Freshmore Week Brings Light to a Grim Semester

Freshmore Week opened up to a successful start last Monday securing wall-to-wall attendance at the freshman vs sophomore “Ball Out” sports tournament held in the university Intramural Sports complex.
Basketball and volleyball were the backgrounds to this event and both classes competed to see which team would reign supreme. This tournament was the first of many events that helped to build camaraderie between the two classes throughout the week. Along with the sports tournament, the cabinets hosted a game night, a social discussion panel, a pajama party, and a movie night to tie in the “House Party” themed week.
The week happens in the wake of a string of dispiriting incidents circulating Southern University. Despite this, students of all ages and backgrounds came together throughout the week in a celebration of the family atmosphere often found on the campus. Barrels of laughter and joy filled the hearts of students who attended the events as shown in the videos and photos shared on social media shortly after each event.
“Freshmore week means unity between the freshman and sophomore classes,” said Adekunle Ajayi, the freshman class vice president who is majoring in criminal justice from Memphis, Tennessee. He further describes the week as a host of informative and fun activities to educate both the freshman and sophomore classes. “You can look forward to many more amazing activities from the freshman class that you can find out more about at our monthly class meetings.”
Sophomore class president, Kennedy Orr, a sophomore majoring in Agricultural Business from Chicago, Illinois, also shared similar statements, saying, “The overall goal of Freshmore Week is to bring the two classes together to bond and make memories!” She mentions how fun events can help connect people even through difficult times. Orr also emphasized the importance of safety throughout the week saying, “We put a lot of thought and planning into these events. All we can hope is that students enjoy them and feel safe while doing so.”
Favorable sentiments were expressed by the student body with Makayla Crutchfield, a freshman majoring in child development from Shreveport, Louisiana, stating, “Freshmore week was honestly so amazing… Everyone was so happy to just be having fun together.” Crutchfield rated her experience a “ten out of ten.” Enjoying the company of her friends at the “house party” was a highlight for her.
Crutchfield is happy to be celebrating even in the midst of tragedy. “This week made a difference mostly because it showed everyone that even through tragedy and heartbreak, there is always a reason to be happy… This school is a family and we have to stick together through everything and we do.”
The freshman and sophomore class cabinets hope to continue the atmosphere of community curated by Freshmore week throughout the course of the semester and beyond.