Ruby Shah
De-stressing is important after a long day of studying for that next exam or working until you drop. One unconventional method of relaxing is folding paper, or the Japanese art form of origami. While this might be that last thing anyone would have thought as a de-stressor, the goal of the Origami Club is to grant students a place to relax while learning a new skill.
The Origami Club is an excellent place to chill after finishing a term paper or studying for that calculus exam.
Leanna Frei, a third-year studying civil engineering and president, talked about the purpose of the Origami Club.
“It started as kind of like, ‘Alright we are going to get together and fold ‘cause we’re passionate about that,’ but it’s kind of turned just primarily into a social club,” Frei said. “We just meet up once a week and hang out, and the folding is just kind of a relaxation vehicle.”
The Origami Club has maintained a way for students to get together and just talk without any worries. It’s an open and safe place for discussion while creating a paper masterpiece.
Massey Stichter, a first-year in the exploratory studies program and chairperson, explained her reason for joining the Origami Club.
“I actually wasn’t interested in origami at all when I joined this club,” Stichter said. “I just thought it was really cool when I saw it. So being here, I kind of learned how to do it and cultivated an interest for it.”
Origami Club isn’t just a way to loosen up, but it’s also a way to gain an interest in the art of paper folding.
“Three years ago, I founded [the Origami Club] ‘cause I folded things freshman year and I was surprised there wasn’t one,” Frei said. “I thought it would be interesting running [a club].”
The growing passion for origami did not only come with a new club but also came with the creation of a space for art and socializing.
“I joined because of a lot of people I talked to,” Stichter said. “I would say that I’m going to Origami Club and they would be like, ‘wait, what? That’s so cool,’ so I figured I would join the leadership team to help spread the word about Origami Club.”
As students start transitioning to harder classes in various degree programs, the anxiety of getting high grades and finding a job starts growing. Origami Club provides a great environment for students to learn a new skill while relaxing.
“Especially now, the further I get in my degree, the busier I get,” Frei said. “The more I need just an hour every week just to sit and chill with people and not do anything too stressful.”
Although origami is an art that takes years of practice, the Origami Club provides a comfortable environment for students of all skill levels.
“I’m not very good at art at all, but origami is an art that deals with precision and folding which is [something] that I happen to be good at,” Stichter said. “It a place to come and, like, de-stress yourself in a way that you don’t have to be that creative.”
Using the art of paper folding as a way of relaxation is a creative way to keep away all those worries.
“We’re like a good mix of people I think, and we’re all able to talk and hang out,” Stichter said. “You don’t have to be good [at origami].”
Whether you’re an amateur or a professional at paper folding and just want a place to have a good time, the Origami Club is the place for you.
The Origami Club meets every Monday from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at 314 Riddick Hall.