Sophia99

UWW Shares Facility with ROTC 

For several weeks, ROTC cadets and non-military students have been sharing the gym and track areas during overlapping time slots, creating confusion and frustration for many who have Physical Education or Athletic classes at the Williams Center early in the day. The ROTC’s presence in the space is not new or unexpected; their training schedule is approved at the start of the academic year. 

“The ROTC program schedules that area with the gym,” explained Sergeant Matthew Sullivan, who oversees military-conditioning courses at UWW. “It allows students who aren’t even interested in ROTC to take it, one, to experience how the military does PT, and two, to get PE credit.” 

However, this semester has brought unusually high enrollment, and the Williams Center is showing signs of strain. With more people than ever trying to use the same limited areas, coordination has slipped. “It’s getting pretty busy in there,” Sullivan noted, suggesting the concern needed to be raised with Williams Center staff. 

Students, who preferred to remain anonymous, reported that the crowding feels more than just inconvenient. Many expressed frustration that, as paying students, they were never informed about why their class experience had changed dramatically. It felt as if all the instructors themselves lacked the information needed to share. 

Scheduling Issues and Signs of Tension 

Observations over September and October (2025) revealed growing, subtle tension among instructional staff using the gym and track during early-morning hours. Nothing escalated into formal conflict, but there were repeated moments of discomfort. One instructor in particular from the sports department appeared consistently frustrated by unexpected overlaps and declined to participate in a formal interview. 

Students noticed patterns immediately. They expressed disappointment that the administration had not communicated any information related to how campus overpopulation affected class settings, nor how the reservation system worked behind the scenes, any information would have been better than being ignorant; after all this is a university. 

During the interview with Coach Corey Meredith, who has been working only two months by the time of the interview, made it clear that some staff had not been informed that the space functioned as a classroom or that there were many classes going on in the mornings, in the same area at the same time period. When asked about the reservation system and whether he knew what classes were scheduled in the same area, he explained: 

“I’m not aware. What I’ve understood is we kind of use the facility. I think athletics maybe takes precedence over it, like in season athletics, and then out of season athletics, obviously, if there’s a class, we work around that, or if there’s an event, we work around that. But that’s what I’ve understood it since I’ve been here.” 

His comment reinforced the central issue: instructors were doing their jobs but lacked clear information about shared facility scheduling and space. 

Causes Behind the Facility Overlap 

Although ROTC’s reservations were properly documented, confusion surfaced among non-ROTC instructors who either were not familiar with the reservation process or did not know which department to contact. Without clear communication channels, instructors ended up reacting in real time instead of planning ahead. Campus overpopulation amplified the situation, highlighting that these issues stemmed from logistical strain, not personal conflict. 

Impact on the Instructional Environment 

Nobody is acting with ill intention; everyone is just trying to teach or train, and students are trying to learn, but the lack of a unified communication protocol has created unnecessary stress. Students notice the tension, and classes feel more chaotic than they should. Multiple instructors teaching at once raise noise levels, split attention, can make it difficult to follow instructions. When the environment is overcrowded, even the most cooperative staff members cannot fully manage their teaching conditions. 

Findings and Outcome 

After speaking with instructors and observing several sessions, it was clear a big part of the confusion was simply not knowing the right details. Many instructors from different programs were unaware of how the reservation system worked, that existed or who to contact. The overcrowded campus only added stress to the problem and became more noticeable. The root cause, in the end, was not conflict between individuals or favoritism toward any group. It was a shortage of space combined with inconsistent communication. 

Ideally, the long-term solution would be additional space, a new gym, and track, but that is not feasible at the moment. For now, the hope is that with clearer scheduling, open communication, and a shared understanding that everyone is navigating the same overcrowded environment, the Williams Center can become a more coordinated and harmonious space for all who rely on it. 

This report helped bring everyone together on the same page. Since the interviews, staff posted signs, instructors have begun using other rooms in the Williams Center for classes, also staff and instructors have increased communication with one another. Whether these improvements will last remains to be seen, but at least now there is acknowledgment that the issue exists. The result has been a smoother flow during early-morning hours for instructors and students, and a more respectful sharing of the space under the circumstances. 

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Time is constantly running. I thought I was writing every day, but I wasn’t I have been busy doing homework trying to rest and eat what took longer this weekend was looking for shoes Oh and a church. I can’t believe how tiny is this area mostly because they have a big university. Is not as bad as Milwaukee or Green Bay. or maybe I am so brained washed that I can’t tell the difference anymore 🤔 Regardless it is better than wht I had.

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SOPHIA GUEDJ
CHX114
November 29, 2025
Prompted Reflection Essay

What did you learn about yourself this semester?

I was reluctant to take this class as it was imposed on me, and I did not have the necessary time or financial resources, I still have no money, especially now with housing raising my rent. I was really disappointed to find out that it will not be required for next fall. But because of timing, I did not have a choice. I had to just deal with it and move forward. But here is the funny part: after all the stress and complaining, I ended up needing this class anyway. If I did not take it now, I would have had to take it next spring. Isn’t that odd? I spent hours upset about the time and money, and suddenly it turned out I had to take it no matter what.
Once I got into it, I actually enjoyed doing the food experiments, even though one of them did not work the way I wanted to. The technological part, though? The computer and Wi-Fi did not want to work with me. That made the assignments frustrating, annoying, and honestly just obnoxious. I did not want to deal with that, especially when my laptop or internet kept failing. It is 2025 why we are still struggling with Wi-Fi, uploading, downloading, pictures, and all of that! I am paying enough money to have decent internet that should not make me want to scream.
After working so hard on my experiment, I was proud of what I did. I understood it, processed it, and was ready to submit. Then the tech problems ruined everything. If I ever must take a class this technical again, I am doing it in person. This type of class should not be online. I would rather be in a real kitchen with a teacher and classmates than alone, unable to ask questions, like when I saw the “bleeding” nail experiment. That was so cool, and I would have loved to talk about it in the moment.

Therefore, here is what I learned this semester in Chem 114:

• I never want to take a science or math class online again.
• Chemistry is not just for science experiments; it can actually be a life adventure. Doing
  something, I would never have thought of doing on my own and coming to real conclusions felt exciting, even artistic.
• The experiment was not the problem. The annoying part was the process of submitting everything. Technology was the real culprit, not me and not the class.
  So, thank you, Professor Gorman. I was able to figure out where my frustration was really coming from, and honestly, that is an achievement on its own, knowing what is wrong and why.

What did you learn about chemistry or science in general?

Chemistry, or science in general, has taught me that with the right tools, we can discover how lifeworks. If you are observant and open-minded, you can apply this knowledge to your daily life.
Throughout my experiments, I have consistently seen God’s presence at work. While we may believe we are creating things, we are, in fact, uncovering what already exists in His creation. It is like opening a book and discovering the meanings of the letters inside.
Chemistry and science are like a book that not everyone can read or access. For those who engage with it regularly, I am truly thankful. It is through these individuals who study, embrace, and apply chemistry that we experience the wonders of God’s creation in the form of good health, hygiene, clean environments, nutritious food, an overall better quality of life. This is what I have come to understand about chemistry, science, and God’s role in it all.

What did you learn about study habits and how to study to be successful academically?

To be honest, I did not expect this class to matter as much as it did. At first, it felt like
something imposed on me, just like PE this semester. But looking back, even those classes taught me something valuable: the importance of routine. Everything in life comes down to routine. If you want to move forward, you need to structure a healthy routine that builds you up, not one that tears you down. All my classes have had one common goal: academic success. That is why my GPA is high. That is why I care so much about my grades and seek help when I need it. For me, grades are not just numbers, they reflect effort, both mine and my teachers’. When a student fails, it is rarely because they are incapable; it is often because they did not have the right support. A teacher who cares can make all the difference.
My study habits are strong, but this class reminded me of something I have neglected: taking care of myself. Most days, I barely eat, sometimes just one meal. Supplements and vitamins help, but nothing replaces a wholesome meal. And honestly, that was part of this class: learning to eat well, cook, and use kitchen tools, skills I did not have before. I also learned that rest matters. I am not great at it because I am always working on finishing and submitting my assignments on time.
With seven classes, unhelpful staff, and personal challenges, it is hard and complicated. But here is what I have realized: sleep and food are not optional, they are essential. Without them, no one can thrive, let alone succeed academically.
Success starts with wanting it. If you do not want to succeed, nothing anyone does will help. Hopefully, most of us come to college with that desire. If not, what is the point? And I hope teachers understand that we want to grow, move forward, and never stop learning. The habits I have built with this class are part of a bigger truth: making time for what matters. That is the key to success, not just in school, but in life.

What advice would you give to future online Kitchen Chemistry students?

My advice to others: enjoy the process and learn something useful from it. Chemistry is not just a science; it is a way to understand life if you let it. Don’t just focus on what is in your hands; pay attention to the meaning behind it. Every experiment, every concept has a bigger picture. Observe, think, and connect it to the world around you. That’s where real learning happens.

The 2024 United States Presidential Election on Wikipedia
I chose the Wikipedia page for the 2024 United States presidential election because it shows, almost perfectly, how discussion and debate evolve around something as huge as the American presidency. The page is like a living battlefield of perspectives, and it reveals how the Wikipedia community lives by its own core principles: neutrality, verifiability, consensus, and civility. It also shows how fragile all that is when people bring politics, bias, and emotion into the mix.
The 2024 election between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump was one of the most divisive events in modern U.S. politics, and you can feel that tension running through every edit, every comment, and every argument on the Talk page. I believe the page truly reflects the best and worst of Wikipedia’s process, where people try to be fair and factual but can’t help being human at the same time.
How the Entry Was Built
When I started exploring this entry, I did not just read the article. I went into the Talk page, the Revision History, and even the History tools, where you can see thousands of edits stretching back to 2015. It is incredible how much happens behind the scenes. The debates there are loud, emotional, and sometimes childlike, people accusing each other of being biased toward Harris or Trump, like: “Why do you have that about Harris but not about Trump?” or “Why don’t you show what Trump did right?” It feels like a classroom of kids yelling, but in a strange way, that noise is the sound of knowledge being made.
This page even has a protection barrier; you have to identify yourself or log in properly because of vandalism and trolling. Wikipedia moderators warn people not to post political jokes or false claims. That level of gatekeeping actually proves how serious this page is. Even though anyone can edit Wikipedia, not everyone can edit this page without scrutiny. The administrators, editors, and bots all work together to guard it from chaos.
Wikipedia’s Core Principles in Action
The core principles of Wikipedia, neutrality, verifiability, and consensus, are visible in every debate about the election article. Editors constantly quote rules like “NPOV” (Neutral Point of View) or “No Original Research” to remind others that personal opinions do not belong there. When someone adds language that sounds
too supportive or too critical of a candidate, another editor jumps in and either tags it or deletes it entirely.
But these arguments are not just about facts, they are about framing. Words like “claimed,” “stated,” or “insisted” can spark long conversations about bias. Some editors want to soften language; others want to make it sharper. It becomes an exercise in diplomacy, where the goal is not to win but to reach a sentence everyone can live with.
Patterns and What Drives the Revisions
Looking at the revision history, I noticed that edits come in waves. The busiest times happen during key events, campaign announcements, debates, scandals, and especially the election itself. In those moments, hundreds of small edits appear within hours. People rush to update statistics, correct quotes, and link new articles.
The changes are triggered by breaking news and by people trying to keep the narrative “balanced.” You can see that editors are constantly reacting to what’s happening outside of Wikipedia, which means the encyclopedia is almost breathing in rhythm with the real world.
The editing patterns also reveal how conflict becomes a quality-control mechanism. The louder the debate, the more likely someone will check sources, verify facts, or rewrite awkward phrasing. Conflict, in this sense, doesn’t destroy truth, it strengthens it.
What Gets Debated, What Gets Settled
Almost everything is debated at some point: turnout numbers, controversial remarks, allegations, and interpretations of events. Editors fight over what belongs in the article and what should be left out. The Talk page shows that while factual errors get fixed quickly, interpretive disagreements take forever.
For example, when one editor added a sentence about Harris’s campaign strategies, another demanded a citation; when someone mentioned Trump’s ongoing investigations, others debated whether that counted as “encyclopedic relevance.” This back-and-forth process can feel exhausting, but it is also what produces balance. The final article reads as calm and neutral only because so many people fought for every single word.
When Did It Become ‘Accurate’?
After reading all this, I think the page became relatively accurate in late 2024, right after the final results were confirmed and most speculative content was removed. But “accurate” does not mean “done.” When I checked the page today, it had already been edited again. That is outrageous and amazing at the same time. It shows that on Wikipedia, no page ever stops evolving.
A Wikipedia article is never “finished.” It’s more like a living organism, always growing, shedding, and reshaping itself in response to new information or new
perspectives. What’s true today might be challenged tomorrow, and that is not a flaw, it is the system working.
Conflict, Bias, and Reliability
One of the questions I had going in was whether conflict makes information less reliable. But now I think it is the opposite: conflict creates accountability. When editors disagree, they force each other to defend their claims and back them up with credible sources. That is how the page slowly filters out bias and falsehoods.
And because this article is heavily protected, trolling is minimal, and serious editors dominate the conversation. Their debates might sound harsh, but they lead to clarity. The final product becomes a kind of collective truth, not because everyone agrees, but because everyone keeps checking everyone else.
The Role of Editors and the Construction of Knowledge
Editors are the unsung heroes of Wikipedia. They decide what stays, what goes, and how information is phrased so readers can understand it clearly and fairly. Their choices literally shape public understanding. They balance tone, verify data, and translate complex political moments into sentences that sound neutral but still informative.
Through their constant negotiation, editors prove that knowledge online is not discovered, it is constructed. Each paragraph is a compromise, built from hundreds of tiny arguments about what’s real, what is relevant, and what is fair.
Conclusion: Wikipedia as a Living Record
In the end, this assignment made me realize that Wikipedia is more than just a website, it is a mirror of how society itself argues about truth. The 2024 United States presidential election article is a perfect example of that struggle. It is serious, constantly changing, and sometimes exhausting to follow. But it is also beautiful in a way, because it shows people from all over the world trying to tell one story together.
Therefore, can a Wikipedia page ever be “done”? Probably not. But that is the point. The constant updates, debates, and corrections are what make it alive, and alive is how truth survives.

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