Two fuzzy purple monsters have been running around the University of Tennessee College of Social Work recently. Yes, you read that right.
And while these creatures might be a little hairy − and maybe seem a little scary − their shenanigans are all in the name of spreading joy.
Clinical associate professors Kim Denton and Rachel Ross suited up as these goofy beings to spread happiness through minor chaos. This is the second year in a row the duo, who also facilitate students' field work, have taken on the unofficial role of "ambassadors of silly stuff," Ross told Knox News.
Creating 'little moments of laughter'
They're always looking for new ways to make others smile. "Social work is about people connection, right? Bringing little moments of laughter, that's what it's about," said Denton.
Their latest antics were inspired when Ross came across the costumes online. "Amazon will take all my money for fun stuff," she said. "My algorithm is way off because it naturally just shows me these things."
It's a little quieter during the summer, so Denton and Ross wanted to bring a little lightheartedness to those who were on campus, whether working or studying, and they posted a video of their hijinks so students on break would know the college was excited to welcome them back.
They danced around, popped into classrooms, and even made a few staffer do double takes upon glimpsing the zany purple-haired people bopping down the hall.
Denton's and Ross' students work under supervision at community partners across Knoxville. Social work is a field that's all about connection and helping others, but it can be heavy at times. Because of that, the curriculum prioritizes self-care, something Denton and Ross always try to live up to themselves.
"Me and her really are connected through laughter," Ross said. "The days are hard, and the stories might be hard or the work might be hard, but being able to take care of yourself or reminding yourself that ... while we might see hard, that's not all that can be − and that being able to laugh and have fun and have silly moments and do that, I think is a good model."
Hayden Dunbar Evans is the storyteller reporter. Email: hayden.dunbar@knoxnews.com. Instagram: @knoxstoryteller.
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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Why are there fuzzy purple monsters at the UT College of Social Work?
