Welcome to OSDFA’s latest initiative: Monthly Musings! My name is Cosmo Luizza, one of two street-team members for OSDFA. This semester, I’ve proposed this blog to highlight the events and opportunities that interest me most in my role. As a student worker, I’m in a unique position where I sit on both sides of the fence and I’ve been able to learn a lot both as a student and a professional. Each month, you’ll hear from me or another OSDFA representative featuring news, interviews, events, award opportunities and more!
So, what exactly is OSDFA? Well, the brief version is we support all students (and alumni!) in exploring their goals through fully-funded opportunities! Through our social media & events, you can learn more about specific awards that might be a good fit for you.
Check us out on Instagram (@ruc__osdfa, with TWO underscores!!), LinkedIn, and schedule appointments through Navigate. Don’t miss our recently updated website, where you learn more about what we do. And come find us in the Campus Center tabling on these dates:
February: 2/29
March: 3/6, 3/28
April: 4/18
If you want to come say hi in person, we’re located in Armitage, to the left of the second floor elevators in the CLASS office. Last summer, I made a handy YouTube video on how to locate our office starring a close friend of mine, Joey Lebron. You can find this on YouTube.
Event Highlight: Success Fest
I recently had the pleasure of tabling at the Success Coach + SAS Divison’s wonderful event last month, the Success Fest Carnival. The atmosphere was very fun, and as someone who values interaction as a part of any event, I felt it was very engaging and drew in a lot of students of all stages. There were spinning wheels, prizes, decorations, and you got to build your own stuffed animal at the end. The birth certificates were a promise, in a way, that students could make to themselves to kick off a positive semester. The stuffed animals will hold you accountable in a way you determine, and you get to set a goal as well. I made a bunny, named him Wonkus, and he’s going to help me get at least 3 A’s this semester. Thanks, Wonkus.
While tabling for OSDFA, I met a variety of wonderful people with their own goals and aspirations. I was surprised to find a pair of students in their very first few weeks of school at the moment we talked, but it was cool to see people who are just starting out, yet already taking advantage of on campus resources. I can speak from experience and say that many students, especially students early in their academic journeys, are often hesitant to use these resources, even ones like the Wellness Center and the food pantry. I admire the courage of everyone who approaches our tables, because not only do they have goals to achieve, but the drive to take action.
At the end of the event, all of the staff posed for a picture, which I had the pleasure of taking. One thing I love about working in SAS is the supportive community built by everyone here. In a past interview with the director of the TRiO office, Brandon Quiles, he said something about his values that still sticks with me now. He said, “I find it hard to be well if my community is not well.” Brandon is a wonderful example of the kind of people who work in SAS, people who genuinely want the best for their students and want to help them succeed. There’s a lot of wonderful people behind these offices and in this picture.
Upcoming Events & Awards:
Next month, I’m excited to introduce our first “Fellowship Review” about the Fulbright US Student program! Not only will I share information about the award (including when & how to apply) but I’ll be sharing details about our campus’ Fulbright Week (March 26-29). Fulbright Week will include in-person sessions, virtual panels, social media takeovers, and more – stay tuned!
Fulbright Week: March 26-29 (details in next month’s post)
Fulbright Opens April 2; Campus Deadline August 30th
Remember, if you can dream it, you can achieve it! Thank you for reading!