Whether it’s the musical sounds of DJ Loosekid or the plethora of unique vendors ready to display their merchandise, Florida A&M University’s ‘Set Friday’ allows every Rattler to kick back and be themselves.
In the name of tradition, it is important to keep the value of ‘Set Friday’ significant, even to the ‘baby Rattlers’ approaching the Hill for the first time.
Students anticipate the momentous event each week, but as a fourth year student, I question if this historical tradition has lost its value or if it is still advancing. Although, the crowd definitely packs out the Set, I wonder if the events still engage the crowd.
Last week, after the first ‘Set Friday’ of the semester ended, I couldn’t help but notice the lack of crowd participation.
New students deserved a proper introduction to the ‘Hill’ but the DJs played the same music, had the same order of events and showed less Rattler spirit.
‘Set Friday’ should be progressing every year. Even as a senior I want to look forward to showing up and seeing fresh acts and happy faces.
Of course I expect the famous Greek strolls, roll call of hometowns and even the outrageous fashions, but as a Rattler I expect more.
Other students who believe ‘Set Friday’ doesn’t need to be a “major production” think as long as there is the same good music and a big crowd, nothing else matters.
However, there are some students who believe that the event will continue to advance.
“Set Friday is forever evolving into something bigger,” said Christopher Richards, a senior, criminal justice student who is also a campus video jockey. “It’s a good foundation for new talents around campus.”
Shani Rose, a fourth year nursing student who is new to FAMU, said she did not expect much from ‘Set Friday,’ but she did look forward to it providing a break between classes. “It’s only two hours to kickback, have fun, and carry on to your next class,” she said.
One thing we can all agree on is ‘Set Friday’ will never slow down.
The student body depends on this tradition to balance the pressures of college life.
The biggest solution to sustain the weekly traditions is to consistently give students a reason to come back every week.
Without student participation, none of the campus activities would survive. It is up to the student body, no matter the classification, to keep the tradition alive.