Mansion Mayhem unites students unwinding during midterms
Photo Credit: Cassidy Martinez
The Unwind committee, one of seven committees within E+E, provides students with relaxing, stress-free events while fostering a sense of community. The free event featured Halloween-themed decorations, food, refreshments and engaging activities that gave students a fun, memorable way to unwind after midterms.
“Our purpose for Unwind has always been to unite students by a common theme,” said Harshpreet Kaur, Unwind Committee co-chair. “That’s why so many of our events are themed. We try to do something that appeals to many UT students.”
The event gave students an affordable way to celebrate Halloween on campus while encouraging new connections with a costume contest, scavenger hunt and a game prompting students to search for a needle in a haystack. With the busyness of a college schedule, Mansion Mayhem offered various outlets for students to recharge.
“I really liked the scavenger hunt … and the design of the (WCP Ballroom),” business freshman Gabriel Montifar said. “I really liked running around collecting all this stuff.”
Behind the festive atmosphere, a dedicated team of student volunteers worked to make the night possible. Some directed students through a scavenger hunt, while others helped with face painting and coordinating the drinks and snacks. Planning the event took 12 weeks, with a team of officers and student volunteers working together to bring the haunted mansion to life.
“We really emphasize that we want student input,” Kaur said. “E+E is for students by students.”
More than fun, Rigo Gutierrez, director of Student Programs, said events hosted by E+E, like Mansion Mayhem, allow students the chance to develop valuable skills in leadership, event planning and teamwork, while also providing a platform to create enjoyable, memorable experiences for their peers.
“(Students) learn some really useful operation skills, (like) how to create a program timeline (and) a budget,” said Gutierrez. “There’s (a large) leadership component, leading a team to put on the program (and) helping them see how they are a part of a larger group of people.”
Throughout the evening, students moved between the scavenger hunt, haystack, ghost shooting and enjoyed time with friends. The mix of games, prizes and spooky decorations created a lively atmosphere where students could step away from academic stress and build community.
“(The event) helps people connect by breaking up the days,” Montifr said. “Class has a set routine to it, which makes each day kind of blend into each other, so (events like Mansion Mayhem) help.”
This article was written for The Daily Texan the official newspaper of The University of Texas at Austin
