Labor Day offered students a much-needed pause from the start of the semester, giving many the chance to reconnect with family and friends. While some traveled home, others welcomed ones to Bethany or took time to explore nearby cities together.
For freshman clarinetist Zoie Altand, the long weekend meant her first trip home to Weatherford, OK, since band camp in August. She reunited with family and celebrated at her favorite hometown restaurant, Lucille’s. Reflecting on the visit, she shared: “It was so nice. I missed my bed, but I missed my family most of all. I miss seeing their lovely faces and support.” Returning to campus after the weekend made the reality of being a freshman at SNU sink in, but she expressed gratitude for living just an hour away from home.
Freshman bowler Olivia Agius also spent the weekend with family, as her mom flew in from Michigan to see her new life at SNU. The two explored Oklahoma City and continued their tradition of visiting memorial sites with a stop at the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum. Agius’ mom also attended the bowling team’s Labor Day practice, where she met Olivia’s teammates. Reflecting on the weekend, Agius said, “I came back to school refreshed and ready.”
For many people, the extended weekend offered a welcome pause from the usual demands of work, school, and daily responsibilities. Some students used the extra time to reconnect with family and friends, while others appreciated the chance to rest–whether by catching up on sleep or simply enjoying the comfort of home. Even small moments, like sleeping in without an early alarm, felt like a luxury. In this way, Labor Day became both a time for connection and an opportunity for personal recharge.
Photo by: MaK Wilkerson