Preparing for Success in Your Upcoming Finals

by Yazan Alkharabsheh

As we are approaching the end of the semester and face an incoming wave of

final exams, I saw this as a perfect opportunity to motivate and give advice for success. 

Experiencing difficulty as a student in inevitable. However, experiencing difficulty should not be interpreted as something that will inherently limit success. It is natural for any student to be worried when making a great effort to prepare for exams. This fear is normal, provided it does not become so frustrating that it affects test taking ability. 

To enhance your ability to study and navigate future tasks, try to go to sleep early the day before each exam. Medical research confirms that late night studying reduces 30% of a student’s learning rate, especially after 11:00 p.m. Lack of sleep reduces the ability to think and work the next morning. ‏The body needs at least six to eight hours of sleep each night. Students should prioritize going to bed earlier and waking around sunrise. Waking up early to study is essential since the brain is most productive and capable of absorbing information at that time. Additionally, it is important to eat light and healthy meals consisting of mainly vegetables and fresh fruits. While studying, refrain from the habit of sitting in a chair with feat raised, or stretching out comfortably in bed. This may lower your capacity to study. Instead, sit in front of a desk with your feet fixed on the ground. Most importantly, keep away from over using any substances such as coffee to increase hours of vigilance. After extended periods of use, substances of this kind reduce concentration during studying and exam taking. Lastly, effective study habits include readings notes and lectures carefully, summarizing readings, and making study guides and visual aids. 

Remember, failure to achieve a certain grade in the past is not the end of the world. There is always an opportunity to learn from failure. Learn from past failure to improve as students, do the best you could possibly do, and achieve your goals. Life is like a glass of water: it can be half full or half empty. Our job is to use our experiences to fill that empty half of the glass with new successes.

I am confident that UMSL Ambassadors are able to accomplish any task if they put their minds to it. The fact that you are all UMSL Ambassadors means that you are successful students who are capable of great accomplishments. I truly believe that you will all do great. So, work hard and fill that empty half of the glass to the brim.

Happy Thanksgiving!

by Sajah Alkharabsheh

Happy Thanksgiving! 

Although not everybody celebrates the traditional Thanksgiving, it’s always good to remember to be thankful for what we have. I myself am very thankful. Being able to grow so much as a person and a student this year has been a wonderful achievement.

This week is also the beginning of a break that many students long for across the nation. After months of hard work, it's wonderful when we get to lay back and relax (or at least not worry about school every minute). Some students are going out of town while others are working or even binge watching Friends. Other students might also be studying ahead of time for finals.  

This is a great time of year for family and friends to gather. The time when everyone sits around a big table with the most scrumptious food that leaves us in a state commonly known as a "food coma". For this one week in November, our families will reunite to spend a day together whilst also being thankful for everything we have in life. After dinner, we all sit around reminiscing on old memories and making plans for the future. 
Be sure to stay safe over this coming week because many people love and care about you. Enjoy your time with your loved ones and have a Happy Thanksgiving!

P.S. HAPPY BLACK FRIDAY SHOPPING!!!

Coming to UMSL: A Story of an International UMSL Ambassador

By Prachi Talwar

Being a thousand miles away from home, a place which shaped my soul inside out has been the most challenging part of my journey at University of Missouri–St. Louis (UMSL). This is best understood by my fellow international students. My journey from India to the United States as a student has been a rollercoaster ride that has made me into a more adventurous and responsible person.

Being an international student brings new challenges every day. From language to culture, everything requires my utmost attention. I still remember my first day of college, where I had to find my way around campus as well as having to attend orientation. Like most international students I socialized with students with whom I share the same origins. But as time passed I was able to befriend a group of students who were a mix of locals and other international students from other countries.

Since starting school here I have been participating in school organizations and leadership programs. UMSL Ambassadors is one of them. It has provided me with an opportunity to meet many student leaders with rich backgrounds and ambitions. However, the Ambassadors program helps people meet with more than just students. It opens the door to networking with professors, the chancellor and others in the campus community.

Through my experience with the program and UMSL, my approach towards life has come to be more diversified and unique. The monthly meetings and the icebreakers that are played at the beginning of each meeting has helped ease the transition to the new American lifestyle. We were lead into projects which promoted team work.

UMSL has a diversified range of cultures and cultural events and being able to share a part of each other’s culture and traditions not only bonded us more to each other but also broadened our perspective of the world around us.

As months passed by, my anxiety of being away from home had started to wash away with the flow of time. The constant support of our professors in every aspect of my day to day life is always a stress buster in my struggle as an international student.

Over the first year of my college experience, connecting with people from all around the world has not only shaped my conduct but also made me a better student and person. The UMSL Ambassador program has taught me to be an independent and a hardworking learner. It has shaped my instincts while providing me an insight into my potential and aspirations, unlocking my capabilities to socialize and learn something from everything I experience. Further, helping me to grow with focus and zeal. Over the time I have spent at the university overcoming all my personal barriers, it is my heartfelt gratitude now quoting “My UMSL, My Home”.

Why Choose UMSL?

By Michaela Browne

What type of people choose UMSL? Motivated people choose UMSL. Diverse people choose UMSL. Successful people choose UMSL. Ambitious people choose UMSL. Most of all, people with dreams choose UMSL.

I chose UMSL because it is a high-quality education at an affordable cost. The professors at UMSL care about their students and I enjoy learning from such wonderful educators. I personally have chosen to commute, and I am very impressed with the selection of class offerings, as well as the variety in time selections. However, whether you choose to live on or off campus, you cannot go wrong with UMSL’s campus, course assortment, and welcoming community. The campus also provides a variety of organizations, which provides a plethora of ways to connect. There is literally something for everyone.

This year I have the opportunity to be a part of UMSL Ambassador program. I love being an ambassador because I get to represent something that I am very passionate about: UMSL and what it represents. Diversity, fairness, education and so much more. As an UMSL ambassador, I have been able to meet people of diverse backgrounds that have similar interests in making their dreams a reality. The volunteer events are not only fun, but allow opportunities to meet a variety of people, as well as providing opportunities for networking.

My advice for all of my fellow students is to strive for what drives you. I am so thankful that I am at a college that gives me so many opportunities to work towards my dreams. “If you can dream it, you can do it” Walt Disney. Life is too short to not work hard for what you want. UMSL provides the stage to make your dreams a reality. That’s why I chose UMSL.

Diversity Matters

By Liliana De La Garza

One of the amazing parts of being an UMSL Ambassador is the diversity we share as an entity.

As a non-traditional student born in Mexico, my first day walking onto campus brought on a flurry of questions: Why am I here? Will I feel out of place? Am I making the right choice for myself? Am I too old to be here? Are there other students who look like me?

It took a matter of only days on campus to realize that diversity and inclusion are something that UMSL encourages, and appreciates throughout the student demographic. This notion was more clearly defined by the amazing group of individuals that comes together as the UMSL Ambassadors.

We have people of all creeds, backgrounds, races, majors, minors, height, etc. For myself, I find a sense of harmony knowing that I am not the only person in our group who was born elsewhere, or didn’t go to college right after high school, or who looks different. We come together to share, learn, and grow in our educational goals and interpersonal goals. To learn from one another and make sense of this grueling, tedious, worthwhile, and often frustrating adventure that is our college experience.

We represent and honor our school through the participation as ambassadors, but also in how we carry ourselves. We were selected because of our diverse experiences, and distinct stories. For someone with a not so traditional story that is something that I feel grateful to be a member of. So as we proudly wear our vests and guide guests at important events, I hope we can all appreciate the beauty that is our group of wonderfully, talented, unique, and ambitious group of ambassadors.

Haunted houses, candy, and costumes, oh my!

The air is vibrating with excitement now that Halloween is just around the

corner. What costumes to wear, what decorations to put up, and more importantly, what events to attend. Some people want to be chilled to the bone, while others prefer laughter and sweets. Either way, the decisions can be numerous and overwhelming.

As someone who never knew I was “coulrophobic” (afraid of clowns), this year I am advising others with similar fears to stay safe and attend light hearted entertainment. One such event is PLHCSA’s (Pierre Laclede Honors College Student Association) Hayride on October 24th from 5PM to 7PM from Oak Hall and Provincial House. If you are interested in hanging out in the cool weather and being charioted around, then this is the event for you. (They are asking for donations of money or pet supplies for their fundraising efforts supporting Gateway Pet Guardians.)

How about something a little more spooky and interactive? Although there aren’t any dungeons on campus, at least not anymore…jk… escaping from approaching deadlines can be just as frightening. If you are wanting to escape that reality, why don’t you try the Escape Rooms on October 25th at 7PM in Oak Hall? No groups necessary to participate, free food, and music are provided to those who survive the post-apocalyptic nightmare!

Another fun event is the 8th Annual Trunk-or-Treat on October 28th from 12 PM to 2 PM at the MSC garage. Put on by UMSL student organizations, offices, and departments, this activity is geared towards children and families in the surrounding areas, yet students and professors of all ages and departments will be in attendance. Not only will there be candy, but information about different clubs and organizations on campus, games and activities, and even prizes for best costumes!

And if you’re someone who just likes to celebrate on Halloween itself, how about a tour of UMSL’s most haunted building? Provincial House is hosting a Haunted Honors Tour at 8 PM that is engaging and terrifying! Prepare to be scared, and if you are so lucky, t-shirts will be given to the first 150 who survive!

Of course, there are always the laid back ways to enjoy Halloween with friends and family from trick-or-treating or being at home making food or watching a movie. Whatever you choose, just remember to have a happy and safe Halloween!

Going to College on Purpose

by Joi Malloyd

Purpose. This one word can carry a fair amount of weight. When asking someone how it applies to their own life, this word is often preceded by the statement, I don’t know mine. We as college students attempt to map out what classes and experiences will get us to a place where we can reach a fulfilling end. We don’t want the all-nighters, student loans, and office hour visits to be in vain. We have a goal in mind for the trouble we go through to study at UMSL. We want to do what we are hardwired to do. We want to be who we are destined to be. We want our work to never feel like a job. We want to enjoy doing what we love for the rest of our lives and then teach someone else to do that very same thing.

However, there are thousands of possibilities when it comes to a plan of study. Most students feel overwhelmed over how to choose which major and minor will get them to their purpose. Many times I have asked myself, “How do I narrow down all my interests, aspirations, and future dreams into a major and a minor?” So, how do we choose what to study and predict where it will lead us in the future so that our money and time is not wasted?

First let me give you a definition. According to Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary, the word purpose is defined as follows:
a. Something set up as an object or end to be attained: intention
b. Resolution, determination

Based on this definition, most students, including myself, think about purpose as it relates to our education all wrong. I have assumed that majoring in chemistry would pigeon hole me into one profession, especially if I continue on the pre-medical track. This proposition scares me greatly as I continually find new things that I love to study and other things I am passionate about. I have been considering changing my major for a long time now, but many of my reasons I see now were misguided.

I also assumed that what I study dictates what will end up doing for the rest of my life. Our purpose as individuals is so much bigger than the next few years of our college careers. While what we do now will shape our future, we cannot get so caught up with the next four to five years that we cut ourselves of from the opportunity to use our many gifts and talents that can never be limited to words on a certificate.

I want to encourage my fellow Tritons in knowing that there is always room to learn more and try something new. What you are studying now may lead you to something much different in the future, so much so that you change your major. Not every person you see in a specific career has been on the same path their whole life, whole career, or even what they originally studied in school.

Be encouraged and relax. Have fun learning in college. Your purpose is not what job you will have or what major you choose. Let college be a time where you explore those gifts and find where you can use them to better yourself, the UMSL community and eventually the world.

            

Interview with Dr. Joyce M Mushaben, a Curators’ Professor

by Aaliyah Bailey

Dr. Joyce M Mushaben is a Curators’ Professor of Comparative Politics and Gender Studies here at UMSL. She received her PhD from Indiana University. Dr. Mushaben is an expert in German studies and speaks German fluently. She has authored many books, including her most recent work Becoming Madam Chancellor: Angela Merkel and the Berlin Republic. She also recently visited Germany for their elections. Here is a brief interview that one of our ambassadors held with Dr. Mushaben. 

Q: What brought you to the German elections?

A: I have been going to the German elections virtually every year since 1990. 1989-90 is when the Berlin Wall fell, but the first all-German elections didn’t happen until after the wall had fallen. East Germans had already voted to annex themselves to West Germany. No one thought this would come back to haunt them 27 years later, but that does appear to be the case right now. The one thing that makes this possible, that I stress over and over again, is learn a foreign language. It is my fluency in German that has gotten me all kinds of grants, not only before the wall fell, but certainly after the wall fell. 

Q: You’ve written books about a variety of German topics. What prompted you to write about Chancellor Merkel?A: I’m the only one writing whole books on Angela Merkel in the United States as well as Great Britain. None of the German feminist scholars want to write about this woman, because, yes, she is the first woman chancellor and she’s the first Easterner and most West German scholars don’t understand East Germany or how it used to function very well. Just as importantly, she was a member of the conservative party. Many people support her, but not her party.

Q: How has Angela Merkel overcome the challenges of being the first woman chancellor?A: One of the reasons she was able to run in her first election was because all of her rivals in the CDU party had fallen on their own swords. They all like to blame her and call her the “Black Widow Spider,” but she just stood there and didn’t shoot off her mouth and thought her way through various incidents and watched as they knocked each other out of the competition. In her first campaign, they never touched woman’s or gender issues, contrary to what was expected. She was very popular. In the second campaign, they didn’t need to address issues, they just showed more Merkel. She never called herself a feminist and looked at society holistically. She takes a pragmatic approach rather than an ideological approach; what’s more important, getting the credit passing laws or actually passing laws?

Q: As young women preparing to enter the workforce, whether business, politics or sciences, what lessons can we learn from Angela Merkel?A: First, be pragmatic and work with anyone who has knowledge of an issue and, second, work with anyone who is willing to work with you. Understand that problems have to be solved holistically and pay attention to the future. Angela Merkel was a physicist before becoming a politician, so she knows how to be logical. Be able to think through a problem, and also be willing to admit your mistakes. Don’t worry about taking credit for getting things done; get things done.

Q: What advice do you have for students entering the workforce?A: Really think globally and be diverse. You have to be tolerant and understand how to deal with conflict. Learn another language!

Recognizing our Staff and Faculty

Wednesday, September 27th, 2017 was a special day at UMSL, our annual State

of the University Address. This event celebrates the accomplishments of UMSL employees and addresses the state of the school in the previous year and what is to come.

As students, we see and work with these employees of the university daily, yet we don't always acknowledge all of their hard work. However, these special individuals help make our university grow and thrive with so much expertise! The State of the University Address is held for all staff and faculty to come and congratulate the 2016-17 employees of the month, the 2017 Chancellor's Awards for Excellence recipients, and our staff and faculty celebrating 25 years of employment and 1 faculty member celebrating 50 years!

The Chancellor also gave his annual speech of our university’s accomplishments from 2016-17 academic year. In his presentation he showed how many of our goals were not only met this last year but also how many we exceed! It is great to say that our university flourishes more and more with the work of our faculty and staff.

So next time you pass an UMSL employee in the hall, say hello and thank them for what they do. After all, where would we be without them?

Below is the program listing all the awardees!

Getting Involved on Campus

It’s been almost a month since the beginning of the fall 2017 semester. The

hustle and bustle of the students as they head to class makes the campus come back to life; a stark contrast to the campus during summer courses. 

As the newest class of students join the university the age old question of “how do I get involved on campus?” arises for most. This seemingly easy question brings challenges to some students as they don't even know where to start. With over 120 organizations represented, the Office of Student Involvement is one of the best places to go for more information. The student workers and staff there are very knowledgeable about what each organization does. They also know events happening around campus so it’s good to ask. The Office of Student Involvement space can also be used as a study space or hang out spot. And who knows, maybe you’ll make a friend while you’re there. 

Another way of getting involved or gaining more knowledge about the campus is to get a job here. There is an application that is able to connect students to 20+ jobs on campus ranging from a desk worker in the Office of Student Involvement to being a peer mentor in the Emerging Leaders program and so much more. For those who don’t know the job that fits them, there is always something for everyone: the extroverts, the introverts, someone in-between, and even someone looking to enhance their leadership skills or start it from the bottom. 

For those who may feel overwhelmed by all the options available, one of the most effective things that they can do is ask people. Asking people what organizations that they are a part of can provide a plethora of information amongst other resources. If the information peaks interest, going to general member meeting to see what matters to the organization and what they look for in candidates may be the next steps to joining an organization. Hopefully, those first steps help the shy ones, the outgoing ones and all those who are looking to get involved.

Of course our favorite way to get involved is with UMSL Ambassadors! We’re loaded up our team for the semester, but be sure to keep an eye out on how to join in the future.

Apply to become a UMSL Ambassador

Do you want to get involved on campus and meet other student, community and university leaders? Do you need to build up your resume, cultivate your communication skills and gain leadership abilities? Check out the UMSL Ambassador program!

The UMSL Ambassadors work 3 events per semester. These events are listed on a google sheet online where the Ambassadors can access it and choose 3 events that fit around their school and work schedule. We also work 2 December commencement ceremonies and 3 May commencement ceremonies. Our other requirements include monthly meetings (usually the first Friday of the month, 4-6 pm) where we work on our professional development skills and get to know one another.

This is a volunteer organization where your hours count for school volunteer

hours. This is an opportunity to learn and grow here at UMSL. The people you will meet and opportunities offered are great and only available to the 30 students in the program. You may join anytime in your college career, we accept undergrad and graduate students. You'll learn to network, work on leadership abilities, all while building up your resume and professional list of references.

If you want to learn more visit the UMSL Ambassador page and apply by Friday September 8th at 3 pm online here. If you have additional questions please email umslambassadors@umsl.edu.

50 Things To Do at UMSL Before You Graduate

With commencement just around the corner we know we'll be saying goodbye to a lot of Tritons. We're hoping those seniors had an amazing time here at UMSL and wanted to put together a list of things for younger generations of Tritons to do! So here's your list of fun things to do at UMSL before graduating...and you can get started next fall!

1. Get an UMSL t-shirt from the Triton Store

2. Try to attend as many Weeks of Welcome (WOW) events as you can

3. Have fun at the Welcome Back Party

4. Go to the Fall EXPO and learn about clubs and organizations you can join

Photo by August Jennewein

5. Climb the rock wall at the Recreation and Wellness Center

6. Watch a performance at the Touhill (there are student rates)

7. In October attend the PLHCSA Haunted House

8. Study in the Fireside Lounge in the winter with a warm cup of cocoa from Einstein's

9. During Spring Homecoming attend Pack the Stands

Photo by August Jennewein

10. Go to the Mirth Week Carnival and eat as much popcorn as possible

11. On Friday nights hit up the UPB Friday Night Flick in the MSC

12. Attend Weeks of Welcome’s Rock the Rec at the RWC

13. Join a student organization (or you know... the UMSL Ambassadors)

14. Visit the Mercantile Library

15. Get a coffee from Cafe TJ, sit at the counter and people watch

16. Gather a group of friends and play frisbee golf across campus

17. Eat breakfast at Southside Cafe

18. Cheer for the Tritons at a sporting event

19. Gaze at the stars in the UMSL Planetarium

20. Grab some froyo from Triton Treats

21. Read stories that make UMSL unique on UMSL Daily

22. Go to campus events for free food and free swag!

23. Get your nap on in the Whole U

24. Play life-size chess in the Pilot House

25. Post a picture of the photogenic ducklings and goslings

26. Reflect on your mental wellness with Counseling Services

27. Wear red on Fridays to show how #UMSLProud you are

28. Have someone in the Writing Center edit your essay

29. Feast on french fries on Free Fry Friday at the Nosh

30. Attend a Career Fair at Mark Twain

31. Volunteer for MLK Day of Service

Photo by August Jennewein

32. Dive into the Dive-In Movie in the RWC

33. Walk with Colleges Against Cancer during Relay for Life

34. View the art at Celebrating the Arts at the Honors College

35. Read a weekly copy of The Current student newspaper

36. Check out artwork on campus in Gallery 210

37. Catch a Cardinals game with UMSL Night at the Ballpark

Photo by August Jennewein

38. Go to your professors office hours

39. See what Career Services can do to help you get an internship or job

40. Study in the ED Collabitat on South Campus

41. Eat your lunch sitting in the chairs of the MSC 3rd floor rotunda overlooking the campus

42. Improve your leadership skills with Emerging or Advanced Leaders

43. Bring your family to enjoy Family Weekend

44. Study in the Quiet Lounge

45. Fill out your course evaluation forms to be entered to win a prize

46. Buy tickets to see the Mirth Week headliner

Photo by Mike Romer

47. Apply for an on-campus job

48. Visit the Math Lab to get help with homework

49. Use #UMSLProud or #IChoseUMSL on social media to let everyone know you are a Triton

50. GRADUATE AND PARTICIPATE IN COMMENCEMENT!

Interview with a Lead: Meghan Littles

Meghan Littles is a senior psychology major at UMSL. She has been an ambassador for four semesters and is currently a lead ambassador.

Q: Why did you choose UMSL?

A: I had heard really good things about the psych department here, and for me, UMSL struck a really good balance between financial cost and academic value.

Q: How quickly did you get involved on campus?

A: As a commuter student, it took me little longer to get involved on campus. It can be tough when you have to drive home every night to be involved with some of the extracurricular organizations. The first organization I became involved with was Golden Key. I began volunteering as a general member, and that eventually led to me becoming president last semester.

Q: Speaking of your past Golden Key presidency, in what other ways are you involved on campus?

A: I am the current president of Psi Chi. I also work as a teaching assistant in the psych department. I work as the lead research assistant in Dr. Emily Gerstein's lab, and previously worked in Dr. Matt Taylor's multicultural lab. I have also been involved with the Honors College's Honors Professional Development event as a student speaker the last two years. And of course I’m a lead ambassador for the UMSL Ambassadors and I’ve been a part of the program for two years now.

Q: Wow, that's a lot. How do you balance your extracurricular activities and your schoolwork?

A: It is very challenging. The only way I have been able to manage is to be self-aware and know my limits in certain areas. I knew that I needed to excel in academics and have extracurricular activities in order to build a strong application for graduate school. I just kept my end goal in mind, the reason I was doing each activity, and that helped me focus on the tasks I had at hand.

Q: As for graduate school, where are you going? Are you excited?

A: I will be attending Southern Illinois University at Carbondale in the fall to pursue a doctoral degree in clinical psychology. Yes, I am both excited and pretty nervous.

Q: What is one thing you wish you knew coming into college as a freshman?

A: First, I wish I had known that getting a poor grade on an exam from time to time isn't that big of a deal; stuff happens. Second, I wish I had realized that professors are regular people too, not these big scary grade-givers that you can't go and chat with. And last, I wish I knew sooner that you can get 5 cents off per gallon at the Huck’s down the road by showing them your student ID.

Q: How do you spend your free time?

A: YouTube videos and TV shows. When I have the energy, I also really like to go exploring around St. Louis to find new places that I haven't seen before.

Staying Focused at The End of the semester

Is this semester making you feel drained? The weather is getting nicer, the days are getting longer and your attention span may be getting shorter. You probably got bombarded with quizzes, projects and exams right after spring break. It can be very overwhelming and you can just lose your morale at the time of finals. We don’t want to throw out all the hard work we’ve done all semester just because of a little stress. So, here are some tips to help you finish out the last semester strong:

Catch up on your rest. Try to get as much sleep as possible. Sleep is very essential to our health and can change the way you perform. It really does make a difference.
UMSL now offers you a place to take a nap during the day. Look into to Whole U today.

Avoid procrastination. We hear this a lot but it’s very common. Don’t wait until it’s too late!

Prioritize your time. Make yourself a check list and put those that are most important at the top of your list. Checking off those items feels so awesome.

Reward yourself. If you follow the checklist method it’s easy to add a little reward system in. Finish a paper, celebrate with a Netflix movie. Study properly for an exam, reward yourself with dinner out with friends.

Keep your goals in mind! Finishing off each semester strong gets you one step closer to fulfilling your dreams of becoming a nurse, lawyer, teacher or whatever it may be.Keep studying strong! You’ve got this!

UMSL takes on Spring

This last week some of our ambassadors attended UMSL events celebrating springtime!

There were three egg hunts on campus. The first egg hunt was hosted by the University Program Board outside of Oak Hall. UPB hosts this annual hunt every year in the evenings to make the egg hunt more challenging. This year egg hunt was alien themed and 15 prizes were awarded to students. The eggs for big prizes are hidden in more difficult to find place than smaller prize eggs.

The second egg hunt was hosted by Residential Life and Housing and was a program put on by some of the Residential Advisors at Oak Hall. This egg hunt was like a scavenger hunt with big prizes, such as movie baskets.

The last egg hunt was a program at Mansion Hill. It was combined with Tiny Tritons since many of the UMSL students that live in that building are also parents.

And the final spring program was the Residential Housing Association Backyard BBQ at Oak Hall. There were games, raffles, photo booths, food, and tons of prizes. If you missed out on any of these events, be sure to check out the Get Crunk event with PLHCSA on Thursday, April 20^th at 8pm in the Villa Courtyard.