Under the shade of a giant oak on a calm weekend, students gathered for moments of joy and relaxation, a much-needed break from their academic routines. Whether competing in friendly games or cheering from the sidelines, everyone’s hearts were full as the afternoon brimmed with lasting memories.
On Oct. 6, around 30 members of the ULM Honors Program spent the afternoon at Forsythe Park for a community picnic. More than just brunch and conversation, the event featured games such as Simon Says, 9 Square, Red Light/Green Light and, the most heated challenge of all, tug-of-war.
Eight teams of four or five students competed enthusiastically, keeping the scoreboard close as teams traded the lead throughout the day. In the end, my team — Alejandra, Pukar, Subisha, Terrolyn and I — edged into first place with a one-point lead, finishing with 10 points. As a prize, the Honors Council awarded us ULM Honors T-shirts.
Junior computer science major Pukar Dhamala, who placed second in Connect 4, said the day was a refreshing change of pace and reminded him that there’s more to explore beyond college.
“It felt amazing to be part of the winning team; it always does,” Dhamala said. “It had been a long time since I participated in group activities like this, so it was a very memorable experience.”
The picnic brought students together outside the classroom, helping them strengthen bonds in a relaxed setting. The Honors Program continues to promote a welcoming, inclusive community that keeps students connected and supported.
Beyond the fun, the event encouraged collaboration and empathy. Randomly assigned groups helped students meet new people and build connections across the Honors community.
“These events help remove the barrier between strangers in the program and let us enjoy quality time together,” sophomore computer science major and Honors sophomore representative Cecil Pradhan said. “A picnic like this allows students to connect in a friendly setting, whether over a game of cornhole or Connect 4, without the pressure of starting conversations from scratch.”
Outdoor gatherings like this remind students that college life isn’t just about coursework and grades. Shared laughter and teamwork are just as important in communication and leadership — skills that last beyond college.
“The main goal in organizing this event was to foster friendship and connection within the program… I hope students took away the fact that our honors program is not just what you put in a degree but a community too,” senior computer science major and president of the Honors Program George Khawas said. “Moreover, I hope they had fun, and I hope that they don’t just understand that it’s a community but feel included in it too.”
Ultimately, college isn’t solely about exams and transcripts. It is also about building relationships, growing as leaders and learning how to engage with people from diverse backgrounds. Events such as this picnic remind us of the value of community beyond the classroom.
