Potential Anecdote/Start of Article:

Picture a typical college dorm room. A little bit of chaos, random flags of alcohol brands, and unmade beds. Nothing unusual for a young adult figuring out how to live independently from their parents for the first time. But then, scattered among the usual chaos appear little pieces of what can only be called paraphernalia that one would never associate with college students.

DIY cactuses, mini versions of lucky bamboos, badly painted canvases, DIY snow globes, bottles of self-created essential oil mixes, self-painted pumpkins from Halloween week, and stress balls in all shapes, colors, and sizes.

What all of this has in common is where these things originated from. Most campuses in the US have some kind of recreational activities organization that hosts events for college students. The idea behind them is to take away from the stress of daily life, offer opportunities to socialize, and maybe even find new hobbies.

Students meet to paint, handcraft, ice skate, sing, laugh, and play bingo.

OR maybe something like:

Sitting at one of the tables in the student government office I am attempting to paint a flame on a tote-bag while listening to the newest chart songs and eating candy. Suddenly, a thought strikes me: Why on earth am I sitting here painting tote bags when I’m a senior in college with a million responsibilities and things to do?

Interviews with MAC council members, maybe associated staff members about meaning of recreational activities for students, how other colleges do recreational activities (National Association for Campus Activities)

Maybe include how students pay for it? I don’t know if I want to go there.