Seattle University Recreation (UREC) recently concluded its annual mental health campaign, Project Positive, which took place over a week in March 2024. This year’s theme, “Chart Your Own Path,” aimed to inspire students to embrace a positive outlook while acknowledging that everyone progresses at their own pace.
Henry March, a third-year finance major and outdoor leader at UREC, highlighted the event’s inclusive nature. He expressed appreciation for its diverse activities, stating, “[Project Positive] is giving us space for these important messages. Whether you want to just show up and watch a film festival or you want to play Battleship in the pool, there really is a wide range.”
Originally launched as a body positivity initiative over a decade ago, Project Positive has evolved based on student feedback. Kevin Sutton, assistant director of UREC Outdoors, explained the shift in focus. “Some of the feedback that we got was that not everyone loves their body. We wanted to change it to be more inclusive. So it’s now both body positivity, but also body neutrality, because we recognize that not everyone’s happy with their body,” Sutton remarked.
This year’s programming connected mental health with outdoor activities and mindfulness practices. The initiative has expanded to include collaboration with various campus departments, such as University Ministry and Seattle U School of Law, to reach a wider audience. Sutton noted a specific goal for this year’s campaign: to better include students from Cornish College, which Seattle University recently acquired. “How do we incorporate Project Positive programming down to their area instead of forcing them up here?” he questioned, emphasizing the need to cater to diverse student needs.
Throughout the week, a range of events were offered, including sound baths, E-sport gaming sessions, chaos board crafting, cycling classes, and outdoor hikes. One of the standout events was the screening of the 5Point Film Festival, held on March 6, 2024. This festival showcases impactful stories from diverse storytellers, encouraging viewers to explore the world through themes of commitment, respect, humility, purpose, and balance. The films presented were selected from those featured in the festival held earlier this year in Carbondale, Colorado.
Sutton explained the festival’s importance, highlighting its mission to uplift underrepresented voices in outdoor recreation. “For those of you who don’t know me, I am a six-foot-tall, white-bearded guy, cisgender male. I recognize that I have all of the privileges in the world. So, trying to branch out and give space and time and voice to the people who have been marginalized, both intentionally and unintentionally,” he said.
Second-year accounting student Ricardo Bernabe Francisco attended Project Positive for the first time during the film festival. He shared his initial uncertainty about the event, stating, “I don’t know what’s going to be shown. I just want it to be fun. It’s the unknown with the films that got me intrigued.”
Sutton expressed hope that Project Positive would not only promote mindfulness among students but also encourage ongoing engagement with UREC. “Even if you can’t engage with us in Project Positive, come hang out at UREC. It’s an inclusive, safe, happy and welcoming space,” he stated. “It’s always awesome meeting new people and I want to meet as many of you as I can.”
UREC offers a variety of activities, from outdoor excursions like hikes and snow trips to indoor classes such as power yoga and cardio dance. For those interested in learning more about upcoming UREC events, detailed information can be found on their social media platforms, including Instagram and Campus Groups.
