The Master of Social Work Student Association at ETSU brought a new kind of stress relief to campus this fall with its first-ever Pumpkin Smash event.
Held Nov. 8 at University Commons, the event invited students, faculty and visitors to purchase a pumpkin for $5 and smash it with bats or sledgehammers. Safety gear was provided, and students came together to have fun, unwind and support a meaningful cause.
Taylor Leonard, MSWSA president, said the idea originated from a desire to create a fun, “rage-room” type of activity that promotes emotional wellness while raising funds for the group’s trip to Social Work Day on the Hill.
“This event connects to our mission through its focus on wellness,” Leonard said. “The Pumpkin Smash provided students with a fun and creative outlet to release stress, especially during a busy and often overwhelming time in the semester. It encouraged students to take a break, let go of tension in a healthy way and connect with others who might be feeling the same pressures. By promoting emotional well-being through an engaging activity, we were able to remind students that self-care and community support go hand in hand.”
All proceeds go toward helping MSWSA members advocate for important policies in Nashville, Leonard explained.
Leonard worked with Vice President Alli Thompson, Secretary Maddie Shipley, Secretary Taylor Rigsby and Treasurer McKenzie Ford to organize the event. The team received pumpkin donations from the Pumpkin Barn in Jonesborough and helped spread the word across campus.
The event drew a strong turnout and plenty of positive feedback. “Seeing everyone come together to laugh, unwind and build community was the best part,” Leonard said. “It was such a success that our members plan to make it an annual tradition.”
