Meet Vincent Guarnere! Vincent is a sophomore Biology major on the Pre-Med Track from Nacogdoches, TX. Vincent is involved in Alpha Epsilon Delta, the Biology Club, National Society of Leaderboard and Success, and Emerging Leaders. Vincent enjoys doing toe touches in his free time!
Family weekend is an exciting time for both students and parents. I know from personal experience, even if I didn’t admit it, I truly missed my parents and family when I went to college. Yes, school and clubs kept me involved, but adjusting to life away from home was unlike anything I had ever gone through. Family Weekend was the first time I saw my parents after being dropped off at college. It was one of the longest periods I had gone without seeing my parents. I vividly remember the hug I gave my mom as I greeted her for the first time that weekend. Home for me is about six hours away from Fayetteville, so I don’t go home unless it’s a long weekend or holiday. For any family that lives far away from campus and does not get to see their student that often like us, Family Weekend is the perfect opportunity to comeback to Fayetteville and spend quality time together.
Parent and Family Programs offers many activities that help keep parents and families involved on campus during Family Weekend. On Friday night, Cardinal Nights takes place in the Union which is a fantastic night with many activities for families to do. In the past there has been a game night themed event hosted by Cardinal Nights where they had card games, mechanical bull riding and many other games. Parent and Family Programs also has a tailgate before the football game that lets families experience the surreal atmosphere before football games. Everyone is wearing Cardinal red, families and students have smiles of joy, and most importantly, the hogs play later in the day. Family Weekend is full of activities. It’s a time where families of students come from all over. Family Weekend is also a great time to explore the area, it has a lot to offer outside the university associated programs and events. There are many things to do off-campus in Fayetteville and the NWA region such as Fast Lane Entertainment which has bowling and other arcade games. One year, instead of going to the game, my family and I drove to the Buffalo River. We went hiking in the region and had a picnic near the water. One of my favorite things to do when my parents are in town is go shopping at the local bookstores and shops to buy new Razorback apparel. Shopping and eating at local stores and restaurants is always more fun when you’ve got your family and parents around to help out on the costs!!
My favorite thing about Family Weekend is that feeling of sense of love and happiness that spreads throughout campus. It is obvious just walking around campus seeing students with their families, the impact of the relationships students maintain back at home. I love putting Family Weekend on my calendar every year. I can’t wait to see everyone at Family Weekend from September 20-22, this year. More information about Family Weekend and all the events Parent and Family Programs has to offer can be found at https://family.uark.edu/ .