Students were able to participate in the smash the plate event on Jasper Wellness Day.
@MANHATTANEDU / INSTAGRAM
Angelina Perez and Victoria Schiller, Senior Writers
Last Wednesday, Feb. 26, was Manhattan University’s annual Jasper Day of Wellness. Undergraduate classes were canceled as MU planned events dedicated to a day filled with rest and relaxation for the entirety of the student body. From an early morning pilates class, to a smash the plate station and a “Wicked” viewing to wind the night down, Jaspers participated in various mental and physical health activities.
Nicolette Caneda, a graduate student in the counseling program and a member of the Wellness Day planning committee, has been running the smash the plate event for the past two years. While this event is intended to bring attention to eating disorder awareness, Caneda also sees it as a healthy and tame way to get out what you are feeling.
“Wellness Day did fall in Eating Disorder Awareness Week so it was very fitting,” Caneda said. “I thought it was perfect having the plates to write what you want to get rid of whether that’s eating related or not,” Caneda said. “It gives everyone a chance to put all their thoughts into one spot and it’s cool to be visual and then getting to actually smash it is just pretty awesome.”
Students were able to do various activities around campus from Kelly Commons to Draddy Gymnasium. What had not been done before this year was the opportunity for students to sit on the quad in heated igloos and order food from Café 1853. Senior marketing major Christina Curtin discussed with The Quadrangle her opinion on the changes.
“We’ve been able to order pretty much anything, charcuterie, dessert, fruits and the hot chocolate which was really good and came out super quick,” Curtin said. “We didn’t even have to move, we just handed our card.”
Sophomore and commuter student Karen Lima was able to attend the last half of Wellness Day on campus, but was grateful she was with her friends for a calm morning. Lima recommended that the university post more of the events that will be featured around campus to insite more commuters to come.
“Maybe the events could be posted on the university’s Instagram, or somewhere where people can actually see the events without looking for them,” Lima said. “Because I didn’t know until my friends told me about puppies and I love events like that. So I would be down to go anywhere.”
Gerarda Shields, dean of students and senior associate president of Student Life at MU shared how important it was for her to be involved in planning this event.
“When I was a student at Manhattan, it was incredibly important for me to be involved,” Shields said. “I was involved in Student Government, I was involved in athletics and I was involved in professional activities and engineering. So for me, it’s all part of the campus culture that you get involved, you promote service. As an administrator, it’s a no brainer wanting to be a part of Wellness Day. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to work with Nicole Brosnan in Student Engagement, and truthfully, between Jazi Riley and Nicolette Caneda, there were so many activities we were able to bring back and add which was amazing.”
The Quadrangle asked Shields what she hoped students would gain from the activities and events.
“If you like something, continue to stay involved,” Shields said. “If you like something and you want to lead it, champion it, help us do that because we’re creating programming and events that are meaningful to you and the students. So, let us know, we’re for you, just tell us how we can support you.”