School of Agriculture, Research, Extension and Applied Sciences hosts Screen-Free Week
During the week of May 2-6, representatives from Connectivity, Awareness and Support Activities (CASA), in conjunction with Active Minds, promoted Screen-Free Week at Alcorn State University. Students were encouraged to refrain from using their cell phones for entertainment, and instead, were invited to participate in physical activities from noon to 2 p.m. each day.
Jessica Rankin, research associate in the Department of Human Sciences, expressed, “The purpose of this initiative is to encourage students to put down their tablets, phones, and gaming systems and enjoy the world around them. Going screen-free will allow students to see the beauty in the things we do without looking at a screen.”
Participating students pledged to be screen-free during the week, and enjoyed various activities including making bracelets, playing Frisbee, and partaking in a peaceful picnic in the sun.
They received information about Active Minds and learned about 101 screen-free activities that include listening to the radio, completing crossword puzzles, and planting a garden. Participating students and faculty were also encouraged to donate a dollar to Active Minds in exchange for a refreshing beverage.
As an added feature May 3, the campus radio station WPRL FM 91.7 “The Gold” hosted live under the tent on the grounds of the Clinton Bristow Jr. Dining Facility their weekly “Extension this Week” talk show. Staff and students were interviewed on the show hosted by Manola Erby, Extension youth specialist, and produced by Jerome Myles, gospel music director.
“I think this event is very beneficial for the students on campus because technology is beginning to take over the society. By implementing this event, Alcorn employees shows that they care,” said Justin Knight, senior, psychology major. “I also really enjoyed participating in the egg hunt. It was something different.”
A senior majoring in applied sciences, Charles Marsaul, added, “The activities that I participated in were really fun and refreshing. I think the screen-free week really encourages students to focus on finals and take a much-needed break to be physically active.”
