Oftentimes moms find themselves having trouble alleviating the stress of such a strenuous role. Stan Stan Alumni, Mariela Vasquez, has come up with a collaborative and empowering plan to untie moms to live healthy and active lifestyles. 
Owner of Nutrition Vibes cafe, Vasquez hosts Turlock mom walks, creating a place for moms to come together and go on short fun walks. 
“Sometimes being a mom can be lonely,” she shares. “Whether you have a partner that’s working all the time, or feeling like there’s a lack of support, these walks are a great way to make new friends.” 
Vasquez goes on to explain that it’s common for mothers to disregard their own care and self-needs. She emphasizes that it’s important to get out of the house. 
“Try to remember that self-care has to be a priority. It can be stressful juggling mom life and school, but if there is any way that you can squeeze in outdoor time–it can be very beneficial,” she says. 
Diana Zuniga (senior, English SMP) shares her experience attending the Mom Walks. 
“While it is hard to control children, I have yet to hear a child cry at these walks,” she said. “Children, like moms, need fresh air and a nice breather.”
She said that’s exactly what the walks do. They allow mom’s to get up and get active while doing it with other mamas.
“It’s an amazing way to meet new mom friends and even more so for the kiddos to play and interact with other children,” adds Zuniga. 
Balancing the responsibilities of a student along with a parent can be stressful and demanding. It may be difficult finding peers who are also navigating young motherhood without taking the first step in putting themselves out there. 
Sarai Angulo (junior, Liberal studies) opens up about her experience being a young mom in college. 
Angulo admits, “I wish I knew more young moms in school, so I wouldn’t feel so alone and have people to relate to.” 
Zuniga adds, “Sometimes I feel like I’m the only mom that goes to school and it would be nice to have other moms to talk to.”
Angulo continues by saying, “I wish my professors would understand that being a mom comes with a lot of unexpected situations.” 
Angulo provides the example of sickness and childcare issues.
“The times that I have missed class are not because I simply don’t want to go but because it’s more likely about something involving my child,” she said. 
Zuniga adds to the young motherhood experience and balance. 
“School is very important to me and I give it the importance it deserves, but as a mom sometimes my hands are tied and I’d like professors to know my situation so that they understand me,” she said.
Zuniga added that balancing academics and parenthood can be a bit of a hassle, but she stands firm in knowing it’s completely doable. She reiterates that organization is key. 
Both Zuniga and Angulo hope their professors know that as a mom, they’re both working hard while trying to be the best student that they can be while prioritizing their children. 
Vasquez is well aware of this reality for many student moms and wanted to create a tribe of empowering women inspiring and motivating others. 
She emphasizes, “It’s a great way to navigate mom life as a collective, and relating to one another is important.”
Vasquez explains, “These walks are free of charge and very short and easy. Raging from 30-40 minutes.”
She concludes by saying, “A lot of moms carry a mentality of feeling overloaded. Everything can be overwhelming, and moms can feel like there’s so much to do with very little time, forgetting to ask for help.” 
Attending Vasquez’s walks can be a great opportunity for mothers to receive vitamin D, releasing endorphins to light their mood. 
The next Mom walk will be May 6th. 
Students can find information at: https://www.instagram.com/turlockwalks/

Or at her location https://www.instagram.com/p/CrEREvmJA1O/