RRC reflects on first-ever Thrive Week
Jessica Worb, CONTRIBUTOR
Alexis Brandt cuddling Linc on her break. THE PROJECTOR/ Jessica Worb
The line up at the Roblin Centre on Oct. 7 wasn’t for Tim Hortons.
Students gathered in the atrium on their breaks to pet therapy dogs. As a part of Thrive Week, the college brought in therapy dogs to help students destress.
“We’ve been looking forward to this all week,” said Everly Brooke, a Red River College graphic design student. “It didn’t make me forget about my test, but they still made me really happy.”
Thrive Week was RRC’s Mental Health Awareness Week.
Cooper couldn’t be happier making all of these new friends at RRC’s Thrive Week. THE PROJECTOR/ Jessica Worb
RRC has hosted mental health awareness weeks for four years but rebranded it this year as Thrive Week. Students listened to guest speakers, took part in a paint night, practised adult coloring, and attended yoga meditation sessions for free.
Jaqueline Wood and Cole Skinner, co-chairs of RRC’s wellness committee, organized the events with the support of the students’ association.
“The hope is that the week really resonates with our staff and students,” said Wood.
“Events like Thrive Week are here to raise mental health awareness and literacy within our community, and they offer a much-needed moment to breathe, laugh, and have fun too.” she said.
Students who knew about Thrive Week and attended the events found it to be beneficial. But some students found the events didn’t work with their schedules.
“I haven’t been able to attend the events, but everything helps, even just acknowledging it,” said Ralph Sawazki, a business information technology student.
The sessions did not have as big of a turn out as the students’ association had hoped.
“I saw signs that said Thrive Week, but I never looked into what the event actually was,” said student Virginia Giesbrecht.
Lindsay Rowan, vice president academic of the students’ association, believes that while attendance might have been low, the event still had an impact. Three people attended the meditation session at the Exchange District Campus.
“Even if only three students show up, we are happy. It means that we at least helped those three people,” Rowan said.
The hope, according to Wood, is to make Thrive Week bigger next year.
Students struggling with mental health issues can visit counselling services at either campus for free resources and help.
