Happy Days
(PITTSBURGH, Pa.) – On Saturday, May 5, the Plaidvocates hosted Happy Days. The event was geared toward creating a stress free environment or one in which stresses could be forgotten.
Sophomore volleyball athlete Erika Foose spearheaded the event and wanted the theme to be a homage to childhood.
"It was the weekend before finals began and I knew everyone would be reaching peak levels of stress," said Foose. "I was hoping the event could be a place where everyone could forget about exams and rent and meal prep and all the other less-than-fun things that come with adulthood – at least for a few hours."
With the help of fellow Plaidvocates and the campus Be Well program and the Mindfulness Room, the idea came to fruition. The event featured coloring books, sidewalk chalk, lawn games, macaroni art, finger paint, modeling clay, and best of all – snacks and drinks with outrageous sugar content. Hawaiian lays, sunglasses, stickers, and Play-Doh were handed out and Animal Friends brought therapy dogs to Happy Days. "I must say the pups were a huge hit!" said Foose.
"Part of our mission as Plaidvocates is to help the student body practice good mental health strategies," Foose added. "So, in running this event we wanted to communicate to everyone that not only is it okay to take a 30-minute break from studying to surround yourself with friends, food, and worry-free fun – it’s encouraged!"
The event got its name from Foose's teammate and roommate, Eliza Donohue. "Eliza once told our team about one of her great mental health practices – a day where she 'doesn’t touch a book or eat anything green,' she does what she wants and doesn’t feel guilty about it, which I think is just fabulous," said Foose. "She calls those days her 'happy days.' So, thank you Eliza for the inspiration!"