OWL Talks

From April 7 to April 14, I had the pleasure of taking a course in Guatemala around the city of Antigua. I traveled to Guatemala on a short-term study abroad program with twenty-nine nursing students and three nursing faculty members. With the support of a local mission, our group spent the week helping others and exploring the culture. Every experience offered a different learning opportunity, such as understanding that the concerns we have in the United States are not the same as those in other countries. Being able to communicate in Spanish thanks to my double major in Spanish made the years of hard work learning the language worthwhile.

Throughout our college careers at Westfield State, students are encouraged to study abroad for a short-term or long-term course. The university offers dozens of remarkable opportunities for students, and I was fortunate to take advantage of one in January.

During spring break of 2018, we had the amazing opportunity to travel with 10 other people to Panajachel, Guatemala to do something we are both passionate about — giving back to people who truly deserve and need it while being able to immerse into a new culture. This trip was run through a non-profit organization called Worthy Village, an organization that builds pathways out of poverty for women and children in Guatemala by providing economic opportunity, healthcare, and education.

It's time to celebrate!

Westfield State University’s Urban Education Program (UEP) is coming up on its fiftieth anniversary, and we want to get this party started by holding our 50th Golden Anniversary celebration at 6 p.m. on Saturday, November 17 in the Scanlon Banquet Hall. It might seem like it's a bit early to make the announcement, but this gives us a good opportunity to talk about why the UEP is so vital for our students and the impact on the community.

When people think about “criminal justice” they often picture the police force, and while that may be true, the Criminal Justice Department at Westfield State prepares graduates for wide ranging careers that span the work force.

Fall is almost here and that means a whole new semester, and if you’re a first year student at Westfield State, it means an entirely new beginning. So, other than figuring out where your classes are and how to organize a dorm room, what is the “have to know” advice for incoming students? Read on to find out our top tips straight from campus.

Westfield State is more than a school. We’re a family. That means we’re invested in the wellbeing of our students and we work within our community. Whether it’s through volunteer hours, campus events or encouraging innovative thinking, we’re making a positive impact on our local community everyday with the help of our students, faculty and staff. Read on to find out how you can join us in making a difference.

There’s a lot more to college than time spent in a classroom. There are plenty of chances for you to meet new people, explore new cultures, and even give back to your community through civic engagement. Let us show you how.

When I learned that I needed to take an upper-level interdisciplinary Honors seminar in order to graduate as an Honors scholar, I found myself scared. Would the workload be too much? Despite my reluctance, I steeled my nerves and signed up for the course with a Pikachu smiling on the information sheet, Japanese Culture, taught by Professor Brian Chen. I couldn’t be happier that I selected this Honors seminar.