CALISE WANG

on finding her second family

Orchestra has always been an important part of who I am. In high school, orchestra is where I found my calling and met some of my closest friends to this day. I was part of the student council in orchestra, and that is where I learned many of my leadership skills coming into college. Coming from Ann Arbor and its rich fine arts culture, I knew that I couldn't leave all my years of violin behind, so I decided to join POPS after hearing about it in high school. And after getting to know some of the existing Popsicles my freshman year and having the most fun in years playing pieces I've always wanted to play, I found myself falling in love with the orchestra - so much that I decided to join the Executive Board!

E-Board has been one of the most rewarding experiences I've had in college. As the Social Director, I'm responsible for organizing social events and making all of the orchestra members feel as welcome as I felt when I joined. The first event that I planned was the Cider Mill Trip, and after a few minor hiccups, we all made it to the Plymouth Cider Mill. It was a little chilly in the middle of October, but we got some donuts and cider to warm us up. We visited the petting zoo there, saw a family of ducks, learned about bee keeping and Joe's tractor driving history. We even welcomed Jacob’s new pumpkin into the POPS family! Being able to spend time getting to know some of the new and old members has brought me so much joy. 

One of my favorite recent events was the POPSLuck. POPSLuck is this dinner we have each semester where people get to sit, chat with each other and mingle around the room getting to know everyone. There was really REALLY good food (I truly believe that there are some secret chefs in the orchestra!) including a classic appearance by Derek's famous dumplings. After chatting and eating in Matt’s warm and cozy house on a freezing February night, we decided to run the biggest game of Cards Against Humanity in history. It was great seeing a group of 20+ people all hanging out and having a great time together. 

Looking ahead, E-Board is now preparing for the tradition of holding a POPS Progressive, and it's something that the entire orchestra is looking forward to in the coming month. At Progressive, we split the orchestra into groups that travel to different stops, with each stop serving a different course of the meal (ie. appetizer house, entree house, and dessert house). Afterwards we host an after party that is one of the social highlights of the semester!

Getting to see the orchestra become more bonded is really amazing, but I've also gotten to know the lovely members of E-Board a lot better, some of whom have also become close friends. E-Board inspires me to keep working harder and give back to the organization that has given all of us a second family and home.

Calise Wang is currently a sophomore majoring in Pharmaceutical Sciences. She enjoys watching Grey’s Anatomy, hanging out with fellow Popsicles, and playing with her bunny!

3/1/19