For my GPS class, we had to address a problem and help fix it. The problem my class chose to address was hunger. Our goal was to help students who couldn’t afford food, get food. This was done through a food drive organized by our group. To get donations, we set up donation boxes around campus and spread the word. The donations we focused on were peanut butter, jelly, cereal, canned fruit, tuna, and mac & cheese, but we accepted any donations. After we got the donations, we donated them to the campus cupboard. I was not aware of the campus cupboard before the project and I learned about what it is for. Although I do know the struggle of not having money, I did not know that students were having a hard time affording necessary food on campus. I’m glad that I participated in this service project so that I could learn about the ways that I can help my fellow students on campus. The first obstacle we encountered was spreading the word. To overcome this, students in the class designed posters and posts were also made on a Facebook page. I also let my family know about the food drive. In the end, we received lots of our focused donations. In the commons alone we received 5 jars of peanut butter, 4 jars of jam, 6 cans of tuna, 2 boxes of mac & cheese as well as assorted canned fruits and cereals as well as many other foods. From the other locations we received food as well as other goods like a pot, a cup, boxes of coffee, and health items such as napkins and toilet paper. Another obstacle that we encountered was finding places to set up the donation boxes. We found a couple of places in the union and in the dorm halls. We had people who lived their monitor the boxes so we could collect the goods. I learned that it doesn’t take a lot to make a difference. Even though it was a class effort to organize it all, the results were from individual students donating. This project also helped me grow as a person by teaching me about being a leader. I enjoyed help lead the group towards decisions and help organize thoughts. I plan on using what I learned through this project to continue to make a difference in the community. This project also benefits the environment by not wasting goods. A lot of donations can come from students leaving at the end of the semester who still had food they bought and did not eat. It’s a good way to help both the community and the world. I plan on donating food to the campus cupboard in the coming years to help students who aren’t as fortunate. I will also be sure to let my friends know about the campus cupboard so they can donate their goods as well. I also hope to find other ways to continue giving to the community.
My first year of college was very stressful. I knew it was going to be a lot of work and even with that in mind, I still wasn’t fully prepared. I’m very proud of my grades and GPA. I worked very hard to keep my academics high through all the stress and I believe I did a good job. I spent a lot of time on my assignments and studying. I hope that I can continue to keep my grades up next year. I plan to continue to work hard and keep focusing on my studies. I also am proud that I was able to feel more confident on my major. When I first came to the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, I said that I wanted my major to be Human Biology, but I wasn’t sure why. I have decided that I would like to continue with this major because through it I will be able to have a career that will help people and the planet. Next year I hope to continue in this direction, but if my major changes again I know that it’ll be for the best. I am also proud of the friends I have made this year. I know that we will always be there to support each other and a friendship like that is something to be proud of. Lastly, I’m proud of being my own person. I focused on my schoolwork and stayed true to myself. I learned from my mistakes and keep looking forward. Next year I will continue to stay true to myself next year and keep moving forward. Looking back on my first year, there is a couple of things that I would’ve done differently. I wish I would’ve been more outgoing and met more people. I am very thankful for the amazing friends that I do have, but it would’ve been nice to meet more of my class. Another thing I would’ve done differently would’ve been to do more events on campus instead of staying in my dorm all day. The events I went to were very fun and I wish I would’ve attended more. Lastly, I wish I would’ve been more involved in clubs on campus. I was in the pep band this year, but did not attend a lot of games. Looking back, I wish I would’ve taken a break from my busy life to play some music with the band instead of working. If a friend of mine was coming to UWGB next year, my advice for them would be to be open to trying new things. College is a time about exploring and finding out more about yourself and the world around you. It’s a very stressful time in a person’s life so always be open to asking for help. There are always people around to help you get through the stress of college. Don’t stress over one bad grade, it is just letting you know that it’s time to switch up the studying and spend more time with that subject. College is going to be hard, but it can also be very fun. College doesn’t last forever so try your best and enjoy the ride!