De-Stressing for Finals
As the Fall 2025 semester races toward its conclusion, the usual tension of finals week, combined with the hustle of the upcoming holiday season, can often leave students feeling overwhelmed. However, this week at Porterville College, the atmosphere in the Quad was one of relaxation, connection, and community, thanks to a series of events for "De-Stress Week."
Hosted by the ASPC and the Student Life Department, the four-day initiative (Dec 1–4) was designed to transform the campus into a mindful space where mental wellness was prioritized alongside academic success.
The week kicked off on Monday, December 1, with a sweet start with the "Donut Stress" event.
Students were encouraged to "keep calm and eat a donut," providing a much-needed sugar rush and a moment of levity before hitting the books. Sometimes a simple treat is the best icebreaker for stressed peers.
On Tuesday, the focus shifted to creative expression with "Rock Painting & Snacks." The Quad was filled with students taking a break from their study guides to engage in art therapy. The event provided a tactile way to unwind, with many students painting encouraging messages and intricate designs on river stones while enjoying light refreshments.
By midweek, the Student Life team introduced a nostalgic and sensory-focused activity: "Slime & Snacks." The event championed the motto "Slime Time = a fine mind." The hands-on activity offered a fun, kinetic outlet for nervous energy, allowing students to disconnect from their screens and connect with one another over a shared, playful experience.
The week concluded on a cozy note on Thursday with "Cocoa & Color." With the December morning air crisp, students gathered from 9:00 to 11:00 AM to warm up with hot chocolate and engage in mindful coloring. The quiet, collaborative atmosphere provided a perfect final "exhale" before the intensity of finals officially began.
It is amazing to see so many students stepping out of the library to take a breather. It is important to show students that the entire PC community supports them all the way through the finish line.
As students head into exams this next week, we hope they do so with lifted spirits, reminding us all that with a little mindfulness (and perhaps a donut or two), We Can Do BIG things!
Good luck on your finals, Pirates!
