Jill Smith
Staff Writer
jsmith194@murraystate.edu
The Center for Student Engagement and Success hosted a kick-off event, “Feel Good February,” for the spring semester’s Racer’s Empower: Healthy Mind, Healthy Campus initiative.
The event was held Feb. 16 in the Curris Center Ballroom and the Mississippi Room. “Feel Good February” was designed to encourage students to take a study break while having fun and learning more about having a successful semester.
The kick-off event originally was scheduled for January as a way to welcome back students, but it was pushed back because of COVID-19 concerns.
The Center organized a number of activities for “Feel Good February,” including potting plants, bingo, Jenga and a photo booth.
Students also had the opportunity to connect with other offices on campus, like the Counseling Center, the Wellness Center and the College of Humanities and Fine Arts.
Peggy Whaley, director of the Center for Student Engagement and Success, said a successful semester begins with planning.
“They know when big exams are going to happen,” Whaley said. “They are preparing ahead of time for exams. They’re not procrastinating. They are using a planner and making note of the important academic dates. It’s also making sure that they are having a well-rounded experience–they are studying, but they are socializing and getting out and coming to events like this.”
Whaley said she wants students to realize taking a break can lead to a better experience.
“Racer’s Empower is really focused on mental health and well-being, so we want to encourage students to realize taking a break, taking care of themselves, using all the resources that are available to them on campus–mental health resources, academic resources, financial resources–will [help them] have a better experience,” Whaley said.
Whaley said she does not believe students utilize all Murray State resources available to them.
“I don’t think they realize there are so many resources available, and they aren’t quite sure who to contact or what to do,” Whaley said.
Whaley said when talking to students, she found they didn’t know about some of the resources offered on campus.
Whaley said the spring semester always has fewer activities, so her office wanted to plan an event for students to get them engaged with the office and others this semester.
Kate Cansler, a freshman exercise science major, said she attended “Feel Good February” to meet others.
“I wanted to get the full-on experience of other students and come together with not only my major but other majors as well,” Cansler said.
Brooke Butler, a freshman exercise science major, said she enjoyed potting plants at “Feel Good February.”
“I initially came to the event as an extra-credit opportunity, but the event allowed me to engage with others while participating in really fun activities, like potting plants,” Butler said.
Cansler said she also enjoyed having Murray State resources at “Feel Good February.”
“I feel like that’s helpful since we are already here for something else, [so] we can double-task and have those options as well,” Cansler said.
Whaley said it is important students remember to look after themselves.
“It’s important that they are taking care of themselves … mentally, physically and financially,” Whaley said.
The next Racer’s Empower event is Pet Therapy with the Calloway County Humane Society, which will be held Monday, Feb. 28 at 11 a.m. in the Alexander Hall Atrium.