On April 4, 2025, the Robert Pastor E-Library at the American University of Nigeria (AUN) was transformed into a haven of peace and creativity during “Paint, Unwind, and Tea-time,” a unique event hosted by the Student Government Association (SGA) as part of the second day of SGA Week 2025.
Held at the cozy 24-hour Library space, the event began at 8:30 p.m. and welcomed students to an evening of calm, creativity, and community. Attendees sipped on tea, munched on biscuits, and let their imaginations flow onto canvas in a relaxed setting far removed from the usual bustle of academic life.
The event was designed to help students decompress and connect through artistic expression. According to Kingdavid Onuegbu, a final-year Economics major and one of the event’s organizers, the idea for the session stemmed from the shared emotional and academic challenges students have faced throughout the semester.
“The inspiration came from the setbacks us students have faced this semester,” Onuegbu said. “It was a chance for us to come together and smile together despite the various adversities.”
With prior experience organizing a similar event, Onuegbu noted that the planning process was smooth. The intimate setup included painting supplies, soothing background music, and a calm atmosphere that fostered mindfulness. “The feedback so far has been great,” he added. “People had a great time, and I feel based on that, the event was successful.”
Onuegbu emphasized that events like this reflect SGA’s deeper mission. “The SGA is a voice for students, but I believe that events like this give us the opportunity for us students to grow as a community.”
Among the attendees was Sharon Maxwell, a fourth-year Law major, who appreciated the unique approach of the event. “I went because it was unique and different from what is normally done,” she said.
Maxwell described her experience as “relaxing,” and highlighted the creative aspect as her favorite part. “The fact I had to be creative really stood out for me,” she said. “After the stress of this school, it helped to just relax and do something outside studying or partying. It is not every time we have music blasting and all. Sometimes peace and quiet is better.”
When asked if she would attend a similar event in the future, Maxwell’s answer was simple: “Yes.”
As the paintbrushes dried and the teacups emptied, it was clear that Paint, Unwind, and Teatime offered more than just an artistic activity. It created a much-needed space for students to breathe, reflect, and connect. In the middle of SGA Week celebrations—and as the current SGA administration prepares to wrap up its term—the event stood out as a meaningful reminder of the importance of mental wellness, creativity, and community on campus.
Reported by Tirzah Phillips
Work-study, Marketing & Communications Department