FLOURISH has officially begun its fall schedule with its first Body Doubling Study Session today, Sept. 1.
The newly formed organization, led by Toni Keniston, focuses on student engagement and understanding of both their own and others’ mental health by providing interactive support to students and staff.
This event saw participants take two work “sprints,” each lasting 30 minutes, where they would focus on their respective work. After each sprint, participants had a 5-minute rest period.
The event provided participants with free snacks, FLOURISH stickers and pins, and some stress and fidgeting toys.
Despite the event turnout being six students, it was still a success, with participants having nothing but good things to say coming out of it.
Gorga Green, 17, is a fine art major who used their time to focus on their incomplete work.
“I feel like the idea that this is what we came to do and then we do it kind of thing was really helpful, and the fact that everybody else is doing the same thing and you’re not really missing out on anything by being here because this is what you’re doing here,” Green said.
Green explained that she has a large family at home, making studying and catching up on work harder than normal. This session was something that fit well into her schedule and created an environment where it felt natural to work.
Kaylyn Richards, 20, expressed similar satisfaction with the event, stating that it helped to have a scheduled time for working outside of class.
“As someone with diagnosed ADHD, I’ve done this kind of thing before. Obviously I’ve had a bigger group like this, and to have it (be) organized is kind of just like, me choosing a person whose… happens to be sitting next to me in a cafe and recognizing that they’re working, so I should be working… It’s motivating me to also focus on my work at the same time,” Richards said.
Richards also focused on the organization of the event, stating that it helps to have a set aside time to both work and communicate with people without needing to worry about time.
Given that it was the first-ever event, Keniston expressed that while she did wish more people would have shown up, she was more than happy that those who did found it helpful and meaningful.
Both Green and Richards said that they would be back next week.
FLOURISH has more study sessions like this available every Tuesday, from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.
