Taking the World by Storm

The past fall semester, I was so fortunate as to receive a research assistant position within the psychology department. Another assistant and I work directly with one of Chapman’s full-time professors, getting hands-on research experience. In the past semester alone, I have learned so much, going well beyond what I could have been taught in a classroom setting. Additionally, the work we have been doing, all centered around a psychological study, has been accepted in two psychological conferences. This April, we get to present our findings and research in Whittier, in the Annual Psi Chi Whittier Undergraduate Research Conference. In May, we’re flying all the way to Chicago, to present at the Annual Association for Psychological Science (APS) Convention. While this means I have a great deal of work on my plate, I am so excited for such amazing opportunities. This type of personalized education, with such unique experiences, is one of the many reasons I love going to Chapman. Even in just my sophomore year here, I have been so blessed with so many great opportunities – I can’t wait to see what else is in store!

- Christin

Window of Opportunity

Here at Chapman University we like our logo, the window of opportunity. It can be found in a multitude of places around campus from buildings, fences, and, you guessed it, windows. While it does provide a nice piece of art to look at, its meaning is very apparent to all of Chapman's students. Chapman provides so many different opportunities for its students, even if just the ability to take a class that sounds interesting. We have Greek life, student organizations, working for the office of student affairs or the office of admission, student government association, research with a professor on an independent project, the study abroad program, internships... the list can go on forever. Just looking at my own experience here I've had so many opportunities in my three years and taking advantage of those opportunities has made me who I am today. When you're looking into Chapman, whether it be as a prospective student or an admitted student, make sure to find the opportunities that spark your interest.

- Garrett

Opportunities are Everywhere

If there is one thing I have learned at Chapman University it is that if you think what happens inside the classroom is amazing, just wait and see what happens outside. This past weekend I had the incredible opportunity to go on a Buddhist retreat to the Zen Mountain Center with my Leading as a Way of Serving class here at Chapman. On the retreat we learned authentic Buddhist meditation techniques, which opened my eyes to another spiritual path that I would have never had the exposure to if not for the experience. Our class also participated in various workshops that pertained to the material we are learning in class, but we were able to apply the concepts in a different way than ever before. Chapman believes that “the best way to learn is by doing” and I’ve never believed this more than when I was on this retreat. Course concepts were given new meaning through actual application rather than hypothetical situations. Finally the retreat gave my class the opportunity to bond in a way that could never happen in the classroom, I created friendships that will last for the entirety of my time at Chapman and beyond. I feel very blessed to be a part of an educational community that I am able to participate in such unique and fulfilling experiences with.

- Justine

Chapman is Home

Some days it seems like I spend more of my time on campus than I do at home. The reason it generally feels that way is because I actually do spend more of my days at Chapman than at my house. On busier days I’ll be here from 8 or 9 in the morning to 12 or 1 at night and though these are not typical days, they happen much more frequently than I would like.

As much as I complain (in my head) about being so busy, I kind of like it that way. Though constantly going can wear you down sometimes, I don’t know what I would do with myself if I didn’t have anything to do. Taking advantage of all of the opportunities that Chapman has offered me has already given me an amazing resume, useful life experience, a crazy schedule, and I wouldn’t change it for the world. I only live a few blocks away, but on those crazy days of class, work, meetings, practice, and studying, it feels like my house is light-years away. Though I don’t have a bed or shower on campus, there is nowhere else I would be willing to spend this much time- Chapman is home to me and I love It here.

- Kelsey

Last week was the grand opening for the new pool at the dorms. It's beautiful! Not only is there grass, there are palm trees, a fire pitand of course, a pool! I see people there everyday soaking up the sunand enjoying the refreshing water. People go there to read, to dohomework, or just to socialize. On thursdays, I get out of class at11:30 and immediately run to the pool to grab a chair. The pool is always so packed, that sometimes I have to lay on the grass! The celebration today is a big pool party to formally open the poolwith the people who funded it. Theres going to be beach volleyball, pool, and activities. I cant wait to attend with all of my friends and have a great time. We are so lucky to have such a beautiful oasis on campus!

- Ali