RRC Polytech’s students’ association hosted Christmas-themed photo booth
By: Marshal Hodgins
A Christmas-themed photo booth at Red River College Polytechnic’s Exchange District Campus gave students and staff a chance to capture memories with classmates and friends before the end of term.
The RRC Polytech’s student’s association transformed the Mercantile, the Exchange District Campus’s former convenience store, into a mockup of Santa’s living room to provide attendees with a festive photo-op.
The pop-up photo booth ran during the final week of classes at the college. Denize Esiyo, the student life manager for the Exchange District Campus, hoped the photo booth would offer students a fun escape from the stress of writing exams.
“Students can come and get de-stressed. They can just enjoy in between exams, or after their exams, as a way to sort of celebrate with their friends,” Esiyo said.

Attendees had the opportunity to win a Fujifilm smartphone printer by sharing their photo booth pictures on Instagram and tagging the students’ association.
Kaman Ngai and Pokei Chan, two Business Administration students, stopped by the photo booth on their way to an end-of-term party. The pair said they were thinking about sharing the photos they took on social media, but needed time to decide which shots were Insta-worthy.
“I need to look at the picture first. I need to see it close up and see the quality,” Ngai said.
Justine Hawley, a library resource management technician at RRC Polytech, stopped by the photo booth to take some photos with student Diana Nora.
The two took advantage of the photo booth’s props and costume pieces, donning silly glasses and sparkly Christmas-themed headwear. The festive setting led to conversations about Santa’s naughty and nice lists and whether students’ exam scores factored into their ranking.
“Santa wants good grades or you’re not getting anything. You’re getting a lump of coal,” Hawley joked.
The students’ association is already thinking about upcoming events for the new year.
“The week after the event, we’re going to start planning for next term. There’s going to be a lot more things going on at the Mercantile,” Esiyo said.