Aaaah, midterms.
That time in the middle of the semester is a key period in Skyline College’s operations, marked by increased responsibilities for faculty and staff and the evaluation of student learning. However, meeting coursework deadlines, testing students, and submitting paperwork will increase stress levels for our campus. Active Minds and the Learning Commons (Learning Center and Library) strove to provide an outlet for the Skyline College community to take a break and reduce stress during the week of April 6th.
Starting April 6th in Fireside Dining, Active Minds hosted “Paint Away Your Worries,” bringing out mini-canvases and paints and encouraging our students to slow down and take a few minutes to paint whatever is on their minds. 30 students participated, and many others came by to chat and admire the art on their way to class.
Tuesday, 4/7, was “Smash Your Stress” day! This event encouraged friendly competition through video games like Mario Kart and Super Smash Bros Ultimate. Students laughed, groaned, and ultimately connected. 43 students participated, with many others stopping to watch and cheer on their friends before heading to their next appointments. And then, in the Library at 1:00 p.m., the Peninsula Humane Society’s Pet Assisted Therapy (PAT) Teams provided the break we needed to pet and cuddle, helping us take much of our stress away. Over 50 students enjoyed spending time with Vegas and Corrie, the black Labs, and Noodle, the Siamese cat. Thank you to owners Jeri Bonilla, Dee Offield, and Jillian Dicker for sharing their therapy pets with the Skyline College campus!
“Bracelet Making” at Fireside Dining on Wednesday, 4/8, allowed students to stop, sit, chat, and make bracelets together using a variety of materials. Being able to focus on a simple, dexterous task of creating something gave our students a small reprieve during the midterms season. 25 students participated, and, as with our other events, many others dropped by to say hello on their way to their next destinations.
Finally, on Thursday, 4/9, Active Minds partnered with the Library to host “Board Gaming!” This fun activity brought a variety of social and strategic Board games to give students a break, helping them connect and energize for the next leg of their studies. 13 students came by to play games like Red Flag, Camel Up, Hues & Cues, and Uno.
I want to thank the Skyline College campus for your continued support and for your efforts to reduce stress through Active Minds and the Learning Commons. Thank you to Active Minds ambassadors, Personal Counselor, and Active Minds Advisor Dr. Perry Chen for their collaboration with the Learning Commons to provide de-stressing activities on the Skyline College campus. Thank you to the Learning Commons staff for also seeing the need to support our faculty, staff, and students. Also, thank you to PHS Coordinator Marivic Dizon for her efforts in coordinating PAT teams for our de-stressing events. We see it is important to acknowledge the need to mentally refresh by taking a break from school and other life pressures. Increased or prolonged unhealthy stress can harm one’s mind and body, so providing an outlet to relax and have fun will remain a necessity! Look out for the upcoming “Stress Less Week,” starting May 4th. All activities start at 11:00 a.m. and are as follows:
Monday, May 4th: NERD OUT!
• Celebrate your inner nerd in Fireside Dining
• Visit the Library for movie screenings and treats celebrating “May the 4th be with you!”
Tuesday, May 5th: Appreciate A Professor
• Make crafts in appreciation of your professor(s) in Fireside Dining.
Wednesday, May 6th: Move & Groove
• Join the campus community in the Quad for fun games, activities, and Bingo!
Thursday, May 7th: Paint and Decorate!
• Paint in Fireside Dining at 11:00 a.m.
• Decorate your chosen cupcake or cookie in Building 5, first floor, at 11:30 a.m.
See you starting Monday!
Article by Sherri Wyatt and Dr. Perry Chen
Photos from the Library and Active Minds
