School of Business encourages self-care in 'Taking care of business' study break
By Katie Dickens, Communications Intern
During finals week preparation, the Farrell Hall Founders Living room is typically packed with anxious students eagerly working away on Excel spreadsheets; all huddled together in packs for team projects. The click of typing on keyboards is complimented by the sound of endless coffee orders being placed at Einstein Bros. Bagels.
On Wednesday, December 6th, the Wake Forest School of Business took a school-wide exam study break to encourage relaxation and self-care. From 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. to the surprise of the students, the school was filled with surprises and treats in an event called “Taking Care of Business.”
The terrace of the building featured a “Creature Comforts” theme, where hot chocolate, s’mores, and puppies were all available for free. The puppies were brought to campus in partnership with the Forsyth Humane Society and were one of the fan favorites of the day.
Anne Roskoski, a senior Business Enterprise Management major, said that she appreciated the efforts of the School of Business in looking after the wellbeing of the students.
“I definitely feel much less stressed from this,” she said as she served herself a cup of the free hot chocolate. “All these different surprises show that the faculty and staff really do care. I can’t wait for the puppies to get here.”
“Fun, Games, and Friends” was the theme in the living room. In the Bitove Lounge, students hopped into a complimentary photo booth, played board games, put together a Farrell Hall puzzle, and decorated coloring pages. From 11:30-1:30 p.m., local businesses including Pure Barre, Fleet Feet Sports, and Village Juice Co. set up tables and offered free samples and discounts to all students.
On the third floor, a pop-up pilates class and massage chairs were available to all on a walk-in basis to help lessen stress. One floor below, free snacks and giveaways were set out on tables overlooking the atrium. Students made their own trail mix snack bags, collecting treats like banana chips, M&M’s, and chocolate covered pretzels. Luggage tags, pens and essential oil samples were up for grabs as well.
Greg Giovannoli, a senior finance major, said that he couldn’t wait to try out the massage chairs as he waited in line to sample fresh-pressed juices from Village Juice Co.
“I had been studying for about five hours straight until this study break event started,” he said. “This is a much-needed, much-appreciated break for me.”
