Students pose with Knightro and the mascot of Valencia College, Purrcy, during “Spirit Day” at UCF Downtown on Thursday.
Mila Formica
North Terry Avenue was crowded with students on Thursday afternoon as over 100 students celebrated Downtown Student Life’s UCF and Valencia “Spirit Day” with a Harry Potter-themed twist.
The event offered Butterbeer-inspired drinks, themed glasses, wands and stickers. Students also got the chance to tie-dye T-shirts, enjoy free food from Allan’s Jerk Shack food truck, and take part in inflatable axe-throwing and jousting.
Maxime Ossamalo is the DSL programming coordinator and a senior business administration major. Ossamalo said he wanted “Spirit Day” to be an exciting break in students’ everyday routines.
“We wanted to give students a magical experience,” Ossamalo said. “We wanted to make it something different that students would remember.”
Jane Apostol, a graduate student in interactive entertainment, agreed that the event will have a lasting impact on students.
“It makes you have more experiences than just being in class,” Apostol said. “It makes your time here more memorable.”
Ossamalo said the goal of events like “Spirit Day” is to help foster connections among students and help them unwind outside the classroom.
Students participating in an inflatable axe-throwing game during “Spirit Day” at UCF Downtown on Thursday.
Mila Formica
“Events like this are about connecting, having fun and sharing experiences,” Ossamalo said. “It doesn’t matter your background or where you’re from, it brings everyone together.”
Michael Kocis, a graduate student in interactive entertainment, said he enjoyed the event’s activities and was amazed by how upbeat the event was.
“The atmosphere is very lively,” Kocis said. “I feel like it’s good vibes all around.”
Kervin Dos, a graduate student in interactive entertainment, appreciated the opportunity to step away from his usual routines and connect with his peers.
“It gave me something to do other than just going to class and leaving like everyone does,” Dos said. “It actually gives you a reason to stay on campus and meet people.”
Ossamalo added that he hoped students would take something lasting from the event.
“This life is all about connections and who you know,” Ossamalo said. “Events like this help people meet each other and build those relationships, and I feel like this one definitely did that.”
He said “Spirit Day” will help build momentum for the rest of the semester’s events.
“People met new friends, had fun and made memories,” Ossamalo said. “That’s what sets the tone for everything else this semester.”