The dictionary definition of sojourn is “to stay for a time in a place; to live temporarily; a brief period of residence.” In many ways, university students are all sojourners, travelers who have decided to stop and stay in this place for a while before moving on to life’s next destination. As I move towards finishing my third year at Trinity Western University, I am understanding more and more the brevity of this stage of life, and, really, of every stage of life.

In past years, the female counterpart to Fort Douglas week, Diva Days, has generated both interest and criticism as a gender-themed week of activities for resident women. This year, in an attempt to refocus and redesign this event, the week has been renamed to reflect the idea of being travelers on a journey. SOJO, a shortened version of sojourn, aims to be a week full of fun and competition for female residents. It should be a week to embrace and cherish our university experience. For some of us, our time at TWU will last four years. For others, our journey may only include a semester or two here. But between March 12-15, female residents across campus will have a chance to live in the moment and to participate in a week of university life lived to its fullest.

To accompany this new focus, SOJO will bring back some popular events from past years, along with new activities and events planned for every evening during the second week of March. These activities will range from a spa-night (with plenty of chocolate), to more competitive events for ladies who aren’t afraid to show a little aggression in the name of team spirit. Throughout the week, each dorm will have multiple opportunities to accumulate points, and the highest scoring dorm will win a prize at the end of the week.

All female residents are encouraged to come and participate in this year’s SOJO. Whether you prefer to embrace this time in university by getting wet and muddy in a team competition, or by simply relaxing and enjoying good company, SOJO has something to offer. Don’t let your spring semester slip by without taking some time to simply kick back and have some fun with the people around you.