Carly Danner
The Cottage Community Advisors (CA) and the Makers House joined forces to host a tie dye and s’mores event. This was a great opportunity to have a break from studies, hang out with friends and get creative.
Each student was able to roast a marshmallow, enjoy some s’mores and tie dye a shirt in a wide array of colors and styles. I was able to chat with event coordinators and students at the event. There were numerous positive reviews from the students.
Many students remarked that tie dye is a form of expression as well as stress relief from academic rigor. Art is generally thought to figuratively bring people back to their childhood days which is an effective escape from “adulting.”
As busy college students, we do not generally have as much time to practice self- care and express ourselves creatively, therefore the tie dye event was beneficial for mental health. A significant amount of research has shown the therapeutic effect that art has in struggles with anxiety and depression. Art is even commonly used as therapy, further justifying the need for such events on campus.
It is vital that we, as students, take a chunk out of our day away from exams, projects, papers, and the stress of college life in general to learn and practice different strategies for boosting mental health, with the goal of finding the most effective method of stress relief for an individual.
Working on tie dye was a bonding experience for the Mount community, as well. With many students citing that they heard about this event from their friends, it was a perfect opportunity for friend groups to get out of their dorms and meet some new people. The environment also allowed students to relax by the fire as they made s’mores.
Christian Aguilar, a student who attended, stated that he enjoyed the music that was playing and the free form of creativity. He stated in an interview that, “it is important to hold creative events like this on campus because they provide a good chance to see diversity and perspectives that we wouldn’t see otherwise.”
The lead coordinator of the event who serves as a CA for the Cottages gave some insight as to some other great events happening at the Mount. Although every residential building on campus hosts their own events, all students are generally welcome to attend.
There are always so many amazing opportunities such as the tie dye event for students to learn new skills, get involved, express themselves and socialize at the Mount!
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