March Anti-Madness Event Helps Students Unwind for Midterms

Words and images by Caitlin Scheckel, MCCAMC Graduation & Retention Advising Specialist

March Anti-Madness aimed to carve out a space where students could explore different ways to practice meaningful self-care while experiencing heightened stress levels that often occur during midterm exams. Knowing that different people respond to different therapeutic methods, MCCAMC organized various resource stations, including pet and art therapy, study snack fuel, live jazz, swag to show MCCAMC pride, and tables where college and university partners could help students navigate campus services. And of course many students reduce stress simply by connecting with fellow Mike Curb College community members and hanging out on the beautiful Manzanita Lawn.

We want students to know we care and are here to support them as a whole student, and that includes integrating opportunities to de-stress and practice self-care as they work to achieve their academic goals. We hope this initiative encourages students on their academic journey and provides them with useful tools they can continue to implement in their day-to-day lives. To see the delight on students’ faces and hear them say, “This is exactly what I needed right now,” that lets me know that efforts like this are worthwhile and fulfill needs for students throughout the MCCAMC community.

Students engage in some art therapy on Manzanita Lawn.

From pets to student success 

Academic advisors offer al fresco walk-in office hours on a beautiful spring day

Chair massage for the win!

Partners from across campus offer information and resources

Encouragement on the way from Dean Dan Hosken and Art & Design Chair Samantha Fields