Eco Interest Floor

Since I'm the supervisor for SOPE (Sustaining Our Planet Earth) here at Oakland University, I thought I would share a little bit about our Eco Interest Community on the 2nd floor of Vandenberg. Like the name would suggest their focus is to reduce, recycle, and recycle. They sorta have two residence assistants. One that is a regular RA, and another that is the SOPE Eco Interest Team Leader. The Eco Interest Team Leader plans different events and programs for the students living on the floor to teach them about sustainability and how to be a green grizzly!

Don't Waste Water event

last year's eco interest team leader Shannon giving a thumbs up. This year she will be SOPE's Ambassador for the Oakland Center

Eco Leaders Banquet

Green Halloween

The whole team!

nature walk

Greening of Detroit

Some of the students made recycled picture frames out of old magazines

The team helping recycle at freshmen move in

Cheyenne's recycled valentine at the "For the Love of the Earth" program

Eco Interest students helping others with tye dye and henna tattos

Trip to Yates Cider Mill

Some Benefits of Living on Campus

Going back home for the holiday weekend reminded me that even though I love my family, I am so glad that I chose to live on campus during my college experience. There are so many great opportunities and advantages that I would’ve never had if I drove back and forth to school.

Not having to deal with morning traffic

If I had a dime for every time a commuter told me how horrible traffic was on the way to school or how much they dislike trying to find a parking spot in the morning, I would be a very rich woman.  Being able to sleep in, get ready, and make the 5 minute walk to class is by far one of the best things in the world.

Being able to be a Leader

Living on campus gives you the opportunity to be in RHA, Hall councils, SOPE and certain jobs like being an RA and working the mail desk that are only available to students living in the Residence Halls. These positions can also give you the experience you need to land more positions.

Freedom

There is no way I could’ve ever convinced my parentals that a 4am trip to walmart to grab ice cream and a movie with my friends is necessary.

Being responsible for myself

While some people still need their parents to help keep them focused, being on your own forces you to think for yourself. It helps you grow as an adult and learn to do things on your own

While still having some help

That being said, you’re not completely on your own.  Living on campus means that you have certain helpful resources like tutors, free toilet paper/laundry, and food in the Vandenburg Dining Center. Not to mention if you ever need anything, your friends are practically next door.

Summer Time

All my summer classes are done as of tommorrow! aaaaaah! :D

I'm so excited to finally have a little time off to relax and really enjoy summer.Catch 22, East of Eden, and Jane Eyre have been collecting dust on my desk and will be perfect for lounging around on one of the hammock next to Bear Lake. Plus I can spend time with my lovely Gamma Phi Beta sisters. Gamma Phi Beta is a social sorority here at OU.  When I rushed last year I was really nervous that it would be like the things you watch on TV, but it has ended up being one of my best decisions. I can't imagine my life without being able to talk to my big Amera about the boys in our lives, or going on random shopping trips with Megan.

Lately we've been busy making care packages for the army. My grandbig, Emilia Allen, is our Philanthropy Chair, and one of the most amazing women I've ever met. She coordinated our annual Fundraiser, the Gamma Phiesta, which raised 10,000 to help make those care packages as well as donate to Camp Ohiyesa.

At the event, we have a taco dinner and a raffle. The raffle includes little things like Vera Bradley corkboards, to bigger things such as a 2 night stay at the Hilton. Emi has spent a lot of her time this summer research what the people would need/like in their care packages, as well as going out and buying all the items if they hadn't already been donated.

The care packages include basic things like floss, deodorant, and shaving cream. But there are also fun things for the care packages like footballs and travel pillows with the Pittsburgh Steelers logo on it. The packages also include letter writing materials, and letters that we all have written to show our appreciation for their hard work. Altogether I think there is aroun80 care packages that will be sent. It’s truly a great feeling knowing our chapter will make a difference to these guys, even if it’s just a small one. I can’t wait for them to be finished! :)

My Gamma Phi Beta Family Tree at the Phiesta <3

 

Life at OU has been pretty crazy over the past few weeks. Now that high school seniors have graduated, more and more of them are coming to orientations. On top of that Oakland University is getting a new recycling company, so i've been spending a lot of time researching Waste Management and what new things they could offer our school. Depending on what is available through their business, SOPE may participate in a nationwide competition known as Recyclmania. Over a 10-week period, schools report recycling and trash data which are then ranked according to who collects the largest amount of recyclables per capita, the largest amount of total recyclables, the least amount of trash per capita, or have the highest recycling rate.

Also, during the summer the Meadow Brook Ball Committee is starting to look into themes and entertainment. The Meadow Brook Ball is one of OU's oldest traditions. It's kinda like prom, but for college students. It's hosted at the Meadow Brook Mansion and has various activites activites such as dancing, caracature artists, henna tattoos, and a photo booth. As the treasurer, it is my job to look over old allocation forms and plan a budget. Last Sunday, we looked over some new themes, but the most popular theme so far are "Diamonds are Forever."

On top of that, Student Congress is busy getting ready for the fall. We're planning on having a 24 hour library, as well as a new cell phone app and intergrating gps systems with the Bear Bus. The Multicultural Affairs Committee is also planning a Post Secret event and a Hispanic Celebration Month.  

So much to do, so little time.

sope stuff

One of the awesome things about living on campus during the summer it that it has given me the opportunity to do some work for Sustaining Our Planet Earth (SOPE). It’s a student organization ran through Oakland University Housing that focuses on making Oakland University a more sustainable campus as well as teaches students things they can do to be eco friendly. This year, I will be the supervisor for SOPE which I am really REALLY excited for. Especially because it means that I get to help Erika Palanian, this year’s eco interest team leader, plan field trips and programs for the Eco Interest Floor. 

The Eco Interest Floor at Oakland University is one of the living learning communities that focus on sustainability. They had floor meetings with their RA, as well as floor meetings with Shannon, who was last year’s Eco Interest Team Leader. At the meetings they discuss what kind of community service and trips they would like to do, as well as discuss the importance of being “green.”  

There are a lot of other things I have to do as well, like help plan what SOPE is do for freshmen move in! :D SOPE will be there to help recycle all the cardboard that people will have leftover once they have finally settled in to their dorms, as well as hand out giveaways and explain to students how they can be involved! Can’t wait!

Things I love about OU

So, I'm kinda sorta obsessed with making lists. So they'll be a lot on my page. I first wanted to list the things that I love about living at OU.

- Using declining points to get coffee for class
- Being able to walk two feet to visit someone
- NOT having to drive every morning
- Eating fourth meal
- Free stuff, all the time
- Floor Meetings
- Balconies
- Being able to go and take naps in between classes
- SOPE
- Community Service
- Greek Row

Summer at OU

Hi! My name is Maria Willett and I am an Housing Ambassador for Oakland University in Rochester, MI. Basically it's my job to show new incoming students, transfer students, and their parents what opportunities living on campus has to offer and why it is so important. 

I have a huge obsession with getting involved. So, on top of being an ambassador I am the supervisor for Sustaining Our Planet Earth (SOPE), a member of Student Congress, Treasurer of the Meadow Brook Ball Committee, a member of the sorority Gamma Phi Beta, and about 11 other different organizations on campus.

Some of my other obsessions are:

-Img Fave

-Hammocks

-Cheesecake

-Traveling

-Being "Greener"

-Flip Flops

-Express

-Random Dancing

With this blog I hope to help answer any questions incoming students/parents might have. As well as give a look into what it's like to be a student at Oakland University.