Word has been going around Saint E’s about a prospective room for students to relax and enjoy. Recently named by Keira Fox ’24, the Panther Peace Room is to serve as a place for rest amid the chaos of high school. One of the main organizers of the developing Room, Dr. Borin, had a few words to share regarding the new space. She provided information on the origin of the room, its purpose, the prospective opening date, and so much more!
Now, what was the original idea and creation of the room itself? Interestingly enough, Dr. Borin explained that our new principal, Dr. Azar, was the one who originally came up with the idea. With her extensive background in counseling, Dr. Borin jumped at the opportunity to contribute to making this idea a reality. She explained her feelings about Dr. Azar being so focused on the mental health and well-being of all students, saying that it was “really nice that it is one of the areas of focus for students and that she would like to see it come to life.” She also described her past career experiences in counseling and consulting schools in areas of mindfulness. Another experience that aided her in developing the Panther Peace Room is her past involvement with a yoga center. Dr. Borin and a few of her friends used to run a yoga studio, and she explained the overlap in the studio and school spaces. With her background in counseling, wellness, and management, Dr. Borin was ecstatic to bring all of those skills to the forefront in creating this room.
“Relaxation” and “reflection” are the two words Dr. Borin used to describe the Room’s purpose. She explained how the Room should act as almost an escape from everyone’s exciting— but often hectic— lives.
This Room is for everyone! Dr. Borin emphasized that this Room is not only for students but teachers, too! Everyone experiences stress, so everyone has access to this Room as a calm, safe space. Dr. Borin also emphasized the importance of relaxation and a positive growth mindset– two things this Room hopes to highlight. Regarding relaxation, she explained how it is especially important for teenagers to find a break, as rest is crucial to brain development, emotional regulation, and even how well students can retain information in school.
In the area of a positive growth mindset, Dr. Borin described the idea that relaxation enables students to connect with personal peace, reminding themselves that mistakes are not only okay but a crucial component of learning. She advocated that connecting with personal peace “helps people become kinder to themselves as learners.”
To enact these goals, Dr. Borin shared some commodities the Room hopes to offer. She provided various examples such as yoga, quiet time, prayer, and, most importantly, the adorable and helpful Creature Comfort Pet Therapy. Alongside all of these uses, Dr. Borin also explained the Room’s goal of community involvement.
Not only have many students (Audrey McCarus ’25, Emma Bruno ’25, Maggie Jones ’25, Regan Gavrilovic ’27, Sonia Gavrilovic ’25, and Nina Bohensky ’25) and staff (Mrs. Rovayo, Dr. Borin, and Ms. Gallo) been involved with the creation and design of this Room, but Dr. Borin explained her hope for even further involvement in the uses of the Room. She explained that she hopes both staff and students will get involved in the activities and programs the Room offers. She hopes students and staff consider presenting something for the Room regarding wellness or mindfulness. For example, Dr. Borin hopes some people might provide yoga or breathing activities for everyone to enjoy. Overall, she just hopes this space can be a place for everyone to know their mental well-being is cared for and valued.
The goal for introducing the Panther Peace Room to the student and teacher population is sometime in October. Dr. Borin explained specific ideas for the opening day, such as a ribbon-cutting ceremony or having the Sisters come over to offer a talk or prayer session of some kind. In her description of the Room and its creation, it is clear that so much love, passion, and effort were put into making this space. To end this article with her own words, in describing her goal for the Room, Dr. Borin said she wants students to know that “[we] value time and space for relaxation.”
