Getting rubbed the right way
By Kelly King
Cavalier Daily Associate Editor
Midterms. Stress. Tight muscles.
Yesterday in the Amphitheater, students took a study break to loosen up. From noon to 4 p.m., the University Programs Council provided some much-needed relief from the daily grind.
UPC representatives passed out free stress balls, while professional masseuses from Massages on the Go offered free massages to students willing to wait in line.
Jen Habichd, chairwoman of UPC's special programs committee, said during the four hours that the event lasted, masseuses gave out about 250 massages to students which lasted between five and 10 minutes, depending on the length of the line.
"It was a kind of program that we have never tried before, but the response has been amazing," Habichd said.
Habichd said she thought of the idea because although typical college students cannot afford a professional massage, they definitely can use relief from the pressure of exams.
She said the average cost of a massage ranges from $30 to $50 for half an hour, so students were immensely appreciative for the complimentary treat.
"I forgot about it till I was reading the paper this morning and I was like 'oh man, I'm definitely there,'" said Sarah Bowman, a third-year College student.
Ali Kruszewski, also a third-year College student, said her massage was well worth the wait.
"It was fabulous, the perfect thing right after my midterm," she said.
Second-year College student Jill Landefeld pointed out that people tend to focus on end-of-the-year stress-relief, but that the University doesn't really offer these kinds of services during midterms.
Habichd said the results have been so positive that UPC most likely will repeat the event and possibly even increase its frequency.
"This sort of program is so needed that we are thinking about doing it once a semester or even once a month," Habichd said.
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