By: Emma Seay
Spring at Ouachita is a time that every Ouachitonian celebrates. No more cold weather, no more layers upon layers of clothing, and no more need to not wear every college student’s favorite shoes: aka Chacos. Each year at Ouachita, while students are glorifying the idea of sun and sandals, the Campus Activities Board hosts an event open to the Ouachita community which is called Spring Fling. Students and faculty all gather on this afternoon just outside the student center and participate in a range of fun activities like inflatables and photo booths and other outdoor games and sports.
“Spring Fling makes me feel happy,” said Gail Lange-Smith, sophomore dietetics and nutrition major from Harare, Zimbabwe. “I remember the first one I went to last year as a freshman that there was people everywhere doing lots of fun things and it is a nice time for people to let go of the stress of the week and entertain their inner child.”
There is food provided by the cafeteria on the lawn for everyone to enjoy as well as snow cones and root beer and Coke floats. It also is a great way for the social clubs and other clubs on campus to get involved. The International Justice Mission (IJM) each year participates in Stand4Freedom which is when everyone can sign up to stand for a different time slot for 24 hours to raise awareness for people around the world that are facing violence. Overall, this Ouachita tradition is another great way for students and faculty to come together and fellowship together.
“My favorite booth was probably where we played soccer while in the plastic bubbles,” said Lange-Smith. “I have been to many different booths so far and I love how unique they all are.”
Ouachita provides the community with a vast variety of different types of activities for a range of different ages and personalities in order to encourage unity and growth between one another. Even though Spring Fling may be just a few hours a year and not quite as well known as the other traditions like Tiger Tunes and Tiger Traks, students and faculty appreciate the much needed relaxation period of time with friends and family.
