This semester, Rice’s traditional spring break has been broken up into five separate “sprinkle days” due to coronavirus restrictions. For its second such mini-break, the university hosted activities from tai chi on the quad to arts and crafts in the Rice Memorial Center’s Grand Hall.
“The whole goal of our sprinkle day events is basically just to give students something else to do besides sit in their room for the day,” said Catherine Clack, associate dean of undergraduates. “We want to let them have some fun.”
Will Rice College junior Christine Lee met up with a friend in the Grand Hall, where the two sat at separate tables making kindness jars. They chatted as they painted the glass jars with colorful designs.
“I’m really glad to be back at Rice,” said Lee, who spent the previous semester at home. “The pandemic has made me more grateful — even to be able to come on campus and do activities like this is a huge blessing.”
Three more sprinkle days are upcoming: March 16, March 26 and April 8.