Love Your Body brought together several student resources and organizations together in one room at Shippensburg University to celebrate body positivity on Oct. 16.

The event began when Dr. Toru Sato guided the room with a mindfulness body scan, creating a tranquil atmosphere. Once he was finished, students were free to explore the many tables and activities available.  

According to Kurt Dunkel, Coordinator of Connection Alcohol and Other Drugs Services Program (Connection AOD), the purpose of the event was to give students “a greater understanding of some of the more semi-conscience ways we view bodies.”

Dunkle said, “The way we pass certain judgements about what is good, what is healthy, what is attractive, what is right. A greater understanding of the negative messaging that people can internalize in our society, based on school, family, community, popular culture, social media. We ingest, no pun intended, a lot of negative messaging about bodies that we don’t consciously think about.” 

Various campus organizations and departments were present. The Women’s and Gender Studies Department had candy and paper cutouts for people to write what is unique about their bodies. The Trans Affinity group asked attendees what makes them feel gender joy. The Counseling Center handed out affirmation cards with candy attached, along with pamphlets promoting its services. 

Shippensburg’s National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) handed out stickers, bookmarks and information about their mission to end the stigma against mental health. Ship Votes offered students various information about how to register to vote, the voting process and where to vote. The Domestic Violence Services of Cumberland and Perry Counties (DVSCP) handed out stickers, magnets and informational pamphlets. The Frederick Douglas Institute had several tables promoting their mission to challenge members to analyze various social, political and environmental issues. 

Carlisle’s YMCA promoted several of YWCA services, such as its pad pantry, youth and adult programs and crisis hotlines. The Connection AOD program gave out temporary tattoos to students. The PAGE Center offered students free condoms and stickers displaying various pride flags. 

One popular table had magazines and printed out pictures for students to make vision boards. One Ship student said making the collages was their favorite part of the night. 

The Office of Accessibility Resources (OAR) held a survey asking students to give their opinion on the types of chairs used in classrooms. All three of the chairs most commonly found in a classroom were present and students were encouraged to sit in them to give more accurate feedback. Alex Coombs from the OAR explained in a speech that an audit was being done on the seating options and explained how many do not fit accessibility needs. 

Shippensburg student Amaya then performed a dance to “Glory” by Common and John Legend. Colby Houser held a light workout session that was optional for attendees. It focused on making the body feel good rather than weight loss. The event concluded with a clip from “The Ozempic Obsession” by Jia Tolentino and Trevor Noah. 

Director Miller Hoffman said, “I’m hoping folks will find opportunities to feel more comfortable and more present in our bodies. We’re told so often that our bodies are not beautiful. I think the more we’re able to feel confident and comfortable and beautiful, it just makes life a lot better.”

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