The second annual Asian American Student Union block party attracted about 500 people to the Reitz Colonnade on a brisk Monday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

External Vice President Annie Yin said the purpose of the event was to encourage unity within AASU and to promote outreach between different organizations.

The second-year marketing student said the communication to other clubs and getting them to respond within a certain time was difficult. It worked out in the end, though.

“The most important component of the block party was audience participation,” she said. “The atmosphere definitely – if we don’t have a lot of people, the energy would be low.”

Women’s Student Association, Sparks Magazine and the Culinary Arts Student Union had a table to promote themselves. Black Student Union and Japanese Club made appearances, too.

Participants would receive raffle tickets for different booths. The Chinese American Student Union had a racing game that involved chopsticks. I lost to a friend because I was too slow in picking up the Skittles to the other plate.

The Health Educated Asian Leaders had a game that involved matching prevalent diseases with a cure or no cure. I got the HIV one right – no cure. The other two I got confused with because I didn’t know the difference.

Cotton candy required two tickets and three for a pizza slice. We had the opportunity to vote for the best club (CASA won), but I chose to use my tickets for the raffle. Unfortunately, I wasn’t back in time when they announced the prize winners.

Alok Mandloi, a first-year electrical engineer graduate student, said he was passing by while leaving the Reitz and saw the festivities.

“It’s a good break between my studies,” he said. “It would have been better if it was indoors.”

For more information on the AASU, check it out at www.ufaasu.com.

Yep, it’s about time to get a bigger and better student union. That’s why Cannon Design is spearheading the project to transform the Reitz into something different than what it is now.

There will be dance studios in the basement, the Rion Ballroom will move to the third floor, a bigger food court and more organizational meeting spaces. GatorWell, Center for Leadership and Service and Multicultural & Diversity Affairs will be joining the Reitz family as well.

Campus Copy Fax & Pack will no longer be around, though.

It’s a necessary transition because the original building was built in 1967. The air conditioners have a lifespan of about 20 years, so they’re working more than double the lifetime.

I’m sad that the completion will be done after I graduate. (May 2014) Hopefully I’ll come back and visit.

But, I am glad the university is taking this initiative. The new design is futuristic and looks like a mall with the ramps. The whole project’s cost is $75 million. We prepaid for a small percentage of the costs – 85 cents were taken out of every student’s activities fees.

And remember – the Reitz is more than just a building. It’s full of programs, arts and leisure. Use its resources to the fullest.

For more information about the expansion and renovation and how to get involved, go to http://makingitreitz.com.

The Vietnamese Student Organization held its Tết program in the Reitz Union Grand Ballroom on Feb. 15, a Friday evening. The show promoted the start of the year of the snake.

It was the first show in three years that I’ve seen it happen on a Friday, so attendance was subpar. Other members of the Asian American Student Union came and supported.

I thought Tết was OK – it wasn’t good or too bad, but I feel like there could have been more stage decorations. The shadow dance had no narration, only Vietnamese music accompanied it.

There were other acts of singing and dancing – all performed by students.

If it had been my first show, I would have been amazed. I’ve seen too many shows over the shows. I’ve grown old.

They used a house-face-sized projector screen on a side of the Grand Ballroom to show the VSO office introduction and the philanthropy videos. It was a good way to incorporate multimedia.

First-year philosophy and Spanish double major, Kate Rheaume, went to support her friend who performed the traditional dance.

“I always wanted to learn more about the Vietnamese culture,” Rheaume said. “I love the food, too.”

On a side note, I absolutely love pho – the Vietnamese noodles that have broth, meat and a few herbs. It’s one of the most popular Vietnamese foods and is simply delicious. I had my first bowl when I was 11, and I’ve been converted ever since.

Lien Tracy Dang, VSO fundraising chair, was responsible for creating bi-annual pho fundraisers this year and helped with the evening’s program.

“The theme (Shedding Doubt and Embracing our Legacy) shows a lot of culture and tradition,” Dang said.

The third-year health education and behavior student said she wanted the audience to having more pride for “getting as far as they have and at the same time to understand where they came from.”

In addition, Tet celebrated 40 years of VSO.

So ultimately, the show is student-run, so they deserve more credit. I compared the program to previous shows too much.

Congratulations to VSO for putting on the show. See you next year.

An Ocala woman carpooled with friends to attend SwampCon, an event open to everybody but to anime lovers, sci-fi geeks and gamers, it was a haven. The Reitz Union had a combined 4,500 visitors (1,600 in 2012) on Saturday and Sunday.

Because the first one was last year, 19-year-old Alexandria Jones came again to take part in the festivities and delved into the speaker panels, theatrical plays and other activities that involved Japanese culture.

She said she didn’t find most panels interesting and wanted there to be more anime-related ones.

There was also a maid café in one of the rooms on the third floor. Anybody who went in had a choice of a muffin, brownie or cake and fruit punch or lemonade to drink. About 10 UF students dressed up as maids or butlers.

In case you’re wondering, I picked a brownie and lemonade for my lunch meal on Saturday.

The budget was $8,000 – half of it from UF Student Government and the other from a Gainesville tourism grant, according to SwampCon treasurer Megan Jones.

That budget is impressive considering the number of people who came and the guest speakers like Tiffany Grant and Joe Haldeman.

“SwampCon brings together the nerds of UF and the local community,” Stephen Rigney, a first-year business management student, said. “They get to also meet celebrities and artists who work with Japanese animation.”

He was in control of registering people, the silent charity action and building the Hatsune Miku (a singing synthesizer app) concert. He also ran all the panels in the Grand Ballroom.

Rigney, 18, said the most pivotal segment of the event was the concert. It lasted from 9:40 p.m. to 10:40 p.m. on the first day.

“It’s just a technological invention, but people show up acting like it’s a tangible person,” he said. “They dance, sing and yell ‘I love you!’”

Overall, it was a great experience. I absolutely loved the concert because it was amazing seeing fans vigorously clap before and after each song. I enjoyed it because I’ve always only had conversations about conventions but never went to one firsthand. I liked the fact that it combined gaming and cosplayers – people who dressed up in anime, movie or sci-fi-related characters.

There might not be a SwampCon next year because the Make it Reitz campaign deals with tearing down the colonnade, which would take away a lot of space for artists who sell commodities like sketches or fuzzy hats. Who knows, the SwampCon staff will know what to do.

About 130 people dressed to impress and trudged into the Rion Ballroom Thursday evening for the second annual Blazers and the Arts. It was all about music, the arts and the acts displayed powerful themes like strength, confidence and drive.

“A part of our mission behind Progressive Black Men, Inc. is communal support,” 20-year-old Julius Ervin said. “This event gives a chance for students to step outside of their comfort zone.”

All of the acts had their own particular flair and appeal through poetry, song and dance. Performances ranged from salsa dancing to a Caucasian woman playing guitar. Each segment was varied and reflective of each individual whether it was dancing or singing. There was also spoken word that had the theme of oppression.

Every single person looked good that night. They bought into the cosmopolitan attire dress code. The organization only used a quarter of the Rion for the show, but employees brought in more chairs to accommodate the people who stood for the first 30 minutes.

Ervin, president of PBM, said the program’s purpose was to create an intimate and soulful atmosphere for the audience. The poetry reflected current event topics like embracing your beauty and standing up what for what you believe in.

“We promoted it like crazy,” Ervin said.

The third-year sociology student and his executive board advertised the talent night through social media like Facebook and Twitter. The sponsors for the event were Singer Song Writer’s Society and SISTUHS, Inc.

I was inspired because it made me reinforce my affection for the University of Florida. Even though we come from different facets of the campus and have varied perceptions of the world, the love for music and appreciation for the arts is what unites us together.

That’s what makes us more human.

UF students took center stage Friday night in the Rion Ballroom as they expressed various styles of fashion.

The first 100 people in queue received a hair cream product. The Rion was packed; about 300 people came to support their friends and event directors, or just came for the free food at the end. More chairs were brought in to accommodate the higher-than-usual attendance.

There was also a photobooth to promote Gainesville Fashion Week in the spring, and intermission involved the Asian Kaleidoscope Month staff giving out prizes to the people who could best walk like a model down the stage.

AKM is a monthlong celebration of Asian American accomplishments and histories, and October highlights the issues that affect them.

“It [the show] gets to express who you are,” said Rachel Hanasan, a second-year psychology student.

Akufuncture, lucy tran collection (under second-year Mary Vuong) and cultural wear graced the models who walked across stage. The styles showcased Chinese, Filipino, Vietnamese and Korean culture.

To be honest, I don’t know anything about fashion. I just wear whatever T-shirt “looks nice” with any pair of shorts. However, I was certainly entertained by the fashion show. It’s hard work asking for models and choosing Asian American designers (who may not necessarily live in Florida) to come to Gainesville.

However, the benefits are worth it if attendance is high and the audience is lively. That’s how it was.

One of the fashion show directors, Sarah Otsuka, said the program took around six months of planning.

“I just want to thank everybody came,” the second-year industrial and systems engineering student said. “This wouldn’t have been possible without them.”

Andrea Kaye Espulgar, a Filipino junior, capped off the night by serenading the audience with Lady Gaga’s “Born this Way,” Pink’s “Raise Your Glass” and Katy Perry’s “Firework.” The crowd stood up and clapped during her performance.

That’s all I have this time. See you at next year’s AKM fashion show.

About 2000 to 3000 students passed through or stopped at one of the tables in IDEAL’s organization fair for Sept. 13 and Sept. 14. The event took place on the Reitz Union Colonnade from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on both days.

Around 150 to 200 organizations had a table to advocate their mission or duties. Student organizations ranged from Campus Diplomats to Gator Smiles to Red Cross Gators.

Director of Services Albert Perera, a fourth-year psychology student, said IDEAL gives individual involvement consultations, which involves helping students find organizations that match their interests and goals. Other activities include workshops for campus organizations, which includes training for the new executive board or help ease the transitioning process. (the year’s executive board passing “down the torch” for next year’s board)

“There are so many things you can’t learn in the classroom,” Perera, 21, said. “You’re able to develop professionally – your communication and leadership skills … and bring that into the workforce.”

The Chompys, an end-of-the-spring-semester-event/annual student involvement awards ceremony, celebrates and awards organizations for each school year. Some awards given include “best fundraiser,” “adviser of the year,” or “best overall.”

It’s vital to get involved, whether it’s on or off campus. It’s a great feeling to establish a sense of community at the university; you can also develop your professional, leadership and interpersonal skills through community service, research or hold an elected officer position.

I’ve seldom met anyone at UF who isn’t involved with research, part of an organization – Greek, multicultural or service-oriented – have a job or internship, and more. In my viewpoint, it’s safe to say that that’s why UF graduates are so desirable to the workforce. They were able to build a strong foundation for the future through social connections and pragmatic activities.

Zoe Zelazny, a second-year nutritional sciences/premedical student, was at the fair campaigning for VARAS. (Volunteers for Amelioration of Rural Areas) A group of 10 UF students went to Ghana, Africa, this past December and January to take care of and strengthen the community.

“They need so much over there,” she said. “It’s a great experience – you can learn about their culture and change the people’s lives for the better.”

Zelazny, 19, wants to bring dedicated club members who will enjoy raising awareness and acquiring donations.

“We hope to go back over there sometime and continue helping,” she said.

I would go if I had the monetary funds to sustain the trip. Going to Australia for summer 2013 will consume me, financially.

The involvement fair is held every fall and spring semester. Get involved, or come get your organization signed up for future appearances with IDEAL.

Also for more information about IDEAL, click here: https://ufl.collegiatelink.net/organization/ideal/about

The shirt was of a child panda wearing a red cape on a mother panda. Black Dickies shorts complemented it. No appointment was necessary.

That was me. I took a trip to the Career Resource Center to have my resume critiqued in order to stay competitive for internships in the future.

I walked into it in the middle of November at first wondering if there were any journalism-related internships available. I came in with the resolve of wanting an internship for the summer.

Not feeling having used the full extent of my visit, I asked the employee who greeted me to look over my resume. So we went to her cozy office.

She spoke to me as a friend, exchanged a few laughs and then suggested to expand the details on some of my involvement at UF, which involved the Asian American Student Union. 

My resume used to be two pages long prior to getting it reviewed, but now it’s only one page. I definitely like the fact that I can go in with casual clothing and have my request be answered within a couple of minutes.

Kimberly Percuoco, a fifth-year English/pre-law student, started working as a custom service receptionist since July 17.

“I love it,” she said. “I wish I’d known about the CRC sooner because there’s so much I learned just from working here.”

She’s in charge of answering phone calls, helping students with career questions and directing whoever comes in to see a specific professional if necessary.

The center helps students with interviews such as giving mock ones and general tips, cover letter assistance and career planning, she said. She found out about the student position through the Summer Job Fair on the Reitz Colonnade early in July.

Jinyu Shao, a fourth-year industrial engineering student, also used the CRC to have someone look over her resume.

“She would notice things I wouldn’t,” she said.

Shao, 21, had the opportunity to be in seminars to build professionalism in the room with the books.

“You don’t realize how important the center is when you’re on the lookout for a job or internship,” she said.

In the fall, I plan on using the center more to better my interviewing skills for the Florida Cicerones, the official student ambassadors to UF. My ultimate goal is to become one while in college.

It’s also good to mention that it’s the No.1-ranked university career services in the nation.

So stop on by the center on the first floor of the Reitz, you’ll improve your interviewing skills, can ask what majors associate with which careers, get your resume tweaked and so much more.

It happens each Friday night in every summer B, fall and spring semester. Gator Nights offers a diverse spectrum of activities to attract students from all facets of the university together in the Reitz Union.

The lineup of activities includes anything from playing laser tag on the North Lawn, dancing for the making of a music video on the second floor and waiting in a two-hour-long line for funnel cakes on the Colonnade.

Global Coffee House is in the back of the first floor lobby and it promotes “interaction between international and domestic students.” You have to create a name tag first in able to eat or drink anything.

I remember when we could grab as many cookies as we wanted – in my second semester at UF was when the employees limited it to one cookie per person, it’s understandable because there are now more people who stop by the GCH. I love the coffee there too.

A movie is featured every time in the Reitz Auditorium, the staff chooses the films that are soon-to-be released on DVD/Blu-Ray. Sometimes even Theater Strike Force, UF’s premier improve and sketch comedy troupe, performs in the Orange & Brew. Cultural shows that range from the African Student Union to the Pride Student Union host programs either in the Rion Ballroom or Grand Ballroom to promote the organization’s ideals.

It’s all free as long as you have an active Gator 1 card to get a wristband. Those with an active card can also get one for a guest.

I’ve been to too many Gator Nights, probably at least 45 times. Yeah, nothing better to do on Friday nights for me. It’s the cheaper version of clubbing or speed dating. Plus it’s safer. But to each his/her own of course.

At the end of the night is the buffet-style midnight breakfast in the Reitz Union food court. That’s right – milk, orange juice, biscuit, eggs, gritz and sausage patties are served.

A few times during my freshman year I would leave after the 6:30 p.m. showing of the movie, go back to Broward Hall (where I was living back then) and then come back around midnight. The most plates I’ve eaten were only three because it’s hard for me to sleep on a full stomach; eat to your heart’s content because you want to utilize everything that UF has.

Eating breakfast is my favorite thing to do at Gator Nights.

If you’ve never gone to one and don’t want to study, go out clubbing or drinking on a Friday night, stop on by, you won’t regret it. You’ve got the weekend in front of you.

The banner up top had  "Welcome new students and families" in front of the Reitz Union Colonnade. It's that time of the year again for The Gator Nation.

Hundreds of new students and their family members pack the Reitz Grand Ballroom on any designated Preview day. It's a moment for incoming freshmen to register for their Summer B or Fall semester classes and start their journey at the University of Florida.

Preview is to make the transitioning into a new academic environment successful as possible. Students not only get to register for classes, but are able to tour the Reitz Union, Ben Hill Griffin Stadium and sleep at one of the campus' residence halls. 

Robert Hudson, a 21-year-old senior majoring in statistics, had his Preview in 2009, and he said he enjoyed the skit that Preview Staffers performed on the first night the most. The skit demonstrates college life in a nutshell, which includes but not limited to partying, drinking, extracurriculars and academics.

"Congratulations and welcome to The Gator Nation," he said in an interview. 

He said to get involved and "don't give up" to high school students who are applying to UF.

"You can never get enough advice," Hudson said. "Advisers will help you register for classes and Preview is a dry-run for living on campus."

This year's Preview days span from May 11 to Aug. 21. The Reitz Union will be booming.

I hope you were able to choose a date that didn't conflict with your schedule. I still remember my Preview in 2010, it was a weekend I wouldn't forget because it made me more comfortable entering one of the nation's top universities.

Good luck. Congratulations. Go Gators.

For more info about UF, go to the website. For more information about Preview, go here.