Some of the biggest challenges for any new student at a new school are stepping out of their comfort zone, meeting new people, and making friends. Whether entering college for the first time or transferring from another university, it’s often challenging to find out where you really belong or feel at home. In response to these challenges, Stockton hosted the annual SPACES Reception, where new students can meet people, make connections, and find groups that share their interests and identities.

At the entrance, students were given a colored sticker and two affirmation stickers for the event. In the activity, the guests had to find someone with the same color sticker, then someone with a different color sticker, and exchange positive affirmations with them. The activity encouraged the new Ospreys to step out of their regular friend groups and meet someone completely new. Many staff, including President Joe Bertolino, introduced themselves and gave inspiring speeches to the guests, reaffirming the SPACES motto: Be. Believe. Belong.

This was the first SPACES meeting for many new staff members as well as freshman and transfer students, allowing them to connect with the Ospreys and get to know the school. This was especially true for the president, whose mother is an alumna of Stockton, giving him a strong connection to the school. Bertolino even informed the students involved in clubs and organizations to email him if they ever wanted him to make an appearance at their events and/or meetings. After the activities and speeches, students were able to grab some free food, which included samosas, pernil, and mac and cheese.

Dr. Ian Bouie also spoke at the meeting. He is a newer staff member who is now the Director of Academic Achievement Programs. “This being my first SPACES is really exciting. You can see a lot of diversity in the room,” Bouie stated. “It’s beautiful when everybody comes together at Stockton. I think it’s one of the distinct traits of this school – how accessible and inclusive everyone is. I saw a lot of familiar faces and got to meet some new ones. I’m looking forward to next year’s SPACES.”

The Argo had the chance to talk to many new students, who shared their current experiences at Stockton. Jasmine Lozano, a freshman studying Criminal Justice, liked her first SPACES event very much. She felt that it was “very nice, made me feel very included […] I met a lot of cool, different people here, and I was able to network more than if I hadn’t attended the event.” Another freshman, Ka’llure Standard, also stated, “After attending this event, I feel more welcomed and more safe because I see people who are similar to me. I really like it here.” She loved Stockton’s friendly nature and found it easier to make friends and get comfortable during her first week at the school.

Many returning students also attended the SPACES event. Three of them expressed that this year’s SPACES had improved greatly since last year’s, feeling more connected to the attendees around them. Sophomore Daniel Quiñonez felt that SPACES “is very vibrant in the room that it’s in currently. Last year, we were in the Campus Center, and the vibe was kind of off. It feels way better now […] I like the fact that we’re more put together, even though there’s not a lot of room, we’re able to meet new people because we’re all closer together than before. It was more spread out last year.” Edwin Feria-Serna, the secretary of LLU (Los Latinos Unidos), loved the energy of the event. “You feel really wanted here and loved,” he commented. He was confident he could be himself and connect with others sharing his culture and background.

Jeff Wakeman, Director of Student Development, shared their feelings about SPACES’ improvement. “I thought the speeches this year were really good,” he said. “It was great to see a little more of the support areas. In the past, people were excited to see you and Be. Believe. Belong, but this year, hearing from the president, the Director of Academic Support, and faculty, I thought it was a great mix of speakers. The best part is the welcoming area in the Multicultural Center, to have a place that feels like home; that’s a great improvement.”

For more ways to connect with Ospreys, President Joe Bertolino will be hosting an Ice Cream Social in the D/F Wing Plaza on Tuesday, September 12, at 3:00 p.m. If you want to get started on joining clubs and organizations, check OspreyHub for upcoming events and meetings, and come out to the Get Involved Fair on September 19 and 20.