Journey

By joining your MSC community at Journey events this semester, you can follow Sophia, our Arctic Dragon Mascot, on the four paths for health and well-being:  

All Journey events are free. Just look for the Mat-Su College Arctic Dragon stamp of approval! Some events require pre-registration, so be sure to check the event before attending.

Mat-Su College Journey activities and behavioral care services are supported by a Healthy Impact Grant from the Mat-Su Health Foundation.

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Incentives

Attend events, collect stamps, and collect incentives

• 3 stamps - A choice of Frisbee, pedometer, or USB charger (while supplies lasts)
• 5 stamps - $10 Break Time Café gift card
• 6 stamps - $20 Campus Cache gift card
• 7-10 stamps - Enter a drawing to win Journey spirit-wear or a $50 Campus Cache gift card 

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Dragon Approved Activities

Click a month below to see all of the upcoming Journey Events.

• August
  

  Director’s Walk – Wednesday August 29, 12-1pm

  Get outside, enjoy nature, and make connections along the way.

  Join Dr. Colberg, Mat-Su College’s Director, for a walk on the trails.

  Meet outside of the Director’s office.

   
• September
  

  Director’s Walk – Wednesday September 5, 12-1pm

  Get outside, enjoy nature, and make connections along the way.

  Join Dr. Colberg, Mat-Su College’s Director, for a walk on the trails.

  Meet outside of the Director’s office.

  

  Let’s Talk: Road Rage – Tuesday, September 11, 12pm-1pm, FSM 204

  We all have cognitive distortions, or a way of thinking about things that may lead to poor choices.

  We will look at some of those distortions, how we apply them, and what we can do to change how we think.

  

  Backcountry Safety Travel Tips – Wednesday, September 12th, 4pm-6pm, FSM 202

  Learn to plan, prepare, travel and camp in Alaska's Backcountry with instructors from the Alaska Avalanche Information Center who have dedicated their lives to wilderness exploring and sharing lessons learned!

  

  Farm to Table Fresh Food Demo & Tasting - Thursday September 13, 11:30am-1pm, Atrium
  Alaska vegetables and farm products are fresher and taste better, and when we buy local, we’re also keeping jobs and money in our community.

  The Mat-Su is currently at the center of the locally-grown food movement, and here’s your chance to learn how to cook some delicious and nutritious dishes using fresh ingredients from right here in the Valley!

  Pre-register at nourishedak@gmail.com to reserve a spot, as there is limited space available!!

  

  Alternative Medicine Panel – Tuesday September 18, 6 -7:30pm, SNOD 117/119
  What’s going on in the world of medicine? Is there more than one way of looking at things?

  We will look at how developing a healthy lifestyle and treating our physical and mental health as part of an intentional life leads to different results than a system of medicine that focuses on the disease.

  

  Director’s Walk – Wednesday September 19, 12-1pm

  Get outside, enjoy nature, and make connections along the way.

  Join Dr. Colberg, Mat-Su College’s Director, for a walk on the trails.

  Meet outside of the Director’s office.

  

  Alaska Health Fair - Wednesday September 19, All day, MSC Bridge

  Discover what your community has to help you stay healthy and feel your best. The Alaska Health Fair is your one-stop for free health education and screenings as well as affordable blood tests.

  Visit the Journey table to learn more and collect your stamp!

  

  Farm to Table Cooking Class – Friday September 28, 11am-1pm, MSC Cafe
  Alaska vegetables and farm products are fresher and taste better, and when we buy local, we’re also keeping jobs and money in our community.
  The Mat-Su is currently at the center of the locally-grown food movement, and here’s your chance to learn how to cook some delicious and nutritious dishes using fresh ingredients from right here in the Valley!

  Pre-register at nourishedak@gmail.com to reserve a spot, as there is limited space available!!

   
• October
  

  Clothesline Project – Tuesday October 2, 10am-3pm, FSM 208
  October is Domestic Violence Month. Drop by the art studio and take a few minutes to make a statement about respect and nonviolence on a shirt!

  Then, hang the shirt on a clothesline to be viewed by others as a testimony to the problem of domestic violence. Supplies, including t-shirts, provided.

  

  Let’s Talk: Difficult Dialogues – Tuesday October 9, 12-1pm, FSM 204

  How do we talk about critical issues like race, class, and gender relations with those who have differing opinions? How do we respectfully grapple with issues such as gun control, gay marriage, institutional racism, and climate change?

  Join us to learn several strategies to engage in civil, but effective dialogue - even when others don’t agree.

  

  Intro to Yoga – Thursday October 11, 12-12:45pm, Glenn Massay Theater Lobby

  Join Ailis Vann for introductory yoga sessions to help you become familiar with a few basic yoga poses, plus breathing, relaxation, and concentration techniques.

  Please wear comfortable clothes, bring a water bottle, and have an open mind to try something new.

  Your body and mind will thank you! Yoga mats will be provided.

  

  Intro to Yoga – Thursday October 16, 12-12:45pm, Glenn Massay Theater Lobby
  Join Ailis Vann for introductory yoga sessions to help you become familiar with a few basic yoga poses, plus breathing, relaxation, and concentration techniques.
  Please wear comfortable clothes, bring a water bottle, and have an open mind to try something new.
  Your body and mind will thank you! Yoga mats will be provided.

  

  Let’s Talk: Mental Health Awareness - Tuesday October 22, 12-1pm, FSM 204

  Do you have the skills you need to reach out and provide initial help and support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem?

  This seminar will cover how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders.

  

  Intro to Yoga – Thursday October 25, 7-7:45pm, Glenn Massay Theater Lobby
  Join Ailis Vann for introductory yoga sessions to help you become familiar with a few basic yoga poses, plus breathing, relaxation, and concentration techniques.
  Please wear comfortable clothes, bring a water bottle, and have an open mind to try something new.
  Your body and mind will thank you! Yoga mats will be provided.

  

  Clayton Raithel Comedy Show SMILE - Thursday October 25, 7pm, Glenn Massay Theater

  SMILE is an autobiographical one-man show about major clinical depression, suicidal ideation, and the loss of first love. And, it's really funny. We promise.

  Clayton will moderate a discussion after the hour long comedy show.

  

  Race on Campus - Tuesday October 30, 6-7:30pm, SNOD117/119

  What role does race play in the dynamics here on the Mat-Su Campus? What is your role in the conversation? Join us to discuss this timely and sensitive issues with Libby Roderick and a panel of students and staff.

  

  Tips & Treats - Wednesday October 31, All Day, Student Services Lobby

  Receive tips from fellow students on their strategies to be healthy and successful in college. Get treats in exchange for completing a brief survey from the Journey team. It's spooktacular!

   
• November
  

  Tai-Chi – Thursday November 1, 12-12:45pm, Glenn Massay Theater Lobby

  Join Jenn Bartholomew for ‘meditation in motion’. Tai Chi is a non-competitive martial art known for both its defense techniques and its health benefits.

  The regular practice of Tai Chi can strengthen muscles, improve balance, and reduce stress.

  

  Mid-Day Meditations – Monday November 5, 12-12:45pm, Glenn Massay Theater Lobby

  Regular meditation practice can bring balance into a busy life by reducing stress, anxiety, and depression; improving focus and attention; and, reducing high blood pressure and risk of heart disease.

  Take a 45-minute meditation break with Jenn Bartholomew!

  

  Let’s Talk: Happiness - Tuesday November 6, 12-1pm, FSM 204

  What makes people happy? Are you happy? Are there changes you could make to be happier? Join us for a conversation about the psychology of happiness.

  

  Tai-Chi – Wednesday November 7, 12-12:45pm, Glenn Massay Theater Lobby

  Join Jenn Bartholomew for ‘meditation in motion’. Tai Chi is a non-competitive martial art known for both its defense techniques and its health benefits.
  The regular practice of Tai Chi can strengthen muscles, improve balance, and reduce stress.

  

  Mid-Day Meditations – Monday November 12, 12-12:45pm, Glenn Massay Theater Lobby
  Regular meditation practice can bring balance into a busy life by reducing stress, anxiety, and depression; improving focus and attention; and, reducing high blood pressure and risk of heart disease.
  Take a 45-minute meditation break with Jenn Bartholomew!

  *O* Gratitude Week - November 12 – 15, 2018

  

  Letters of Appreciation - November 12 – 15, 10am–3pm, Atrium

  In our fast-paced world, there is nothing quite like receiving a handwritten letter of appreciation in the mail. Stop by and write an encouraging letter to someone! Come prepared with the address because we will stamp and mail it for you!

  

  Pay It Forward - Monday November 12, 4pm, Glenn Massay Theater

  Join us for a free movie !The American drama-romance film Pay It Forward, based on the novel by Catherine Ryan Hyde, is set in Las Vegas and chronicles 12-year-old Trevor McKinney's launch of a goodwill movement known as 'pay it forward'.

  Directed by Mimi Leder and written by Leslie Dixon, it stars Haley Joel Osment as Trevor, Helen Hunt as his mother Arlene McKinney, and Kevin Spacey as his physically and emotionally scarred social studies teacher.

  

  Heyi Niłtu – Tuesday November 13, 2-7pm, Glenn Massay Theater

  Celebrate Alaska Native Heritage Month with the Mat-Su College Alaska Native Cultures Club! There will be dancing, drumming, craft vendors and local resources. The potluck is from 5 pm – 6 pm. Bring a dish if you are able. All are welcome!

  

  Tai-Chi – Wednesday November 14, 12-12:45pm, Glenn Massay Theater Lobby
  Join Jenn Bartholomew for ‘meditation in motion’. Tai Chi is a non-competitive martial art known for both its defense techniques and its health benefits.
  The regular practice of Tai Chi can strengthen muscles, improve balance, and reduce stress.

  

  Mid-Day Meditations – Thursday November 15, 12-12:45pm, Glenn Massay Theater Lobby
  Regular meditation practice can bring balance into a busy life by reducing stress, anxiety, and depression; improving focus and attention; and, reducing high blood pressure and risk of heart disease.
  Take a 45-minute meditation break with Jenn Bartholomew!

  

  Attend a Mat-Su College Student Government Council Meeting

  Wednesdays, 11:50am-12:50pm, FSM 105

Traveler's Aid

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Don’t Go It Alone!

You’re not alone on this journey! If you feel like you’re losing your way, there are places to go to help you get back on track:

Counseling Services

Mat-Su College students may receive up to five free counseling appointments with an experienced 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.

Campus Resources

All faculty and staff are available to assist you in achieving your educational goals. Just ask for help!

Mat-Su Valley Resources

Pick up a United Way of Mat-Su Guide to Valley Resources at Journey Awareness events or visit the United Way website for a complete listing of organizations and agencies.