Engaging in creative activities is a beneficial way to reduce stress and foster self-expression. Students had the opportunity to join a relaxing painting session hosted by CSU Stanislaus Basic Needs in collaboration with Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) in the Vasché Library.
This painting session took place on Friday during “Share the Love” week to raise awareness about the CalFresh program. Students were provided with a variety of small canvas magnets in different shapes, along with a wide selection of art materials including colored pens, pencils, felt-tip painting markers, plastic aprons, cups and brushes.
Meghan Reyes, Calfresh Healthy Living Program Assistant, explained the purpose of hosting this calming paint session.
“We really wanted to promote CalFresh benefits and promote healthy living,” Reyes said. “And part of that is tackling stress and mental health, so we wanted to meet all of our students’ basic needs and have an opportunity for them to relax and come chat with us about any of the services that CAPS or Basic Needs has to offer.”
Reyes shared how the event connects students to resources and spreads awareness about the support students can receive from campus services.
“We like to have activities like this because we can yap away, laugh and talk about creative things to feel a little bit more comfortable. Hopefully, they would ask those questions about CalFresh benefits, or maybe the things that they’re concerned about, and even just opening up about serious topics that they need help with,” Reyes said.
“We’re just hoping that students can be comfortable around us and get to know us on a human level, so that way they’re not scared to ask,” Reyes continued. “As far as being mindful, there’s an opportunity for students to be nurtured and taken care of for whatever it is that they need. We hope students just become more aware that they have a support system here on campus through Basic Needs and through other resources.”
Yaneli Ramos (Freshman, Liberal Studies) joined this painting session to express her creative freedom.
“I just felt like coming to this painting session to get my mind off things and just draw because I love to draw. So, I feel like relaxing and not thinking about anything,” Ramos shared.
“I think it allows you to have a sense of freedom where you don’t have to paint good or bad, it’s just to enjoy it, like being free,” Ramos said. “You could paint anything you want, you could be yourself, no one’s going to judge you. It’s just you and the canvas.”
Ramos recommended the event because it gave students a chance to clear their heads.
“I think it would really help people feel like a kid again in a way,” she said. “You don’t have to do anything perfect. It’s not going to get hung up on a wall, and it really helps you get your mind off of things, especially when we’re in school with a lot of pressure, so it’s good to disconnect here.”
Sheily Adame (Junior, Liberal Studies) attended the event to spend some free time with a friend.
“I saw the Food Pantry posted this event, and my friend and I have a few hours, so we just came in to paint and relax,” Adame said.
Like Ramos, Adame recommended the event to students for similar reasons.
“I think it just takes your mind off things, especially when you have a lot of schoolwork. So it kind of takes the stress away. I recommend this painting session because it’s a good way to take your mind off stuff, especially if you bring a friend.”
Stan State Basic Needs and CAPS strive to support students’ needs on campus by providing services that address food insecurity and mental health. Both programs offer events and workshops throughout the semester that help enrich students’ college experience and quality of life.
