By Breyona Padgett, Contributing Writer

As midterms approach and students prepare for fall break, the University of South Alabama’s Vietnamese Student Association found the perfect way to help students unwind: a fall picnic filled with laughter, games, and community.

Hosted by VSA Event Coordinator Tri-an Nyguen, the event was designed to give members a break from academic stress while strengthening the bonds within the organization. “We know it’s around midterms, and it’s almost fall break,” said Nyguen, the event coordinator. “So why not give our members a chance to relax, talk to people they met last time, and just create more memories and bonds?” said Nyguen. 

The picnic featured food, outdoor games, and a welcoming environment that encouraged students to mingle and make new connections. For Nyguen and the rest of the planning team, seeing the turnout made all the hard work worthwhile. “Honestly, I’m really happy about it because we put a lot of work into these types of events,” Nyguen added. “We spent almost a month planning this, so it’s just really great to see everyone out here enjoying themselves.”

Among the attendees was Arlene Nguyen, a sophomore nursing major and VSA officer. For Nguyen, the picnic offered more than just fun. It was an opportunity to connect with others and recharge before a busy academic stretch. “It’s a great way for me to get to know my peers in VSA and just to have fun today,” Nguyen said. “It’s been a pretty rough week with midterms coming up, so this is the perfect chance to see everyone before we all go our separate ways for fall break.”

Events like the fall picnic showcase the spirit of the Vietnamese Student Association, a group committed to fostering friendship, culture, and community on campus. Whether students came to take a break, meet new people, or simply enjoy the fall weather, the day proved to be a success in bringing people together.