Author: Allie Loughry

Happy Holidays from The sOUrce!

We can all take a deep breath, because final exams are over! Congratulations on all your hard work this semester—our Buckeyes are ready for some well-deserved time off! Whether you’re returning home, staying in Columbus or travelling abroad this break, we hope you have a safe and relaxing winter break. (If you need ideas on how to “Treat Yo’ Self” this break, check out this article)

We’d like to congratulate all of those who will be graduating on Sunday and wish you good luck with your next great adventure.

See you next year!

-The sOUrce Staff 

Holidays

Student Org Spotlight: American Red Cross Club

The American Red Cross Club has taken a heated sports rivalry and turned it into one the most well-known philanthropic events on campus: The Blood Battle. Since 1982, Ohio State and University of Michigan have competed each November before the rivalry football game to see who can donate the most pints of blood to the American Red Cross.

You’ve seen the club throughout campus carrying out the mission and passion of the American Red Cross by hosting blood drives and other events during the school year.
An image of the American Red Cross Logo

 

Last year, not only did we win on the field, but we also beat That Team Up North in the Blood Battle. This year, we’re looking to defend our title! You can help Ohio State win by donating blood at any drive on campus throug November 25. Go to http://redcrossblood.org and enter the sponsor code “Buckeyes” to find a list of drives and to schedule a donation. Most drives also accept walk-in donations, but appointments are preferred.

The American Red Cross Club at the 2015 Ohio State vs. U of M football game.

The American Red Cross Club at the 2015 Ohio State vs. U of M football game.

 

Joe Wornimont, VP of Communications, says, “On top of our Blood Services work, we volunteer on the Chapter Services side of the American Red Cross as well.”

The club hosts disaster preparedness seminars where they try to find creative ways to educate people about disaster training. One such event is the Zombie Apocalypse, where students and kids are taught helpful skills, such as how to put together an emergency kit. This year, they will put on their second annual Zombie Apocalypse Party during Sibs and Kids Weekend.

They also contribute to Holiday Mail for Heroes, a military outreach. This program is an opportunity to write a thank you card to current military servicemen and women overseas.

The American Red Cross Club holds biweekly meetings in the Union throughout the school year. Anyone is welcome at these meetings. To become an active member of the club, you need to collect 15 Buckeyepoints (volunteer hours) a semester. Contact VP of Communications Joe Warnimont (warnimont.6@osu.edu) if you are interested or if you have any questions.

 

To learn more about different student organizations, click the Follow button below!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Student Org Spotlight: 8th Floor Improv

With the popularity of shows such as “Saturday Night Live” and “Whose Line Is It Anyway,” students may be familiar with sketch and improv comedy. This week’s Student Org Spotlight highlights one of Ohio State’s premiere improv comedy groups: 8th Floor Improv.

8th Floor Improv is a composed of students who enjoy performing improvised comedy. They specialize in “long form” improv, where audience members suggest a word or phrase, and the performers take it from there to create a 20 minute montage of scenes. Their name stems from the fact that the group was founded on the 8th floor of Stradley Hall in 2004.

Students in 8th Floor Improv pose for a picture in the Ohio Union Great Hall

Even though improv comedy is made up on the spot, 8th Floor Improv still holds practices to help sharpen their skills. Member Max Steele says their practices incorporate lessons and drills to improve their own skills. They do workshops from professional improvisers, play other improv games, and run sets similar to the type they perform at shows.

Steele became involved with 8th Floor his first semester on campus. Like many of the other members, he had done improv in theatre class in high school, and knew it was something he wanted to continue in college.

Students in 8th Floor Improv pose for a picture in the U.S. Bank Conference Theater

The group draws inspiration from many different sources. Some members are influenced from professional improv teams, while others are inspired by sketch comedy shows (such as SNL). They also gather material and inspiration from pop culture, such as movies, TV shows, books and video games.

8th Floor Improv will perform at 8 p.m. on Saturday, October 24 in the U.S. Bank Conference Theater. Shows are open to the public.

If you have a love for improv and making people laugh, the group holds auditions every semester. All you need to do is show up—no experience necessary.

For more information about student organizations, follow The sOUrce by clicking the Follow button below.

 

 

Wellness Wednesday: Midterm Motivation

As we enter Week 6 of the semester, midterm season is upon us. Exams, papers and projects fill our to-do lists, so how do we make time get everything done? Here are a few tips and tricks from upperclassmen students on how to make it through midterm season.

  1. Schedule time to study

Take out your planners and block out time to study. By scheduling designated “study time,” you can hold yourself more accountable. This also allows you to put time aside that you won’t fill with other meetings, appointments etc.

  1. Prioritize

Make a list of all of your tasks and prioritize which ones need the most attention and require the most time. Sometimes, a project due a week from now may require more time than studying for your exam in two days. Prioritizing tasks also helps you balance commitments other than studying.

  1. Find a quiet study space (away from your bed)

Even though your dorm room or apartment may be the most convenient place to study, it comes with distractions (such as friends, TV and a nice, cozy bed). Try dedicating a few hours studying at Thompson Library or the Ohio Union. These spaces have plenty of quiet study nooks that will help you focus. My favorite is the Stanley D. Gottsegen Lounge on the third floor of the Ohio Union.

A picture of the Gottsegen Lounge located on the third floor of the Ohio Union.

The Stanley D. Gottsegen Lounge, located on the third floor of the Ohio Union, is a great place to study.

  1. Take breaks

While studying is important, you also need to take breaks to let yourself recharge. Representatives for Coffee-mate are in the Great Hall every Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Stop by the Coffee-mate stand and refresh with a free coffee sample. You can try some of Coffee-mate’s new flavors and discover your new go-to coffee creamer.

A brand ambassador at the Coffee-mate stand in the Union

#coffeemateatosu

Fun fact: bring your own mug to the Union and they will fill it up for you! Also, if you have a student org that wants complimentary coffee and creamer at your meetings, let a brand ambassador know next time you see one on campus. The brand ambassador will consider your student organization for this complimentary service.

  1. Reward yourself

Studying for long periods of time can be exhausting, so make sure to reward yourself for your hard work! Rewards can come in all shapes or sizes: a smoothie, an episode of your favorite TV show, a quick workout or even a brief nap! Just make sure you set a time limit on your break so you can get back to studying.

 

Midterm season is difficult, especially with nice fall weather and football games. But with these tips, hopefully you’ll be able to tackle your midterms head-on. Good luck!

For more study tips and information about the Ohio Union, click the Follow button bellow.

Union Universe: D-Tix

One of the great features of our Ohio Union is D-Tix—a discounted ticket program located at the Information Desk on the first floor. Students with a valid BuckID have the opportunity to purchase tickets to various Columbus attractions at a discounted price. This way, students can enjoy the arts, entertainment, sporting events and experience Columbus all while sticking to a college budget.


 A picture of the Information Desk located on the first floor of the Ohio Union

Gift Cards:

D-Tix makes it easy for students to enjoy the tasty Columbus cuisine at an affordable price. For example, some gift cards valued at $30 are available for students to purchase for only $20. Gift cards are available through the lottery system, and winners get to choose their gift cards on a first come first serve basis each week (students may purchase up to two gift cards per semester). Please see the D-Tix website for a full list of restaurants.

General Tickets:

Each week, students are able to purchase tickets to general Columbus attractions. Tickets are two per BuckID and released on a first come first serve basis. Some attractions include Skyzone for $8, Columbus Zoo tickets for $10 and COSI tickets for $12. Other attractions, such as Cedar Point tickets and Hocking Hill Zipline Tours, are available each week through the lottery system.

The welcome sign at the Columbus Zoo

Special Events:

D-Tix releases special event tickets frequently throughout the semester. These are announced through a weekly email and are also posted on their website. Special event tickets include a discounted price to local sporting events, such as the Columbus Crew SC and the Columbus Blue Jackets, as well as concert tickets and other limited-time attractions.A soccer player scores a goal during the Crew soccer game

For questions regarding D-Tix, stop by the Ohio Union Information Desk, located in the Great Hall. You can also visit their website by clicking here.

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