‘Spring Break NOT Spring Broke’ event helps students learn to stay safe when classes aren’t in session

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Students wait in line for their chance to enter the cash vault, where they can grab fake money in exchange for prizes. (John Chapple | Collegian Media Group)

Kansas State students were invited to play games and get free financial and wellness advice at Powercat Financial’s annual Spring Break NOT Spring Broke event on Thursday from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Lafene Health Center and the WellCAT Ambassadors paired with Powercat Financial to host the event.

The event was geared towards spring break traveling, events and personal health and wellness. There were prizes and snacks provided, as well as opportunities to sign up for financial assistance and education services like CashCourse.

“The idea is to help students prepare for the money they’re going to spend over spring break and how to do that in a smart way,” said Will Orth, graduate student in accounting and graduate assistant for Powercat Financial.

The event provided students with information about smart spring break spending and wellness tips in a variety of ways. Students could participate in the money vault, a trivia wheel, a “no glove, no love” sexual health game, Powercat Financial Plinko and more.

“I learned how to budget in ways I hadn’t thought of before on a road trip,” Emma Coy, freshman in chemistry, said. “Everyone was really helpful and friendly.”

The Riley County Police Department also made an appearance to help students be aware of the effects of alcohol, giving students a chance to walk down a line with impairment goggles on.

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A volunteer officer escorts a student through an example sobriety test to encourage safe practices during spring break. (John Chapple | Collegian Media Group)

“Spring Break NOT Spring Broke” started when students and faculty saw a need for awareness around keeping students educated on the that could be faced during spring break trips.

“What we want to do is help educate our college peers, just to help our fellow Wildcats stay safe over spring break,” said Ashlynn Fisher, senior in life science and WellCAT ambassador.

Powercat Financial is a student resource, providing free peer-driven financial counseling for students. They have been hosting events like “Spring Break NOT Spring Broke” since 2009. WellCAT ambassadors are a student organization that is part of Lafene. They focus on promoting health and well-being in K-State students through peer advocacy.

“We just want everyone to be safe,” said Lane Lundeen, sophomore in fisheries, wildlife and conservation biology and WellCAT ambassador.

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