Residence Life
Pilots Prevent
February 22, 2021
As UP students buckle down and work their way through spring semester, they can look forward to a series of mini breaks sprinkled over the next few months in lieu of the usual week-long spring break. But the question is: Will they use their days off to really take a break?
“Given the type of high-achieving students we have here at UP, they might use these mid-week pauses to catch up on homework,” says James Peña Wellness Education & Prevention Program Coordinator for Residence Life. “While we know that’s important, we also want them to know their overall health and wellness is a priority. It’s important students take a break and take care of themselves.”
That’s why he and his team are launching “Pilots Play: Wellness Day” during the first mini-break on February 24. To lure students away from their books and computers, they’ve organized four hours of sometimes silly, sometimes soothing R&R at the Pilot House. Think massage chairs inside, mini-golf and hula hoop contests outside, and tables filled with things like rejuvenating face masks, succulents, and Play-Doh so students can assemble their own self-care kit to-go. There will even be top-shelf giveaways like Air Pods Pro and REI gift cards.
“The University has been doing a good job making sure our community is safe,” Peña says, “but another area that requires close attention is mental health. COVID has had a significant impact on all of us. We recognize the need for students, in particular, to really take a break and rest.”
The event runs from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Pilot House. Face coverings are required, as is the daily health check through the Carbon Health app. Every student attending should have the green “Compliant” badge. It’s a drop-in affair and Peña expects most students will be able to cycle through the festivities in about an hour. If all goes well, his team will offer it again during one of the future breaks.
“We know our students study hard, and we want them to know that play and rest are also important. We’re humans, not machines, and they need to take time for themselves too.”
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