Students First
![A wintry Kent State Gate with snow in the sun](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/styles/1_5_2_thumbnail/public/article/holidayevents2.jpg?VersionId=TMAWh7rGlt3lInjg7FZxbJvt6vsD7cpy&h=06ac0d8c&itok=0BIk1Hry)
Looking for something to fill your time between studying for finals and packing to go home for the holidays? Here are a few events you can enjoy while you’re still on campus and one you can look forward to when you get back.
![Rwandan student Alliah Cynthia Teta serves up a traditional stewed chicken dish. Rwandan student Alliah Cynthia Teta serves up a traditional stewed chicken dish.](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/styles/1_5_2_thumbnail/public/article/DSC_6183_1.jpg?VersionId=skhVc2aWefktnCgEGMLSGxY.E03kP1il&h=10d202d3&itok=NoJLaXg2)
The entry of Team Rwanda and Team Nigeria into the annual cooking contest reflects Kent State’s growing relations in sub-Saharan Africa, resulting in new groups of international students on campus. The Rwandan students are part of a group of 12 undergraduates sponsored by the Rwandan government who arrived at Kent State for the fall semester to pursue degrees.
![Linebacker CJ Harris Leads the Golden Flashes Defense Linebacker CJ Harris Leads the Golden Flashes Defense](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/styles/1_5_2_thumbnail/public/article/football%20epilepsy_0.jpeg?VersionId=lA23r_wBy_oU6y8nmo5kQQm8dpaJR3Uo&h=56d0ca2e&itok=Eggi0AKn)
When CJ Harris' health took a sharp turn, the junior from Macon, Georgia, committed to fulfilling his dream of playing college football despite the obstacles.
![Junior Luca Ralph Looks to Push the Ball Downfield Junior Luca Ralph Looks to Push the Ball Downfield](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/styles/1_5_2_thumbnail/public/article/soccer_0.jpeg?VersionId=9Gv4Rr..MIcAlN74BV1VOI_WiAEwQvNR&h=b5c7f291&itok=-dUr337F)
Luca Ralph, a junior midfielder from Maple Grove, Minnesota, talks about her journey from dancing shoes to soccer cleats.
![The Kent community enjoying the 2021 Kent Skates](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/styles/1_5_2_thumbnail/public/KentSkates1.jpg?VersionId=cMgGacOp6AoDESx8sdm1nSIu56zQmQPm&h=82f92a78&itok=6AIPqfUP)
Residents of Kent are ready to ring in the holiday season with the return of the Kent Skates ice rink this November.
![President Diacon with football fans in the stands at Dix Stadium](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/styles/1_5_2_thumbnail/public/article/20221116_BC_220481_Football_freeze%20Out_177_0.jpg?VersionId=OgFVCOx1rpv6vqjysoqoPCk5QXE_yApS&h=10d202d3&itok=zqEmSJVE)
President Diacon rallied the fans at the annual Prez D Freeze-Out game
![Students Walking on Campus](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/styles/1_5_2_thumbnail/public/article/CampusShot.jpeg?VersionId=3qYZ3dZgjYLqg8iidOueMOL4H.Yz1lP6&h=9497386f&itok=hXGPnJPM)
If you find yourself expending too much time and energy this semester, Kent State has some lesser-known resources that are intentionally designed to save you both. These eight resources are free for students and were specifically crafted for students.
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![Kent State Students at the Coffee and Careers Chat](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/styles/1_5_2_thumbnail/public/article/coffeecareersbanner.jpg?VersionId=DZWT0kQvXE.8gwjvZ.taWprHWTDZSTuT&h=e6f36a9c&itok=teOkahoh)
The Coffee and Careers chat hosted jointly by Career Exploration and Development (CED) and Student Accessibility Services (SAS), is a new drop-in career advising opportunity for Kent State students with disabilities.
![Cynthia Osborn, Ph.D, Lifespan Development and Educational Sciences Professor](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/styles/1_5_2_thumbnail/public/article/DTA%20Cynthia%20Osborn%20Banner.png?VersionId=vNxV6sjYvE5mRrTD_ypnzP5zRJ0tQi6S&h=e6f36a9c&itok=_mAwz-oV)
Cynthia Osborn, lifespan development and educational sciences professor, is building confidence through stress balls. Well, stress balls and innovative teaching techniques she has honed for nearly 26 years.