At 12:50 p.m. in the Bethel University Brushaber Commons, under the staircase that students call The Egg, a snaking line of students waiting to get their own succulents began to form. The students came from lunch or passed by on their way to class, but many stopped, tempted by the sight of the mini spiky plants. Others had heard of the event through Instagram, and word of mouth, or read about it on calendars on bathroom stall doors.
Freshmen and seniors alike waited for their turn to make their own. The event was organized by Be Well at Bethel, an adult committee from Bethel Student Life that is dedicated to promoting mental health awareness. Associate Dean of Student Care Alisha Ochs, Kristi Erickson and Student Life intern Macy Castilleja had prepared one hundred miniature succulents, as well as one hundred colored pots in shades of yellow, blue, green, pink, red, white and black. They also provided small wooden stakes where students could write the name of their plant after they were potted for a personalized touch.
The event was originally scheduled from 1:00 to 2:30, but due to the number of students that attended, the last plant was claimed by 1:45 p.m. The succulent event was such a success and organizers said that plans are already underway for a repeat. Ochs said that they are just waiting until the next one hundred plants arrive from Amazon. She hopes to hold a second “get your emotional support plant” Friday, April 26.
“Our events are meant to encourage people, and encourage ways to engage and think,” said Ochs. “I saw some other colleges do plants events and I thought it’d be fun to bring here at Bethel. It’s proven to be beneficial for the mind and overall wellbeing.”
Junior Bella Haveman was waiting in line excited to have another plant to add to her and her roommates’ collection. Once she got to the table she chose two succulents, as well as one pink pot and one green one to put them in. While getting her plant she said that “it can affect mental health,” and talked about how seeing the “fresh foliage” in her room and taking care of a living thing can improve her mood.
Junior Chelby Runge said that having a plant to take care of “gives responsibility.” Her friends, sophomore Weston Catton and freshman Blake Viesselman, both agreed when she said, “it’s good to have something alive to take care of.”
