The University of Houston Law Center’s Student Lounge was a riot of color, candies, punny cards and laughter at the third annual free “Build A Bouquet” event on Thursday. UHLC’s Director of Wellness Erin Dickson described the event as a much-needed bite-sized creative and relaxing wellness break.She helped students select flowers and used the opportunity to catch up with many. More than 130 students milled around the lounge area working on bouquets at the Valentine-themed event.
“I am always trying to create moments of wellness and small interactions that will help the students replenish themselves, fill their cups back up,” Dickson said. “You could even consider this mindfulness. Every moment they are spending touching flowers, focusing on color choices, and tapping into their creativity; the students are taking a break from the stress of law school, studying for classes and worrying about tests.”
In the four years Dickson has been with the Law Center, she’s watched students struggle to find balance and make time for self-care. Her goal has been to expand UHLC’s wellness programming and create bite-sized events to engage and support students.
The initial event started with 400 carnations, but this year she ordered 600. They were delivered earlier in the week, and Dickson spent time trimming each stem and getting the flowers ready for the event. “It was my own moment of mindfulness,” she said.
In addition to the flowers, students had plenty of supplies, fun stickers, fidget toys, squishable toys, coloring pens and pencils and pun-filled cards to add personal touches to their bouquets.
Three student organizations also participated this year. In Loco Parentis had a crafting table where students created their own cards and made themed crafts. The Student Bar Association and the Disability Law Society joined forces to sell Valentine’s goody bags, with all the proceeds being donated to Disability Rights Texas, an advocacy agency that provides legal help to Texans with disabilities facing discrimination or issues getting access to services.
Paige Chovanec, president of In Loco Parentis and a 2L student with two toddlers, was glad to help organize the event. “Law school in general is very serious, and levity is definitely needed,” she said.
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