Spring Block Party Brings Sun and Stress Relief to Honors College Community
By Ruchi Patel; Photos by Kimberly Manyanga
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As the semester reaches its peak intensity and finals week looms over students at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, relaxation and rejuvenation become essential. Recognizing the importance of unwinding before the storm of exams, the Commonwealth Honors College hosted an unforgettable block party, providing Honors students with a much-needed opportunity to let loose, soak up the sun, and temporarily escape the pressures of academia. With music, a food truck, ice cream, outdoor activities and inflatable obstacle courses, the event served as a perfect catalyst for fostering connections, relieving stress, and creating lasting memories.
The block party embraced the glorious weather, taking full advantage of the ideal campus setting. Held outdoors at the Commonwealth Honors College Residential Community, students revealed in the warm sunshine, enjoying a refreshing change of scenery from lecture halls and libraries.
The block party served as a reminder that college life extends beyond academic pursuits, encouraging students to find balance and appreciate the beauty of their surroundings.
Students of all majors joined in the excitement, including Ella Hilfinger, a sophomore biology major, who expressed her delight at the opportunity to see familiar faces she rarely encounters during the semester. "It is really nice to be able to see people who you don't normally see!" she remarked, capturing the essence of the block party's purpose: fostering connections and building a strong sense of community within the Honors College.
Tina Chen, a senior majoring in psychology and biology, highlighted the importance of the event's timing: "It's nice to have an event like this before finals so that people can relax and de-stress." Recognizing the significance of taking a break before the intense exam period, the block party provided students with a valuable opportunity to unwind and rejuvenate.
Chris Wade, a resident assistant and junior majoring in marketing, shared his happiness at seeing his residents being able to unwind before finals week.
The block party not only provided a reprieve for students but also exemplified the Honors College's commitment to holistic student development — creating an extraordinary opportunity for Honors students to escape the pressures of academia, embrace the outdoors, and build meaningful connections.