Journey
The Journey Program at Mat-Su College is a health, wellness, and personal growth program that provides and advertises a series of activities and events available to all students, staff, faculty, and community members. Each month will offer an array of different discussion topics, presentations and/or exercises.
Journey-Approved Activities.
- September
World Smile Day Selfie Station
September 27 - October 1Stop by the selfie station to snap a photo and post it to social media for World Smile Day. Be sure to use #worldsmileday and #matsu_college.Location: Outside of the Student Services Office in FSMChanging Minds in a Divided World: The Art of Strategic Dialogue
September 30 from 2:30-3:45 pmUAA/APU Books of the Year, Difficult Dialogues Initiative & CCEL invite you to a talk by Justin Lee, author of UAA Book of the Year. In a world divided by political and social issues, how do you get people on the other side to listen to you? Join us virtually as author Justin Lee will discuss the psychological principles behind people’s resistance to new ideas and share simple, proven strategies for discussing controversial issues without losing friends.For more information, please connect with Libby Roderick at eroderick@alaska.edu. - October
Hike the Mat-Su College Trailhead
October 1 at 12:00 pmHike the Mat-Su College Trailhead with a small group of Mat-Su College students, faculty, staff, and community members. The hike difficulty is easy to moderate and is a little over two miles.Location: The group will meet in front of the Glenn Massay Theater.World Food Day
October 13 at 12:00 pmPlease join a presentation via Zoom for World Food Day by Jodie Anderson, Director of the Matanuska Experiment Farm and Extension Center.Clothesline Project
October 18 from 10:00 am - 12:50 pmPlease join us to make your own statement regarding domestic violence. We will provide all of the materials needed to express yourself on a t-shirt. Location: FSM 205 Resocialization After Isolation
October 26 at 12:00 pmReemerging after a year of isolation. Are we "returning to normal?" Should we? How do we resocialize well after the stress and isolation of the past year?Location: SNOD 103Difficult Dialogues: Talking to People about COVID Concerns
October 27 at 12:00 pmPlease join a difficult dialogues discussion online via Zoom on talking to people about COVID concerns. People view the pandemic differently and weigh risks differently. How do we talk to others about our concerns when they may not see the same threats?Zoom Link Coming Soon - November
Media Literacy
November 10 at 12:00 pmPlease join a presentation on media literacy by Dr. Praetorius, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Communication for the University of Alaska Anchorage, Mat-Su College.Location: FSM 202Laugh a Little! A Psychology of Humor Discussion
November 15 at 12:00 pmResearch on humor has found benefits to our well-being and health. Come join us and hear about the importance of laughter in our lives.Location: FSM 106Gratitude WeekNovember 15 - 19Stop by and write a note of thanks to someone who deserves it! Come prepared with the address and we will stamp and mail it for you.Location: Outside of the Student Services Office in FSM - DecemberWorld Soil Day
December 1 at 12:00 pm
Please join a presentation via Zoom for World Soil Day by Jodie Anderson, Director of the Matanuska Experiment Farm and Extension Center.
Zoom LinkRelax with Alaska Assistance Dogs During Finals
December 6 - 10 from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Take a break from studies with a furry friend! Carole Shay, Director of Alaska Assistance Dogs (AAD), and pups will be offering their therapy services for all students, faculty, and staff during finals week.
Location Coming Soon
Counseling Services
Mat-Su College students may receive up to five free counseling appointments with an licensed behavioral health clinician. To make an appointment, call Mat-Su Health Services at 907-376-2411 and identify yourself as a Mat-Su College student. You may meet with the clinician on campus or at Mat-Su Health Services.
Mat-Su Valley Community Resources
Visit the United Way website for a complete listing of local organizations and agencies.
My Mental Health: Do I need Help?
First, determine how much your symptoms interfere with your daily life.
Do I have mild symptoms that have lasted for less than 2 weeks?
- Feeling a little down
- Feeling down, but still able to do job, schoolwork, or housework
- Some trouble sleeping
- Feeling down, but still able to take care of yourself or take care of others
If so, here are some self-care activities that can help:
- Exercising (e.g., aerobics, yoga)
- Engaging in social contact (virtual or in person)
- Getting adequate sleep on a regular schedule
- Eating Healthy
- Talking to a trusted friend or family member
- Practicing meditation, relaxation, and mindfullness
If the symptom above do not improve or seem to be worsening despite self-care efforts, talk to your health care provider.
Do I have severe symptoms that have lasted 2 weeks or more?
- Difficulty sleeping
- Appetite changes that result in unwanted weight changes
- Struggling to get out of bed in the morning because of mood
- Difficulty concentrating
- Loss of interest in things you usually find enjoyable
- Unable to perform usual daily functions and responsibilities
- Thoughts of death or self-harm
Seek profesional help:
- Psychotherapy (talk-therepy)—virtual or in person; individual, group or family
- Medications
- Brain stimulation therapies
For help finding treatment, visit www.nimh.nih.gov/findhelp.
If you are in a crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK
(8255),
or text the Crisis Text Line (text HELLO to 741741).
Publications