Photo and story by Kiera Jones / Contributing Writer
Students were encouraged to write inspiring messages on rocks in the Keathley University Center on Thursday as a part of MTSU’s “Love Your Body Week.”
Women’s History Month, which is nationally celebrated during the month of March, is an annual observance that highlights women in history. One of the ways that MTSU celebrates the month is through Love Your Body Week.
“Love Your Body Week is a part of National Women’s History Month at MTSU, and we are just encouraging women and men to love their bodies and treat them well,” said Abbigail Tracy, an MTSU junior and statistics major.
All Love Your Body Week events are sponsored by the June Anderson Center for Women and Nontraditional Students. Tracy, who is also the student grant coordinator for the JAC, was stationed at the table on Thursday to explain the purpose to passing students.
“Tomorrow, we’re going to distribute the rocks probably around every building just in case students get a little stressed out,” Tracy said. “They can find them around the yards and be encouraged.”
A variety of students gathered at the table to paint rocks with their own unique and inspiring message.
“I actually think this is a great idea, because how would you feel if you randomly saw an encouraging rock on campus?” said Trodaisia Kyle, an MTSU freshman and journalism major. “It would lift your spirits.”
Fern King, a freshman and computer information systems major, wrote on her rock, “Follow your dreams and not a boy.”
When asked why she chose to write her message, she responded, “A lot of young girls get caught in trying to be a boy’s everything and forget to pursue their own dreams.”
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I cannot believe I did not realize that March was national Women’s History Month. I guess since it is not as advertised as other holidays, it has been neglected — or I am just very oblivious. However, the idea of painting inspiring messages on rocks and leaving them around campus is a very great idea. I have found quite a few painted rocks around Murfreesboro the last few months, since it seems to be a new artistic trend. Something I, myself, have been involved in.
Using this creative outlet and allowing fellow women share meaningful messages for other women to be encouraged by is very up-lifting. Women love supporting women, and the element of surprise by finding these hidden rocks is wonderful opportunity to share that love. “Love Your Body Week” should be something that is lived out every week, and I hope that more people begin to encourage one another, just like these MTSU students. Also, I love the quote from Fern King about following dreams and not boys. It is very easy to fall into worldly mindsets and only focus on what we want people to think of us, instead of learning to accept ourselves first. Outside acceptance means nothing If the acceptance does not reflect inwards. You must love yourself before you can be loved.
I am proud of being a woman and a MTSU student, and this inspirational event of rock painting only increases that pride. I hope that more people can learn from this experience and not only grow themselves, but start helping others to grow as well. Thank you for the great work!
-Hannah Field, MTSU sophomore