I attended the service event Zoo Lights at the Columbus Zoo from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Friday, November 16th. We met on College Road outside of Smith-Steeb across from Moritz College of Law at 4:00 pm. There were two busses set up for transport and Steven Blalock was outside of the bus, signing everyone in. Students attending had to sign up prior to the event and bring 5 canned goods for free admission to the Zoo. The canned goods were going to be donated to a shelter. Personally, I found that this event could also have counted as a social event because other than donating 5 canned goods, the whole time spent at the Zoo Lights were with friends and peers. It was a spectacular event and it was my first time ever seeing a Zoo filled with lights. Apparently, a lot of other Zoos decorate themselves in lights, but it was my first time ever hearing Zoos did events like these. The event had a dazzling impact due to the colorful light decorations all around the Zoo. It was really amazing how the lights were set up accordingly to the music that was being played. Certain sections of the Zoo would light up while another section turned dark. I could not imagine how much time, effort, and people that were needed in order to decorate the whole zoo in beautiful lights. I do have to say that some of the song selections were kind of bad, but overall the music was good. After the trip, I wondered how much the Columbus Zoo’s electricity bill was because there were so many lights everywhere. Some of my friends and I guessed at least $5,000.
I believe this event connects to International Affairs in the sense that service is a huge part of International Affairs. Service is an important aspect that everyone should be involved in. International Affairs scholar students dedicate a lot of their time giving back to the community and helping people from different cultural backgrounds. For example, I know a couple of students involved in clubs that work to help refugees in ways such as tutoring.
I did not really gain any academic or professional insight, however, personally I was able to connect to some other students on the trip. I felt I became closer to my roommate and one of her friends that attended the event. Also, the one PSL scholar’s student that was there, her name is Mattie, is a high school friend of mine and it was great to catch up on life with her. We both had a great time and would love to come back again next year. It was also nice to be around other International Affair’s scholar students because I do not see them as much as I would like. I live on the third floor while the majority lives on the eighth floor of Smith-Steeb so it is hard to interact with them.
Overall, the event was so much fun and I hope it is available again next year!