Black Opal

So I was thinking that since this blog is posted on the Blue Chip website I should give some more information about being part of Black Opal. First, let me tell you that everyone in Black Opal is so nice and welcoming. Particpating in the Black Opal exchange was one of my favorite experiences as a Blue Chip member.

As a Black Opal member I particpated in their Phase II group which is equivalent to Blue Chip's Phase II and Phase III groups. Black Opal only has three phases, as Uni there is usually just three years. Like Blue Chip, Black Opal has different groups you can be part of in Phase II. I was in Global.

One of my first experiences with Black Opal was the Diversity Camp. It took place during UOWs Easter Break. Its a three day camp. Actually, Black Opal does a Phase camp each year for each phase. I don't want to give away to much about the camp because its one of thoes experiences you gain more as you experience it. But the camp was one of my favorite experiences studying abroad. I made so many friends during that time. Plus you get to see some of the beauty that is Australia.

Much like with Blue Chip, Black Opal teams have weekly meetings. For Phase II each week a different topic is discussed and debated that is related to your theme. For example being in Global we did discussions and learned about such topics like poverty. Which I know is discussed in America as well but you get to see it in a perspective of your peers who live in another country. Part of Phase II is to put on a campus and community project. Our team decided to target the problem of lack of clean water in many developing countries. For our campus project we fundraised and educated fellow UOW students on this important problem. We raised over $600. This sess my team is doing Walk4Water as their community project. They are getting community of Wollongong together for a walk (like AIDS Walk) to raise money to help bring clean water to East Timor.

I met so many passionate, commited, and bright leaders by being part of Black Opal. It gave me the opportunity to learn about issues that I didn't even consider before. I gained understanding of different perspectives on many diverse issues and topics. All the while I gained first hand experiences of leadership through the campus project.

If you have any more questions about Black Opal Exchange please do not hesitate to contact me. My email is aparkman@email.arizona.edu