On Saturday, August 31, Union University Residence Life closed the doors of McAfee Student Commons to guys and hosted The Gathering, a ladies-only event.
Ashley Akerson, resident director of the Heritage complex, led the RA ladies in transforming McAfee into a relaxing and comfortable space for women to connect with one another over “Just Dance,” temporary tattoos, crafts, nail painting and popsicles.
“It was a lot of fun working with the other amazing girl RAs and bouncing ideas off each other,” said Brittaney Simpson, sophomore pre-pharmacy major.
Those ideas created a space where laughter and conversations floated through the air as ladies took a break from homework and college life. When students walked through the doors, they were transported to the sleepover-like gathering that they had all dreamed of going to as little girls.
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“It was a joy to see so many students take a moment to rest and enjoy each other’s company,” said Akerson. “It’s crazy to think that this event was held on the third weekend of the school year, yet so many friendships had already been built. I look forward to seeing how ladies across campus continue to build friendships that will last for years to come.”
“In today’s society, the relationships that girls have with one another are pictured to be very ugly and divisive,” said Cate Price, sophomore English major. “It’s important as Christian women to model what good relationships with one another look like and go against society. Events like this encourage that activity and bonding among women.”
Whether girls knew the person next to them or not, conversations started that were easy and sweet. New friendships emerged, and old friendships were rekindled throughout the night.
Overall, many girls said they wanted more events like this in the future and look forward to what other events will come.