The Minority Mentorship Program let students take a break from their courseloads, with an evening of fun and relaxation with its Trap N Paint event. 

Students gathered in the Crafton Alumni Pavillion to paint, sip some fruit punch, and enjoy music at the Sept. 19 event.

Upon walking in, students were met with smiling mentors’ faces to check them into the event. Once they were checked in, there was a table with an array of paints and brushes for students to choose from. 

Several tables filled the pavilion. Each seat contained a canvas and palette. 

Students quickly filled the chairs and began to paint. Some of the paintings included: skylines, Spider-Man, hearts, soda cans, and Takashi Murakami flowers.

Senior and MMP mentor MaKayla Russell said, “My favorite part of the event was getting to walk around and see everyone’s creativity on their canvases. Everyone did so good and there were so many different designs and pictures.”

Senior and MMP mentor Shuntia Hunter said her favorite part was getting to see her mentee. 

“I get so excited to see them at the programs interacting with others and participating,” Hunter said.

Russell said it is important for MMP to host events like this because freshmen in particular are still adjusting to college life and trying to meet new people. 

“Events like this give them the platform to meet others and take a break from the demands of their coursework,” Russell said.

Russell and Hunter shared what they hope students gain from this event.

“I hope students gained meaningful friendships and a sense of balance from this event. I hope that they now realize that they can take a break from their studies and engage in some self-care.” Russell said.

“What I hope students gain from attending our program is a spark of interest to transition from mentee to mentor and to be a light for another incoming freshman just as we have been for them.” Hunter said.

“The Minority Mentorship Program (MMP) was created in 1991 to help students maximize their potential while attending UCA. We offer one level of mentoring: Level I-Freshmen are paired with upperclassmen peer mentors. Level I mentoring is designed to aid in the retention and graduation rates of the University’s minority student population. The Mentorship Program is housed under the Office of Diversity and Community, which assists with monthly programming and events scheduled throughout the year to support both academic and social growth.” MMP via CubConnect.

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