Students Practice 'Pastimes between Class Times'

On Tuesday, Sept. 22, Burdell’s Buddies and Wreckless co-hosted Pastimes Between Class Times on Tech Green, an event showcasing the hobbies of Tech students, faculty, and staff.

The event was planned to encourage stress-relieving hobbies and give students the opportunity to try something new during breaks between classes. 

“The idea initially came from talking to various students about how it can be hard to keep up with the hobbies they had before coming to college and how that affects their mental health and college experience,” said Noel Webber, leader of outreach and education for Burdell’s Buddies.

Students, faculty, and staff came by throughout the day and were able to participate in a variety of activities. Twenty-five individuals volunteered to share their hobbies with the Tech community.

“One of the most popular was a student who did spray paint art in his spare time. He let others make paintings and take them home with them,” Webber said. “Another popular activity was the bubble soccer, which Kappa Sigma had rented for their Kick the Stigma event this weekend but was kind enough to let us borrow as well.” Rock collections, fencing, breakdancing, and acts of encouragement were also featured.

Burdell’s Buddies and Wreckless both have similar missions, both working to promote healthy lifestyles for students on campus. Wreckless  provides students with alternatives to the typical college party scene by hosting campuswide sober parties each semester. Burdell’s Buddies focuses on mental health and works in collaboration with the Georgia Tech Counseling Center.

“A lot of students come into college and don't find people to continue sharing their hobbies with. Oftentimes this can lead to the adoption of unhealthy stress-relieving habits and activities,” Webber said. “Having a healthy activity to keep your mind off of school can be incredibly impactful towards mental health and a more fulfilling college experience. Also, it's just really cool to see all the creative and amazing things that students on this campus are passionate about.”