“I believe mental health and nature go hand-in-hand. I want to create a path to inspire and help students choose a path of healing,” said Ailton Alanya, the leader of Brookdale’s newly formed Nectar Club.
Alanya, 21, a science and math major from Howell, is passionate about the power of plants. “My mother taught me about the value of nature and healing, and I want to share my knowledge and experience with others,” he explained.
The group meets 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Thursdays in the Caroline Huber Wellness Center on the Lincroft campus.
The first meeting was held on Oct. 10 where Club members were invited to a small flower workshop. Multiple containers held an assortment of greenery, flowers, tools, wires and decorative additions and students were encouraged to use all of the materials provided.
The first project, a Circle of Life wreath, was explained and demonstrated by Alanya, with club members each creating their own version of the wreath or if they chose, a bouquet.
Several months ago, Alanya, who has years of experience in professional flower arranging, approached Summer Deaver, director of The Caroline Huber Holistic Wellness Center, about starting a flower arranging club at Brookdale.
“At first, I was unsure if there would be any student interest,” said Deaver, and she suggested he instead join the Wellness Center Club.
Alanya declined that offer. “Ailton came back to me with this really well-written beautifully presented proposal. I was then convinced he and the club would do well,” Deaver said.
As she watched the enthusiastic students completing their project at the meeting, she said she learned from this experience. “All of his projects are going to be amazing, and I won’t doubt him again.”
Alanya chose the name Nectar Club because nectar represents more than just flower arranging. It is the sugary fluid secreted by most plants, especially within flowers, to encourage growth and pollination. He hopes the Nectar Club will also grow by promoting personal enrichment and healing within nature. The club encourages students to place respect, reflection and representation in each floral project. All students are welcome to join.
For more information:
Meetings: 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.Thursdays, Caroline Huber Holistic Wellness Center
Advisers: Anthony LaGaipa, 732-224-2462, and Summer Deaver, 732-224-2479
https://www.instagram.com/nectarclub0/
