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Pen & Pie offers Trinity students a thankful pause

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Students write their truth during the Pen & Pie event in Trinity Washington University’s Sister Helen Sheehan Library Nov. 20, 2024, days before the Thanksgiving break. (Trinity Times photo/Jaeshauna Lowe, courtesy Trinity Washington University)

By Saron Gebereegziabhier
Trinity Times Correspondent

As the holiday season approaches and academic pressures mount, Trinity’s Research and Writing Center offered students a unique opportunity to slow down and reflect with its “Pen & Pie: A Thankful Pause” event. 

The Nov. 20, 2024, gathering in the Sister Helen Sheehan Library stretched from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and blended thoughtful writing prompts, warm slices of pie, and a welcoming atmosphere to encourage mindfulness and gratitude among students.

“The holiday season can be difficult for many, and not everyone has a space where they can slow down, process their thoughts, or feel connected,” said Brianna Rae Johns, director of Trinity’s Research and Writing Center. “Pen & Pie provides a unique opportunity to do just that, while also aligning with our broader mission to promote reflection, creativity, and community in a supportive and judgment-free environment.”

The event drew students throughout the day, offering a space to pause between classes and connect with their thoughts. 

Thanksgiving-themed decorations, lo-fi music, and the comforting aroma of pies and cookies created a welcoming environment that made the act of reflection even more inviting.

Francesca Sylvain, a freshman who participated in the Pen & Pie activities, told Trinity Times the event left her with tremendous gratitude as she entered the holiday week. 

“The sheet that I pulled was about overcoming challenges, and it just asked me to reflect on a challenge that I’ve faced, and what did I learn from it? How did it change, strengthen me? And writing down lessons that can help recognize growth and resilience,” Sylvain said. “I wrote about school and how attending Trinity has brought friendships and support into my life.”

The event also allowed her to process her experiences. 

Students write their truth during the Pen & Pie event in Trinity Washington University’s Sister Helen Sheehan Library Nov. 20, 2024, days before the Thanksgiving break. (Trinity Times photo/Brianna Rae Johns, courtesy Trinity Washington University)

“It gave me an opportunity to set everything aside and reflect on what I’ve done, what I’ve had to deal with,” she said, “and how I’ve still gotten through it, no matter how I felt in that moment.”

The event also served as a reminder to focus on future possibilities. 

“I would say to just be grateful for life,” Sylvain added. “No matter if you’re spending Thanksgiving with your family or not, you make your tomorrow. As long as the steps you’re putting in today are solid, then you will eventually get that Thanksgiving that you want to have. Be grateful for the opportunity to make that happen for yourself.”

Writing tutor Ericka Gnan, who actively assisted students throughout the day, discussed how writing can facilitate growth. 

“Writing has always been a way for me to express myself and reflect on my ideas,” Gnan said. “It’s not just an academic tool but a personal one, allowing us to recognize what we care about and are grateful for. Events like this encourage students to tap into that creative and reflective space.”

Pies are set out for students participating in the Pen & Pie event in Trinity Washington University’s Sister Helen Sheehan Library Nov. 20, 2024, days before the Thanksgiving break. (Trinity Times photo/Brianna Rae Johns, courtesy Trinity Washington University)

Johns beamed with pride as she watched how the atmosphere impacted the Pen & Pie participants. 

“Seeing the event unfold throughout the day was incredibly heartwarming,” she said. “Watching students take time out of their busy schedules to sit down and write was a beautiful reminder of the importance of creating intentional spaces like this. Students came in before classes, between classes, and even after their commitments to participate, and the energy was truly uplifting. The tutors were attentive and thoughtful, ensuring that every student felt welcome and supported — from picking up a pen to savoring a slice of pie. It was a joy to witness moments of reflection and connection happening in real time.”

Pen & Pie wasn’t just about individual reflection — it also fostered a sense of community. As students shared their thoughts and engaged with others, the room buzzed with quiet camaraderie. 

“Gratitude and mindfulness are powerful tools for building empathy and shared understanding,” Johns said. “When students reflect on what they are thankful for, they connect with themselves and others. That sense of belonging is particularly impactful during a busy season when stress and isolation can feel overwhelming.”

By the day’s end, the event left a lasting impression on students, reminding them of the importance of gratitude and mindfulness. 

“I’ve still gotten through it, no matter how I felt in that moment,” Sylvain said as she summed up the experience.

Students reach for holiday treats during the Pen & Pie event in Trinity Washington University’s Sister Helen Sheehan Library Nov. 20, 2024, days before the Thanksgiving break. (Trinity Times photo/Jaeshauna Lowe, courtesy Trinity Washington University)