Spreading Smiles: HFA and Team Positive Presence Share Good News

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Back from spring recess, the College of Humanities and Fine Arts (HFA) partnered with UMass Team Positive Presence (TPP) to infuse the HFA community with uplifting news.

Team Positive Presence, a student-driven initiative, fosters supportive peer interactions and aims to cultivate a positive campus environment. The group connects students with on- and off-campus resources, encourages safe celebrations, and strengthens the sense of community among UMass students.

Chloe Borgida, a member of the HFA x TPP collaboration, shared the project’s inspiration: “It stemmed from John Krasinski’s ‘Some Good News’ during the COVID-19 pandemic. Given the current weight of world events, we felt a need for moments of positivity to uplift spirits.”

Throughout the week, the team circulated local and national good news stories on the monitors in South College. Highlights included local high school welding students crafting ambulance equipment and the delivery of 40,000 pounds of food and household essentials to food banks throughout western Massachusetts. TPP also took over the HFA Instagram account to showcase their efforts in fostering a positive campus atmosphere.

The centerpiece of the initiative was the Good News board in the South College lobby. Students were invited to contribute their own good news on a whiteboard—and the response was overwhelmingly enthusiastic. Posts included academic accomplishments, personal triumphs, and heartwarming everyday moments. Given its popularity, the board will remain available, so you can still share your good news today!

Reflecting on the initiative, TPP member and HFA student Hector Martinez said, “It was incredibly exciting to collaborate with another college and amplify the positivity we work to bring to a wider audience.”

Given the project’s success, the team hopes to make this collaboration a tradition.