO LAKERS!

Hockey season is BACK! Grab a few of your friends and roomies and go to a couple games! They are what our school is known for and what this time of year is all about! A great way to get riled up with all of the Oswego student body is to come cheer on our Lakers in our beautiful hockey arena!

The SUNY Oswego App

The SUNY Oswego App is ammmmaaazzzinngggg. And it is so conveniently located on your phone! The app holds your class schedule, gives you weather updates, lets you know what each dining hall is serving, and more!

FANS Smoothies

If you haven’t been to FANS this semester I highly suggest getting there ASAP! Although it is cold out, their smoothies are so refreshing! If you’re sick of coffee head on down to FANS, located in Marano Campus Center. Also, try their amazing cupcakes!

The Ontario Bagel Shop

Get to class late and skip breakfast? No big deal, go grab a bagel at the Ontario Bagel Shop located in Lanigan Hall!

Oswego State Hoodies – Campus Store

It’s hoodie season! My favorite season. Bundle up in some of our college apparel! There is quite the selection at the College Store located in the middle of campus in Marano Campus Center. The store has sales and deals all the time and everyone looks great in green and gold!

The Geese Migrating

Aren’t we all happy about this? Yeah, they’re cute and all…but…they’re everywhere and so is their poop! Not to mention the squawking at 6 AM each morning. Ya, bye geese, see ya in the Spring!

The Gym

Our school has two gyms available on campus, Cooper, and Glimmerglass. Heading to the gym is a perfect way to work off your stress.

Chicken Patty Day

Of course. The excitement in the air on Campus is real every Chicken Patty Day.

The Cooper Creamery

Cooper’s own little ice cream shop with every topping you can think of! Also, some great flavors, try them all!

Lakeside Dining Hall Chinese Food

Pretty much as good as any Chinese food I have ever tasted. Available every weekday in the Lakeside Dining Hall.

Really Any of Our Dining Halls

We have some really good food here and you will miss it so much when you no longer live on campus. Finding friends with guest swipes is necessary.

Kitchenettes – Located in Each of Our Dorm Buildings

No matter where you live, East or West Campus, Riggs, Johnson, Waterbury, Scales, or Onondaga, each of our dorm building are equipt with kitchenettes. Great for the Holiday baking season!

Facebook SUNY Oswego Accepted Students Page

Where we met and future students will meet new friends and roommates!

Heat in the Dorms

And boy do they crank it up! It is amazing coming in from a blizzard in the Oswego Tundra.

Long Jackets With Big Hoods

As I said before, the Oswego Tundra. The wind is crazy here people. Do not forget to bring back your winter jackets!

Boots

Oswego Tundra…need I say more.

Headphones

Whether you are walking to class or studying in the library, headphones in – world out.

Crossroads Eatery

Looking for a quick bite to eat at any time of day? Crossroads is the place for you! Great breakfast sandwiches and lunches. Great prices – plus – they accept dining dollars! They also carry chicken patties every day! Try one of their cookies, delicious.

GET Food

GET Food is a new way to order food for delivery from Domino’s Pizza, Oswego Sub Shop or Wonzone Calzones. Take the time to create a GET Food account and download the app so you will be ready to start placing orders! This service allows students to use dining dollars to order!

The Blue Route

Getting us from Onondaga to Shineman every day, all day. Amazing in the winter, you do NOT want to miss the bus!

Oswego’s Snow Removal Team

Whoever these people are we thank you so much. Every snowy day, every snowstorm, every time we think our cars won’t survive out in the Daga Parking lot, thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!

The Compass

Helps a lot with job searching, resumes, and cover letters.

The Center for Experiential Learning

Internships, internships, INTERNSHIPS!

The Writing Center

So helpful when submitting final papers to have an extra eye correct it for you.

The Tutoring Center

Sometimes you just need a little bit of one on one extra help and we are so grateful we have this service available to us.

The Library

Finals….Midterms…Papers…the library offers you a sanctuary to do all types of work. The library is a great place and a lot of students find it to be their second home.

The 24-Hour Room

Believe it or not, a lot of us are procrastinators and wait until the very last minute to do anything. Also finals week, it is PACKED!

Starbucks in the Library

Because we need it.

Hot French Vanilla Cappuccino in Shinemans Fusion Cafe

Very specific, I know, go try it. I promise you won’t be disappointed!

Family and Friends Weekend

Posted on October 18, 2017
by Morgan Rowe

Hi Everyone! Family and friends weekend is just around the corner (October 20, 21 and 22), and for many of us this will be the first time we are seeing our families since leaving them in August. If the long awaited arrival of your friends and family has you jumping for joy, then here are a few things for you to do over the weekend to ensure everyone has a good time!

Friday, October 20

1. Rice Creek Tours! This will be taking place from 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at Rice Creek Field Station on Thompson Road. Come out and visit the new facility.

2. Go to open skate from 11:30 a.m.- 1:30 p.m. in Marano Campus Center! Admission is free with an Oswego student ID and skate rental is $3.

3. Splash-In Movie! Bring your bathing suit and enjoy the movie Moana while swimming in the pool located in Lee Hall at 7 p.m. Admission is free!

4. The Theatre Department Presents: “Clybourne Park” Bring your family and friends over to Tyler Hall for the showing of this play. The show starts at 7:30, admission to the public is $15 and student admission is $7. Don’t miss out on this awesome show!

Saturday, October 21

1. Head over to the Mini Carnival! It is located in Swetman Gym in Marano Campus Center from 1-3 p.m. This event is free for students! Come out and enjoy food, fun and games with your friends and family.

2. Love astronomy? You’re in luck! There will be a planetarium show at 2 p.m. in Shineman Center. Seating is limited, call the box office to reserve your tickets now! (315-312-3073) (UPDATE: This is sold out.)

3. Haven’t taken a photo together in a while? Enjoy a complimentary family photo from 2:30-3:30 in Marano Campus Center room 151! This will be a great way to remember the weekend.

4. Men’s Soccer vs. SUNY Cortland. If you and your family love sports, this would be a great way to enjoy a fall Saturday afternoon. The game starts at 4 p.m. on the Laker turf. Don’t miss out!

Last but not least…bring your family and friends to the lake! Oswego is home to one of the most beautiful lakes in Upstate New York, and the best sunsets! Don’t let your friends and family miss out on this awesome experience.

For more events taking place this weekend, visit www.oswego.edu/campus-life/schedule!! Enjoy the weekend everyone!

10/18 Fall Career Fair

Posted on October 17, 2017
by Ye Jin Lee

Hello~ How is your semester going so far?

Today, i want to introduce the job fair for SUNY Oswego students that takes place 10/18 4-6pm at Marano Campus Center Gymnasium.

I highly recommended to juniors and seniors who are looking for internships and jobs. Freshmen and Sophomore also can participate and build your networks with about 70 companies.

If you want to participate, here are things you can do before:

Prepare your resume!
- Check the lists of companies and bring enough copies of your resumes to give employers.
Business professional wears!
- Be professional! First Impression!

Elevator pitch!
- Think about how you can introduce yourself for 30 seconds to employers. What is your strength? Fun fact? Related Experiences?

If you need additional information about the job fair, https://www.oswego.edu/career-services/spring-career-fair-2016-students

Here is the link that you can check the list of companies. I hope to see you all!

Navigate your future

Posted on October 3, 2017
by Ye Jin Lee

Hello! This is Kelly.

In this semester, i started new internship in Compass Resource center as an ‘Navigator.’ Navigators are interns who works with students to build their experiences for future careers.

It has been a month at the Compass and i met and communicated with lots of students. Since i just started my internship in here, i am still learning and improving by helping more and more students. I am glad that i can help someone who are passionate about their majors and willing to find some opportunities. They always encourage me to challenge myself.

What navigators do?

Help students who don’t have major yet or want to change their major
Help students to create and critique their resumes and cover letters
Help students to find opportunities related to their future careers
Help students to find graduate program

https://www.oswego.edu/career-services

Here is the website for Career Services Center. If you have student account they also have lots of online resources that you can use for free. If you have some questions while you are using those online resources, you can always come and ask us for help.

Compass Resources Center opens from 10am-4:30pm Mon-Fri, it is located in MCC145.