Feature: Students Make a Splash at “Oasis” Pool Party

Photo Credit: Sahila Shah & ASuop Instagram

Pictured: Sydney Navarro, Cassandra Jackson, Analy Cruz, Chantal Barragan, Devin Thompson, Margarita Kuranova, Asher Bloom and Rhea Geagea

In light of a difficult pandemic, the student government association, ASuop, has hosted one of many fun and uplifting events. Coming back from months of online Zoom classes was a major transition for the 2021 school year. Not only did many learning environments change, but so did the crucial period of social interactions that are fundamental in a student’s campus life. For a large majority of students, meeting people, speaking to them face to face, and interacting is a major factor in making meaningful friendships and a comfortable learning environment.

Of course, one long standing event that came back was the Oasis. Cassandra Jackson, Biological Sciences, ‘23, works under Arts and Entertainment (A&E) division of ASuop as a programmer (a part of the team that helps put events like this together). The Oasis, a yearly event, wasn’t able to occur last year, so it was met with a lot of excitement this year. Jackson explains, “The Oasis is an event that is open to all students, just as long as they have a PacificID, and essentially it’s really just like a pool party. We play music, have a bunch of floaties that we buy, and in previous years they’ve had games. This year we had a snow cone machine, we had popcorn… a photo booth, and ASuop was also there giving out ASuop t-shirts.”

Events like the famed Oasis are just one of many fun activities that ASuop holds for students. Because the team itself is made up of other students, their events are always put up with the benefit of the university’s community in mind.

Jackson also shares, “We are stewards of student funds and we’re also students that serve students so it’s really in our best interest as well to be promoting and hosting events that do benefit the student body as a whole as an escape from homework and academics...It gives them an opportunity to network and make friends.”

Sahila Shah, Marketing, ‘23, has also been a team member since her freshman year. She attended the event with her fellow team members.

“When I attended Oasis this past weekend, I was so excited to finally see the hype about this event -- and I was not disappointed! The pool was wonderful for the hot weather and so were the refreshing snow cones.”

When asked about how events like this were fundamental to her time at UOP, she said, “The mere fact that I get to make so many great connections on campus, organizing and attending these events brings all of our students together - I get to meet students of all ethnicities, religions, and different majors at UOP, and that is why I am so happy to be back.” 

Sydnee Navarro, Sociology, ‘25, had something similar to say. “Events like this are really what makes the college experience. Your time in college is what you make it, and being involved in the on-campus events, organizations, and more adds to all the memories you can make at UOP. I've had a great time thus far at UOP because I've attended the events they/we put on.”

Navarro also had a fun time, noting, “I was working the event along with the rest of the members of the A&E team, so I went with them. The highlight of the day, though I didn't get into the pool, was, again, relaxing by the pool and staying cool on the hot day with my friends.”

The Oasis has remained a long standing event for a reason and looks forward to more exciting years.