Students Learn To Balance Busy
Schedules During Wellness Week

By Kristen Vandenberg
CyberNews Staff Reporter

March 13, 2002

Nightly activities during Wellness Week March 4-7 in Goodwin-Kirk Residence Hall allowed students to take a break from studying and help them to focus on balance in their life.

"I think it is necessary to stop every now and then, evaluate our mential helath and see to it that we are getting enough personal time to just relax and unwind," said Erin Scanlin (J1), co-chariwoman of Wellness Week, sponsored by the G-K Executive Council.

The week began with an hour-long yoga session Monday night taught by Hannah Montford, a residents assistant from Jewett, and was followed on Tuesday night by meditation led by the G-K complex director, Rob Lion.

"Some of the skills from yoga and meditation students can take with them and use in their free time," said Danielle Doughan (PH1), co-chariwoman of Wellness Week.

"I participated in the yoga session. It was something I always wanted to try and it turns out that I really enjoyed it. It was fun doing something new and different," Kathleen Boggs (J1) said.

The event continued with whipped cream twister and orange juice drinking games on Wednesday night and a health food snack platter including grapes, raw vegetables and apple juice on Thursday night.

"Each event was a success. we averaged around 30 kids participating every night. We were really excited and very pleased with the results," Scanlin said.

The idea for this event came up in an Executive Council brainstorming session for the spring semester. The idea stemmed from the need students have to relieve stress during the week of midterms.

"Here at school we have so much going on and stress from school and other activities can build up and hopefully this week made people think about what they can do to keep themselves 'well'," Scanlin said.