Hailey Nelson
News Editor
Hoping for a crowded turnout, members of the Student Activities Board (SAB) and Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) teamed up in the Pond Student Union ballroom to provide an evening full of ice cream, loud music, free tacos, and fun for all ages. Not even a rainy forecast could stop their celebration of summer.
The Last Days of Summer event took place on Sept. 6th. While it was originally intended to be on Idaho State University’s quad, it was moved inside after showers were predicted to begin at the event’s start time.
Saira Terriquez-Carillo, Family Programer of the Student Activities Board, had been wanting to put on the event since last year, when she joined SAB.
“We just want them [the students] to start out their semester in a positive way,” Terriquez-Carillo said. “That’s why we had this event–for students to come and destress after their first few weeks at ISU.”
Terriquez-Carillo also said that while it is important to make time for homework, equally important is time for self-care and fun. The fun that SAB had in mind included a variety of activities.
With help from ROTC representatives, a foodtruck was brought to campus, where attendees of the event were welcome to order free tacos. Ice cream was also served.
Though at first a little stressful for SAB and ROTC, the event’s change of location was manageable.
Brian Anderson, the Entertainment Chair on SAB, said that the sudden altercation in plans was only “an extra twenty minutes of panic and hassle.” According to ROTC’s Staff Sergeant Braxton Beasley, consistent communication between the two groups made the switch much easier.
“You can never predict the weather,” said Sgt. Beasely. “We’re always ready to adjust on the fly.”
Despite the lack of sunshine, many families and students gathered indoors, where board games, inflatable obstacle courses, cornhole and “big soccer” was available.
“The whole purpose was to enjoy the last days of summer,” said Terriquez-Carillo.
Pocatello residents still have some time to enjoy their final days of summer. Though school has begun, the official calendar season does not end until Sept. 23rd, and cooler temperatures are not expected to reach the city until later next month.
However, just as Sgt. Beasley pointed out, the weather is unpredictable. ISU’s summer may be limited, but groups like SAB and ROTC ensure that ISU’s fun can continue on.
