"BeYouTiful" IMAGE
UC Irvine offers many great and free resources for the betterment of its students, one of them being the Health Education Center. The Health Education Center, located on the 3rd floor of the Student Center, provides many resources that address nutrition, wellness, sexual health, and more. One of the many programs and peer groups that the Health Education Center has is IMAGE (Image Management Awareness Growth & Education). “IMAGE is a peer group … dedicated to raising awareness about eating disorders and promoting a healthy positive self-image.” (UCI Health Education Center).
In conjunction with National Eating Disorder Awareness Week, IMAGE held a two-day event where students could learn more and gain awareness about the prevalence of eating disorders.
The first day consisted of a free, mini crafts fair on Ring Road that allowed participants to express themselves. It featured booths where students could make their own parfaits, decorate journals and mirrors, and even take pictures at a photo booth.
Make your own parfaits and mirrors.
My roommate, Y-Nin, and I at the “BeYouTiful” photo booth.
A mini art gallery and contest showcased student artwork on the second day. Artists had the opportunity to freely express themselves and their visions of body image. The main purpose of this event was to encourage students to simply be proud of who they were and to make a pledge about self-love and self-acceptance.
-- Lauren