CSU Stanislaus hosted their second annual Warriors Explore Downtown put on by ASI and SC, located in Central Park in Downtown Turlock. Students, staff, faculty and alumni were all welcome to join in on the fun from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
When students arrived at Central Park, they were given a punch card. That card showed a map of all the stores and restaurants participating in the event. It was a great way to meet new people and find new places to shop.
Megan Parravano (Student Center Engagement Manager) and Delia Vidal (Senior, Liberal Studies) both put together this event. This gathering grows Warrior presence in Downtown Turlock. Campus community had a chance to come explore shops, learn more about the places downtown, participate in fun activities and ride Turlock transit.
“This is definitely a fun event, I really enjoy being out and about in the community. That’s my favorite part, being in contact with business owners, building relationships with the city of Turlock and seeing students come down here and enjoy it,” Parravano says.
Parravano and Vidal shared that they loved every aspect of planning this event. They claimed it was a great way to connect with different types of businesses in the city of Turlock. Downtown Turlock is such a beautiful area and the locals really want to help blossom it into more of a college town feel.
As a student, Vidal feels it’s important to check out everything that downtown has to offer. She says, “I feel like it kind of makes it like the home of the Warriors, come check it out, see what we have to offer. There’s so much down here that students don’t see. It’s really important to make those connections.”
Averie Stockeland (Junior, Political Science) and Jelaine Esguerra (Senior, Psychology) are students who were very excited to be participating in this event that connects Turlock and Stan State together.
“My favorite thing is all of the events that our campus puts on, especially the ones by ASI and SC. It’s nice after classes to get a break and do something that’s exciting, other than just be in class all day.” Esguerra states.
Stockeland and Esguerra mentioned the importance of the campus community learning more about what downtown Turlock has to offer.
“Especially if you don’t live here, you don’t get to see what downtown Turlock has to offer. It’s really nice to see everything that’s downtown because there is a lot, whether that’s clothing, food or antiques stores.” says Stockeland.
After students had all of the slots on their punch card stamped by visiting the many businesses, they were able to enter into any raffle of their choosing. The prizes ranged from concert tickets, an electric scooter to a smart tv.
It’s important for students to interact with their school in other ways, besides just taking classes. It helps students appreciate where they go to school and the community around it. Whether they commute to class or live on campus, these events help students stay connected to the Stan State community.