Bruins Hug It Out

Hey everyone, this is Eric "The UCLA Undergraduate Admissions’ Student Photographer."  I just came back from an incredible event called “Free Hugs” on campus and I want to share a little about the experience. My friend Cindy, the founder of this informal club on campus, let me know about the event and asked me to volunteer and take photos. The premise is simple:  give free hugs to anybody who wants them.

As I held up a sign offering free hugs to strangers (albeit Bruins!), it was a little awkward.  However, as more and more random students came up and started giving me hugs, I become more and more comfortable.  Needless to say, I was surprised how many people approached me for a free hug and I was happy to give them a hug!  It was truly a life-changing experience because it showed me how friendly people are, regardless of what I assume of their outward appearance.  Check out the “Free Hugs” group and check out when the next free hugs day will be!

Link to the Free Hugs group on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/group.php?gid=2234751210

Some info from their page:

Inspired by a YouTube video of Juan Mann giving Free Hugs in Sydney, Australia and the world wide Free Hugs Campaign, Cindy gathered a bunch of random friends to give out free hugs on Monday, Feb. 5th, 2007 from 11-3:30 PM on Bruin Plaza.

Thank you to all of those who helped out with the campaign—whether through giving out hugs, receiving hugs, or spreading smiles and hugs throughout the day. Through the simple random act of kindness of giving out Free Hugs, we hope to bring a little smile to others, especially through the stressful times of midterms. We also hope that out of the 38402840284505 people we hugged that day, at least one person would be inspired to "pay it forward" and pass on this act of kindness.

For the YouTube movie:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=vr3x_RRJdd4

For the world wide movement:
http://freehugscampaign.org

Comments

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Hey that's sweet event to have. I will check out the details about the group as soon as I find time. Thanks for sharing this wonderful experience of yours.