Origami event gives students a chance for friendly competition
St. Edward’s students focus intently on creating their origami. Origami is a Japanese word that is used to refer to the art of paper folding. It’s an inclusive term for all forms of folding practices.
With the first in-person semester back in full swing, many organizations are hosting events to get us out of the COVID-19 funk.
Held indoors at the St. Andre Multipurpose Room on Sept. 21, University Planning Board threw an event around origami. Unlike previous events, COVID-19 affected how the event was managed.
A maximum of 20 people at a time were allowed in, with an assortment of cookies from Tiff’s Treats there for them to enjoy. Several tables decorated with various supplies from colored paper, pens, glue and glitter to amplify their origami. To some participants, this was a chance to win a competition, as participants could submit their piece to win a prize. To others, it was simply a time to take their mind off of the academic demands of their courses and unwind.
Alvaro Solorzano, senior and University Planning Board member, oversaw the event and shared some insight about the program. “It’s social and intellectual…it’s learning origami,” Solorzano said.
Senior Angela Cruz shared that she felt compelled to attend this event for a couple of reasons.
“I used to do it as a child, but I haven’t done it in years, so I am kind of interested in getting back into it and seeing if I still have some of those skills,” Cruz said. Cruz was introduced to origami through school when she was a kid and it was what first got her interested in the craft.
Senior Jackie Mendoza says that origami can be beneficial for our brains. “It’s important to make sure you know how to use your hands, [and the ability to use your hands] carries over to so many other different things.”
With a range of reasons and experience, the students that came to this event seemed to gain from the experience. As for those who entered into the competition, the winners were announced Sept. 27 via Instagram on the St. Edward’s Involvement account.
Senior Cyria Anderson says she came because she was curious since she’s never done origami –that is, until now. “And, I had free time,” Anderson said. Free time, which we seem to see sparingly these days, as the demands of the semester begin to increase.
This event is a reminder to us all that as we adjust to on-campus life to check in with ourselves. Campus events like UPB’s origami party are just those things to help us combat the pandemic and academic stressors.
