Lucy Cross Center hosts first Stress Relief series

In November 2015, The Lucy Cross Center hosted the first Stress Relief series. These events came about through conversations between the director of the center, Dr. Jill Jones, and The Lucy Cross student staff in response to the heavy work and stress that comes with the end of the semester.

These small events orchestrated through Tuesdays and Thursdays in November are meant to help participants de-stress. Overall, the turnout has been on a smaller scale, boasting five to ten students, which is fitting for the smaller-scale Lucy Cross Center.

Not only were these events in response to the end of semester, but also a demand from students for gatherings such as these. Students have expressed the desire to engage more with their peers in a one-on-one manner, about a variety of campus and social issues. The center has become a place of safety for many students, who are able to speak freely in this space and not feel pressure to be anyone but themselves.

Some of these events included an emphasis on arts and crafts, such as a‘90s coloring book party and decorating Mason Jars to be placed in campus restrooms with pads and tampons. There was a Bob’s Burgers snack event where “healthy brain food” was provided, such as yogurt parfaits and mixed nuts and episodes of Bob’s Burgers were screened. There will be a presentation by the Wellness Center on techniques to help manage stress and a body image art therapy session hosted by Master’s in Clinical Mental Health interns. All these events are aimed towards helping students gain an introspective awareness of themselves and how they best manage the stress in their lives.

According to the Rollins website, The Lucy Cross Center is dedicated to increasing education, awareness and communication to build a more inclusive Rollins Community. The mission of the Lucy Cross Center is to “Provide a comfortable, welcoming, and inclusive space for students, staff, and faculty of all races, sexual orientations, and gender identities, provide a safe and comfortable meeting place for women and their allies, provide a space to form community, establish networks, and promote social justice and serve as an advocate and resource for women and their allies.”