October 21-30, 2024 | Campus for Learning & Innovation & Campus for Health Sciences
In alignment with LORMA Colleges’ commitment to holistic development, the Self-Care and Safe Spaces Week, held from October 21 to October 30, 2024, spotlighted the importance of self-care and mental wellness for LORMANIANS. This week-long initiative aimed to create meaningful avenues for students to nurture their well-being and express themselves freely across both campuses.
The first day opened with mindfulness meditation sessions, providing students with a calming, 15-minute retreat to help alleviate stress and promote mental clarity. This meditative breather encouraged participants to step back from daily pressures, resulting in a positive atmosphere for prioritizing mental wellness. Additionally, an Art Exhibit titled "Brushstrokes of Wellness" took place on the Campus for Health Sciences, showcasing student artworks that vividly expressed mental health journeys through color and creativity. Alongside the exhibit, "Reel Talk" sessions featured pop-up discussions outside the Student Affairs Office and Memorabilia Hall on both campuses, inviting students to candidly share their thoughts and experiences.
Building on this momentum, simultaneous activities were held at both the Campus for Learning and Innovation (CLI) and the Campus for Health Sciences (CHS). At CLI, a Memory Booth encouraged students to reflect on their personal growth, with a symbolic "Let Go" station to help release past burdens. A "Heartfelt Connections" activity allowed students to express their emotions using emoji stickers, fostering a sense of empathy and understanding among peers. Meanwhile, CHS hosted "Psyche’s Delivery Service," a unique initiative offering treats as a gesture of kindness and a way to create positive memories.
The week concluded with "Come-une," a culminating program uniting students in a safe and inclusive space to celebrate self-expression and community. Exhibits and interactive booths filled with art and wellness activities allowed students to explore their inner selves in a warm, welcoming environment. Performances by the Sagisag Dance Troupe brought energy and vitality to the CLI Learning Commons, using movement and music to resonate with the collective heartbeat of the LORMANIAN community. Students also participated in an open mic session, where they shared lyrical and musical interpretations, amplifying their voices in a cathartic release of emotions.
The second day of the culminating event shifted to the Campus for Health Sciences, where the Sanduli Dance Troupe captivated attendees with a vibrant performance in the Pavilion. Students then enjoyed a screening of Inside Out 2, a movie chosen for its themes of emotional understanding and self-compassion, closing the week with introspection and inspiration.
The Self-Care and Safe Spaces Week of Lorma Colleges' is committed to prioritize the well-being of every LORMANIAN. The initiative, led by the Guidance and Counseling Office, serves as a reminder that students have year-round access to a safe and caring environment.
For those seeking support, the Guidance and Counseling Office is available for consultations at guidance@lorma.edu, on Facebook at Lorma GCO, by phone at 0919-066-2979, 0919-066-2940, or 0919-066-2980, or in person at their office on either campus.
Sustainable Development Goals:
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being The focus on mental health activities like mindfulness, art therapy, and open mic sessions directly supports SDG 3 by promoting mental well-being and reducing stress, anxiety, and depression among LORMANIAN students.
SDG 4: Quality Education Providing a supportive and inclusive environment for students' personal growth enhances the educational experience, aligning with SDG 4’s goal of inclusive, quality education that supports emotional and holistic development alongside academic learning.
SDG 10: Reduced Inequality By creating safe spaces for self-expression and encouraging inclusive participation in wellness activities, the event supports SDG 10, fostering equity and eradicating mental health judgment within the school community.
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