Last month at Blackburn College sophomore psychology major and first floor Butler Hall Resident Assistant (RA) Kimberly Hollinshead hosted her ‘Mini Zen Garden’ program. Those who attended took a small box filled with white sand and traced designs in the sand to de-stress, put black stones in their garden for decor and colored the outside of the box using markers which added their own creative touch to their personalized garden.
Graphic by Luiza Myslinska
The program was a small-scale program and 11 people attended, but that does not mean that the event was unsuccessful at reaching its goals. The purpose of her program was to allow any student on campus a brief break from homework and studies to breathe and let go of some college stress. For those who attended, that was exactly what they were able to do: relax and take a moment for themselves. Attendance is not the only important goal of the event as Hollinshead noted, “I think it [the program] was successful. People got to get away from their job and school work and enjoy themselves. They had time to just relax and hang out.”
Sophomore justice administration major Bethany Kemp attended the program. Kemp often attends programs in her residence hall (Butler). As for the ‘Mini Zen Garden’ program, Kemp stated, “It calmed me down just being able to play with the sand.” She also adds, “Programs are surprisingly fun and entertaining. I absolutely think people enjoy them because people from other dorms attend.”
Programs are a required part of the RA job description and create fun, socialization and creativity. Each semester every RA is required to complete a total of six programs with a specific focus: two socials, one academic, one about diversity, one in collaboration with Counseling Services and the final one in partnership with the Campus Activities Board.