A Letter from the Editor

By Marisa Kratochvil

Another “Family Week-end” is around the corner and, looking back on my past three years, I do not think students really understand the meaning behind this event.

As a freshmen, “Family Weekend” is meant to be a time to reconnect with your family after being seperated for a month. I know, being the youngest child in my family, that not seeing the most important people in my life for one month was rather tough. I muddled through it by being active and socializing, but it took effort.

In addition, this is the time to show off your campus. Take your parents to the football game and yell back to the announcer, “First down!” and stop off at the Alumni Hospitality Tent for free popcorn, drinks and balloons.

Your parents want to see what college is like, so show it off and be proud.

As your sophomore year rolls around, “Family Week-end” is a little less exciting. You've been through it, your parents know what to expect. Still, it is a nice opportunity to bring even more of your family to campus.

As your junior year begins, again you may find more enjoyment in “Family Weekend.” You are now an upperclassmen and, by this point, you probably know the majority of the football players and can root them on to victory. Plus, as you may know, when your family visits...they like to buy you what you need! So, take a trip to ShopKo, Econo or go into Galesburg to shop at Target; you know your mom will be up for that journey!

Alas, your senior year arrives and it dawns on you that this is your last “Family Weekend.” Sure, you are excited, or maybe even a bit scared to think about the future, but you are still here. Things begin to take shape and then it hits you, “Who has supported me all four years and took time out of their schedules to visit me?” As if you cannot guess - it is your family.

That is what I have realized three years into the college swing: your family, despite the arugments, tensions and headaches, will be there. You have your college friends, who will be there to toast you on your first job, make you go out after a fight with your sweetheart or just sit on the coach and veg on movies. But your family, they know who you are and what you are capable of doing.

So, before you hit your senior year, enjoy “Family Weekend.” Do not go home, sit inside or waste the day away. Even if your family is unable to come, join your roommate's family and get to know them. Either way, you will discover the importance of family and the impact they have on your life. “Family Weekend,” or a typical weekend, your family matters and never forget that.