On Sept. 11, the Brother James Gaffney Student Center was brimming with life as the DIY Lucky Bamboo Night took place in the evening hours. Huddled around white folding tables, students waited eagerly as supervising staff members supplied glass containers, bamboo branches and bags of pebbles to everyone. Afterward, students were quick to pour gravelly white rocks and smooth black stones into the cubic glass jars, careful not to harm the leafy bamboo contents that resided inside them.
Though this process did not take long, it provided students with a fun opportunity to make a piece of greenery while socializing. Groups of friends came and went throughout the evening, admiring the beauty of their simple bamboo creations. Cheyenne Roach, freshman social work major, was adjoined by several friends at the event. “It was fun, easy, and super engaging”, she said. In reference to her bamboo plant, which she named Bambi, she asserted, “I want to make it the centerpiece of my kitchen table at home.”
Convenient for college students, lucky bamboo plants can excel in both shade and sunlight, typically only needing to be watered one to three times a week in mild climates. Their low-maintenance nature solidifies their status as an exceptional house plant to many, deeming them an excellent addition to anyone’s dorm room or residence.
Ultimately, 80 students flocked to take part in the event during the evening. “We had a great turnout”, stated Esther Kraft, Director of Student Involvement and Multicultural Activities. “We did it last year and the students really liked it.” She cited that the inspiration behind the occasion was “to bring some feng shui into homes and dorm rooms, and take students’ minds off of studying”. With everything that college students have on their plates, from the copious homework assignments to the difficult exams, it is no wonder that customizing personal lucky bamboo plants could serve as a breath of fresh air from all the stress.
