7 Buck-tacular Activities To Do This Spring

This past week has had me beat due to the intense weather, with wind chill points below zero. As this February comes to a close as frigid as ever, the only thing keeping me motivated is the ever-foreshadowing and taunting spring that is soon to come. I can only think of how I, along with many other WASBs, played spikeball almost daily all spring. Memories of spring time in 2021 bring me a soothing warmth as the current climate only works to do the opposite; so, as the spring slowly creeps up on us, I offer you 7 buck-tacular activities to do this spring.


1. SPIKEBALL… duh

By far my own favorite pastime in the spring, (or whenever it is warm) Spikeball is an excellent and active game for players of all skill levels. While it’s best played in groups of four you can also make do with 2, if, and only if, you think you have what it takes! But, in all seriousness, this is an incredibly fun game to play in Library Mall, or as some may call it, “The Quad,” or any other large grassy or sandy area. Just grab a few friends, get active and get some good old sunshine.

2. Terrace Season

It’s warm, the sun is out, the snow has melted, and The Terrace at Memorial Union is back! Everyone and their mother’s will be there and you should be too. Grab something to do or a few friends or both, and head over early so you can get a seat; and whatever you do, do not leave before sunset. You won’t want to miss it!

Memorial Union is located at 800 Langdon St!

3. B-Cycle

Listen, if you have your own bike we get it and I envy you, however if you don’t I would highly recommend taking advantage of the B-Cycles! It’s all the fun of having a bike, plus none of the responsibility. 

To find out more about Madison B-Cycles, you can go to madison.bcycle.com.

4. Hammock

If you have access to a hammock, spring time is the best time to use it! I love to borrow one from a fellow WASB for a bit and just be horizontal with a good book. Being outside in the fresh air is one of the best things we can do for ourselves so we have to take advantage of the warmer months. Hammocking can be the perfect alternative to lounging around your home, because now you can lounge outdoors. Plenty of students do so right along the lakeshore path!

I’m sure there are lots of used Hammocks available on resale websites, such as Facebook Marketplace, or you can find one at a department store, such as REI!


5. Shopping

In the winter months, it can become difficult to motivate oneself to leave such a comfortable and warm environment to embark out into the brisk. However, an awakening overcomes me in the spring that forces me out and won’t allow me to, yet again, opt for online shopping. A walk down state street with an open wallet, when permitted, definitely feels a lot more appealing with the sun shining down on me between stops. Not to mention the incredible local variety of stores we have on State street as well as Monroe street. 

6. Roller-Blading

The “WASBladers” are infamous among WASBs and around all of Madison, I would imagine. Only a legend to me, but these WASBs roller blade all over Madison while documenting it all. Rumor has it that they may be out for one more spring, so I would keep an eye out for them, and maybe even join them!

Again, Facebook Marketplace is a great place to find some roller blades that are inexpensive, and potentially, good quality as well!

7. Hang Out On The Square

We can often take for granted the beautiful city that we live in, with not only two lakes, but the Wisconsin State Capitol Building. Grabbing some lunch and having a picnic on the grass on the square, can be incredible, with warm air, and nice shade under the trees. Madison truly is so pretty and we have to appreciate that.


These are just some of my personal favorite activities, as well as that of some other WASBs. I really hope that if some of these are new concepts to you please check them out! You won’t regret it. Also, be sure to not let the springtime fun take away from school. We’re Badgers and as always, we work hard and we play hard.

Written by Djamal Lylecyrus (he/him)

Social Media Chair

What Are #BadgersAtHome Up To?!

We get it, the past month has been filled with unsettling statistics and everyone telling you that these are uncertain times.. It’s hard to watch the news, keep up on Twitter, or even have simple conversations without the mention of what is going on in the world. These times are challenging but, as Badgers, we know that good times are always to come and even though we are separated, the Badger spirit can bring us all together. That’s why, this week, the Office of Student Affairs has asked us to partner in their #BadgerAtHome Fest. We encourage all of you, whether near or far, to participate and spread some Badger pride even while social distancing.

We are sure you have seen the news headlines of people around the world trying to fill their days with anything to distract themselves from the current state of this global crisis. Through this, we have seen just how similar and connected we are to so many others around the world. The past two weeks, we asked Badgers what they are up to at home and how they are staying well. 

What do you miss most about UW-Madison?

No matter where you are now, we’re sure there is still some part of you on campus in Madison. The experiences of spring semester are unparalleled to anything else throughout the year. While this year may be different, these responses from Badgers will hopefully spark memories of spring in Madison.

  • Sunsets on the Memorial Union Terrace

  • Walking along the Lakeshore path to class

  • Hanging out with my friends at our favorite coffee shops on State Street

  • The capitol during golden hour

  • Seeing your friends on the street and stopping to talk for 5 minutes when you only have 2 to spare 

What have you been doing to alleviate stress during quarantine?

It’s undeniable that we’ve all been spending a lot more time online lately, whether that’s been in Zoom class meetings all day or watching TikToks until your eyes hurt at night, there are still things that we as students are responsible for. The switch to online, distant learning has been unique and rocky at times. Quarantine has certainly brought different kinds of stress for students but here are some ways that resilient Badgers are handling these times: 

  • Hugging those you are in quarantine with

  • “Surrounding myself with family”

  • “Looking at pictures with friends and reminiscing on good times”

  • “Staying close to my pillows and heating pad!”

What makes a place feel like home?

Home can mean so many things for all Badgers. Whether it’s the people, the experiences, the food, or the art you surround yourself with, Badgers are creating their sense of home wherever they are.

  • Yoga and lots of bubble baths

  • Cooking and taking walks

  • Puzzles, puzzles, and more puzzles

  • Brushing up on old skills like playing guitar or the ukulele

We know that emotions are running high and the uncertainties in these times are confusing. But, we want you to remember that we are all in this together, especially as Badgers. This soon shall pass but in the meantime, we can hold on to the dream of sunny days at the terrace enjoying a cup of Union Utopia from the Daily Scoop!

Choosing a Student Org

The decision to become a Wisconsin Badger is a big one. Each of us has different reasons for why we are here and what we want to do in our time on campus. Maybe you’ve just arrived at the university and you’re overwhelmed with the possibilities, longing to find some community to make campus feel smaller. Or, maybe you’ve been here for a while and you’re realizing that you want to have an impact on campus or find some way to leave your mark. 

Our advice: find a student org to join. Become a part of a community. Surround yourself with people that will make you happy, push you to be better, or help you to make a change. Your college experience is not just about what student orgs you are involved in or which clubs you devote most of your time to, but they can greatly enhance your time here AND influence how you become the best version of yourself.

A lot goes into choosing which community or group is right for you, so we compiled a list of things to think about to get you started:

  • Join an org whose mission you stand behind and are passionate about contributing to

This may seem like a simple one, but it’s important. Find a group of people who have a mission that you can identify with and relate to. This might be anything from loving cheese to preparing for a career in health, to fighting against sexual assault on campus. College seems to always be about building the perfect resume and sometimes this quest can blur our aspirations. Choose an org with a mission that really lights your fire, not just one that looks good on the resume.

  • Find a place where you would want to give back

Looking into your future on a certain org isn’t the easiest - that’s why you may need to do some research. But that research could make all the difference. There’s an age-old saying about involvement that goes something like “you will get out of this what you put into it.” Find a place where that give-and-take is an excitement for you. Maybe you’re busy with other commitments, and your availability for a student org is only an hour-long meeting every month; that’s okay! Just make sure that when you’re at that meeting, you actually want to be there. 

  • Do it for you

In the end, you are the master of your destiny and the captain of your ship. While it may seem like a simple task, thoughtfully choosing an org that is right for you will pay off in the end, we promise. Find a place where you feel celebrated, your hobbies fostered and your passions exemplified.

These simple pieces of advice can act as an outline for choosing a student org but are not the only things to take into consideration. Everyone will approach this in their own unique way and that is what makes student organizations so strong. Rely on yourself. This process is not solely about impressing people or building your resume, it’s about finding where you can grow and develop into the best person you can be during college.

Think WASB might be right for you? Check out our application and email us with any questions at wasb@uwalumni.com 

WASB isn’t the one? That’s okay! Here are a few student orgs that WASBs also love to be a part of:

How to Get the Most Out of the Career Fair

We get it — career fairs are daunting. Thinking intently about your career goals and striving to impress recruiters in what often feels like not enough time can be stressful for any student. But, it truly doesn’t have to be and it’s actually much simpler than you might think. There are two things that will turn you from an average candidate in line at the career fair into an exceptional one: preparation and confidence. When it comes to preparation, you probably know the drill. By the time students attend the career fair, they are most likely familiar with the different components of recruitment and professionalism in general. (If you’re not, don’t stress. Check out the checklist of Career Fair Prep essentials that we’ve compiled below to help you get familiar.) What we on the Wisconsin Alumni Student Board realized many students need, however, is a little extra boost of confidence that you can’t quite gain from a checklist on the internet. This is why, for years, we’ve been hosting a now award-winning event dedicated to helping students go into the career fair with the confidence and preparation they need to stand out. It’s called Career Fair Prep Night and this semester, it’s taking place Monday, February 3rd from 6:00 to 7:30pm on the third floor of the Pyle Center. 

Thanks to our partners and sponsors at SuccessWorks at the College of Letters and Science, School of Human Ecology, and College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, select employers will join WASB to host a series of workshops and provide one-on-one guidance on resumes, elevator pitches, and general questions about the career fair. 

Check out the list below to make sure you’re properly prepared with the essentials. Then, feel free to join us on Monday to interact face-to-face with recruiters and get feedback in an eased environment before tackling the career fair. A little prep can go a long way. We promise. 

Find the event details on Handshake. 

Perfecting your Resume

Language — It is vital that you use metrics to quantify how much value you’ve added to projects and/or organizations. Use action words, not passive language. Be consistent and concise. 

Formatting — Your margins should be about 1 inch on all sides and your font should be easy to read (so, to be safe, go with as close to 12 point as possible). Each section should be organized in chronological order. Each line of text should go until the end of the page, so play around with wording if necessary. All verb tenses should match and, of course, all grammar should be correct. 

Personalization — Do not be afraid to add an interesting hobby or skill to let your personality shine through. Keep it professional, but still “you.” 

Crafting your Elevator Pitch 


Content — In 1-2 minutes, you should clearly answer these questions: 

  1. Who are you? (Quite literally, introduce yourself.)

  2. What do you do? (This could mean your career, or, as a student, something along the lines of your major, your involvement, or simply what excites you.) 

  3. What do you want from a job or internship? (Be honest and clear.) 

  4. What next?  (Always finish with a call to action; for example, “Who should I contact about next steps?”) 

Delivery —  Always make eye contact, finish with a firm handshake, and, most of all, display confidence. 

Business Professional Etiquette

Attire — Dress in business professional attire, which people tend to forget means no denim. Wear dress shoes. Don’t underestimate the value of the concept, “look good, feel good!” 

Attitude — Don’t be afraid to be personal, but don’t forget to be professional and polite (i.e., say “please” and “thank you,” shake hands, make eye contact, be respectful of time, etc. — that’s just life stuff). And, yep, you guessed it, be confident. You undoubtedly have a lot to offer employers, so if you come prepared and let your individuality shine, you’ll stand out. 

Maneuvering the Fair — Make your way around with purpose. Look up the companies in advance and decide who you want to meet with; prepare for those specific conversations. 


These Are a Few of Bucky's Favorite Things

Graduation may seem like centuries away when you first step on campus. It's hard to imagine a life outside of college - one where Bascom Hill no longer takes center stage. But, for many people, post-grad life will begin somewhere far from Madison. According to the Office of the Provost’s Annual Alumni Residency Report, 33% of Badgers live outside of Wisconsin after graduation from UW. Although it’s common, we realize that moving to a new city for a job or even an internship over the summer can be daunting, so we thought we’d put together some resources to help ease the stress. 

For one, on Friday, November 22nd 2019, WASB is teaming up with SuccessWorks, Northwestern Mutual, and the Wisconsin Alumni Association to bring you an event titled Beyond Wisconsin! It is a semi-annual event dedicated to helping Badgers prepare themselves to move to new cities for jobs or internships. 

We also sent out a survey to Badger alumni this past week to hear what recommendations they have for students about to embark on their own journeys in the same cities. Responses were collected from Badgers in cities like Milwaukee, San Diego, Atlanta, Chicago, Minneapolis, San Francisco and more! Here is a preview of what they had to say.

Best area(s) of town for recent graduates/young professionals to live in?

Milwaukee: East Town, Downtown, Third Ward

Atlanta: Buckhead, Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, Midtown

Twin Cities: Uptown, North Loop, Grand Ave

Best place(s) to meet up with friends & new people? 

Washington D.C.: DuPont, 14th Street, The Mall 

San Diego: Pacific Beach, Encinitas 

Milwaukee: Festivals, Coffee Shops, Public Markets 

Recommendations for day trip destinations?

Chicago: Botanical Gardens, Boat Trips, Lincoln Park Zoo

Twin Cities: State Parks, Duluth, MN’s Largest Candy Store

Atlanta: Athens (for Georgia football game!), Savannah, Asheville, NC

Ways to get connected with Badgers in these areas:

  • Alumni groups on Facebook

  • Wisconsin Alumni Association directory 

  • Attending Beyond Wisconsin!

While this is just a snapshot of what Badgers are doing these days, hopefully this gives you a good start! There are so many ways that Badgers stay connected after their time in Madison because, no matter where you are, the Badger connection holds true anywhere.

If you’re interested in hearing more advice about specific cities or on figuring out your post-grad finances (another daunting idea, we know), then RSVP here for Beyond Wisconsin!