Paint and Sip brings students together, provides creative outlet

Students get creative at UAC's Paint and Sip. Austin Horne photos

With paintbrushes in hand and mocktails nearby, students gathered for Paint and Sip to create art, meet new people and take a break from the stress of college life.

The event, held by the University Activities Council (UAC), gave students an opportunity to be creative while connecting with other students on campus. The event was open to students of different class standings, giving both freshmen and seniors a chance to get out, mingle and meet new people.

Jessica Rogers, a freshman human resource management major from Clanton, Alabama, attended the event because she wanted to meet new people and explore more of what Troy University has to offer.

“I wanted to be able to find new people and possibly be friends with them while also getting out there and exploring campus,” Rogers said.

Rogers said attending events like the Paint and Sip can also help students learn about opportunities and organizations they may want to become involved with on campus.

Rogers described the atmosphere as playful, enjoyable and comfortable. She said the event gave her a chance to have a good time without feeling stressed or worried.

“I’m having a good time; I’m not stressed or worried; it’s worry-free,” Rogers said.

Rogers encouraged students who want to explore campus to attend events like Paint and Sip.

“If you’re wanting to explore campus, go to events like these,” Rogers said.

Although Rogers enjoyed the event, she said having more tables could allow more students to participate.

Rogers also said the night was comfortable, enjoyable and amazing.

Diarria King, a sophomore political science major from Phenix City, Alabama, also attended the event. She said her favorite part was meeting new people while creating a canvas she could take home.

King said events held by UAC help students connect with one another.

“Everybody is really friendly, so it’s not a problem making friends,” King said.

King encouraged incoming freshmen to put themselves out there and not be afraid to start conversations with other students.

“It’s not as bad as you think it is,” King said. “The worst that can happen is they don’t continue the conversation.”

King described the atmosphere as relaxed and said events like Paint and Sip can make it easier for students to meet people outside their usual friend groups.

Tyshaun Caldwell, a junior social work major from Pell City, Alabama, serves as the director of the University Activities Council. Caldwell said the event was created to encourage students to fellowship, be creative and meet new people.

“We wanted students to come out and fellowship with each other and be creative,” Caldwell said.

Caldwell said the goal was to encourage students of all class standings to get out of their usual environments and connect with others. The event allowed students to mingle while painting and enjoying mocktails.

The UAC board helped organize the event and came up with different mocktail and painting ideas. Caldwell said it was exciting to see the board’s ideas come to life.

From a student perspective, Caldwell said he hoped the biggest takeaway was for students to have different outlets for expressing themselves and relieving stress.

Caldwell also encouraged students to step outside their comfort zones, especially those who are new to campus.

“Just put yourself out there,” Caldwell said. “When you’re uncomfortable, that means you’re growing as a person.”

Caldwell said students never know who they may meet or what opportunities may come from putting themselves in new environments.

Anyone interested in staying updated with UAC can find them on Instagram @troyuac.