The Student Activities Association hosted its annual “Wakeup Wednesday” with a tent providing the beverages for UM students 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Oct. 2. The Tea, a popular loaded tea truck on campus, supplied SAA with its tea-making supplies.
Leilani Williams, a sophomore integrated marketing communications major, said she was a last- minute attendee of the event.
“Usually I would just go home, but I saw everyone here so I just jumped in line,” Williams said.
Cameron Smith, a freshman exercise science major, attended SAA’s silent disco in August and was excited to attend another event. While she does not consider herself an avid caffeine drinker, Smith enjoyed spending time with her friend while waiting in line.
“I don’t really drink caffeine so this will definitely be an experience, but it’s gonna rock my world. I’ve had one during rush before, and I was really shaky; but I’m excited to have it because I think it tastes good,” Smith said.
Ty’Anna Hobson, a freshman biology major, also stood in the long line for a tea.
“I normally get a Blue Hawaiian at home, and they didn’t have that option. So I just asked for blue razz and pineapple,” Hobson said.
Events like this make the UM community appealing to incoming students, Hobson said.
“I think another thing that attracts people to this university is that they have so many events for students, and they care about students flourishing here, and it’s not just academics,” Hobson said.
Gibson Russell, a freshman southern studies major, said the events that SAA hosts bring variety to student life at the university.
“I think events like this keep our student body engaged,” Russell said. “I think they kind of give an extra layer to the student experience here at Ole Miss.”
Co-director of the SAA Campus Traditions Committee Anne Marlow, a junior chemistry major, knew the loaded teas would be popular.
“We started this event last year and got a really good turnout, so we doubled the attendance for this year so we could make more teas,” Marlow said. “I think we’ll definitely pass out 350, and that’s the goal today.”
For Marlow, this event was not just about free loaded teas but also meant to bring the campus community together.
“Obviously, it’s not the best to wait in line, but if you look behind you right now, you can see people mixing, mingling (and) talking to people they might not have today,” Marlow said.
