Thursday, Oct. 10 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., the Office of Student Involvement hosted the Amazing Wellness Race at Keene State College’s student center.
There were tables inside the center and outside on the student center lawn.
About fifty students were at the event around 3 p.m.
The Amazing Wellness Race (TAWR) is designed to promote mental health, self-discovery and well-being. As stated on the event’s OwlNet page, the goal of the event was to “break the stigma surrounding mental health, and take steps towards becoming a healthier & happier campus community.”
The Race is a take on the TV show, “The Amazing Race.” Each table has activities and a handout.
Emily Alexander, senior coordinator of student involvement and well-being, said, “I think college can be really stressful and having opportunities to focus on wellness is really important. The event has gone pretty well, we’ve had some good waves of people and people seem excited about the activities.”
Students engaged in a series of interactive stations with activities that highlight the importance of both physical and mental wellness. Each station teaches different “tools” that can help one’s well-being.
The OwlNet page said,“Learn how to prioritize your mental and physical health in a fun and interactive way, while finding opportunities for personal growth, fun, and self-care.”
The event included affirmation exercises, trivia, board games, movement options and more.
Jess Gagne Cloutier, the director of student involvement, said,“At my table there is mental health trivia where folks spin the wheel and whatever keyword they spin on, I quiz them about, so they can learn about self-care and wellness.”
Gagne Cloutier continued, “We’ve had some steady traffic and students seem engaged at the tables.” She continued.
At the table prizes were laid out for winners, this included stress balls, stickers and fidget toys. There were also information pamphlets on the effects of alcohol and drugs.
These tables were run by the Wellness Center staff to help educate students on serious topics concerning their health.
Senior Ashley Lary observed the event from one of the tables in the student center and said,“I saw a lot of people having good conversations and communicating about things that were new to them.”
Michael Brown II , Assistant Director of Transitions, helped out with one of the tables.
“I’m [at] the raffle table and students come and collect their cards and show me. They get a certain number of raffle tickets,” Brown said. “The raffle tickets go for a blanket, cup and sleep balms and lip balms.”
Students collect these raffle tickets by completing activities at other tables.
Madelyn French can be contacted at
mafrench@kscequinox.com
