With finals less than a month away, a whimsically-themed interactive butterfly garden hosted by the Student Activities Board helped students decompress.
The butterflies were housed in a screened tent outside of the Ronnie Williams Student Center, where students were given a nectar-soaked cotton swab and released into an intricately decorated wonderland complete with zen fountains, hanging vine garlands, floral arrangements and lattice-covered walls.
Sophomore art major, Samm Henthorne said, “Seeing it from the outside I wasn’t really sure what to expect, but coming in, it’s really pretty in here even though it’s so cold.”
“It’s very bright in here despite it being dreary outside so it’s certainly improved my day a little bit,” Henthorne said.
Junior history major, John Evans said, “I just really liked the idea. I had been planning to come since I first heard about it.”
Despite wishing that the weather had been a little bit warmer, Evans said that it was nice to see all of the butterflies in one place.
Because of the colder temperatures, many of the butterflies were sluggish moving around and quick to cling to the warm hands, legs and even foreheads of students. Visitors especially had to watch where they put their feet during the activity so as to prevent early butterfly release.
While most students were delighted by the attention of warmth-seeking butterflies, several bug-fearing students were nervous.
“I don’t like bugs so it’s kinda weird I’m in here, but I’m trying to get some exposure therapy so this is a really nice way to do that,” Henthorne said.
During the event, students were supplied with information about the butterflies – which were Painted Ladies – and given free butterfly stickers.
The butterflies were supplied by Melissa Kyle who works for Simplified Entertainment, a company that Kyle says specializes in college events across the country.
Kyle said that the butterflies were shipped to the school from New Hampshire and will be released back into their natural habitat once the event is over.
“It’s a great relaxation event, they can come in and just sit and relax and enjoy themselves and kinda take the worries away for a little bit. It’s a good mental health event,” Kyle said.
SAB’s next event will be “Cram Jam” which will be held in the Student Center Ballroom from 6:00pm to 9:00 pm on April 13.
During the event, coffee will be provided and students will be invited to use the space to study and relax. Supplies will also be available for students to decorate their graduation caps and make crafts.
