Journey

Welcome to your Mat -Su College educational journey. There are many rewarding experiences along the path to your ultimate goal, but there will also be challenges along the way. The Journey Program focuses on health and wellness activities to build up the Mat-Su College community and to help you rise to challenges, cope with stress, and stay healthy as you make your way through this exciting, but often hectic, time in your life.

 
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Journey-Approved Activities.

  • September

    Color for your Health
    Date: September 11 - 15
    Time: 8 am - 5 pm
    Location: FSM Hallway
    Description: According to the Mayo Clinic, coloring can improve your health by promoting mindfulness, relieving stress and embracing the imperfect. As part of National Suicide Prevention week, take some time to add color to our jumbo inspirational poster located in the FSM hallway going towards the Okeson Library Building. Learn about actions we can all take to prevent suicide and resources available to help and give hope.

    Wellness Yoga Class
    Date: September 20
    Time: 12 pm - 1 pm 
    Location: Glenn Massay Lobby
    Description: Calling all Yogis or those wanting to learn! Join us in the Glenn Massay Theater, every third Wednesday of the month, for an all level yoga class at noon This free wellness class will be led by, Sophia Moropoulos, an instructor from Midnight Sun Yoga. Mats will be provided. This event is sponsored by Journey program.

    AK Health Fair at Mat-Su College
    Date: Wednesday, September 27
    Time: 9 am - 1 pm
    Location: Various locations around campus
    Description: In collaboration with Alaska Health Fair Inc, Matanuska-Susitna College (MSC) | UAA will host a health fair to provide students and the Mat-Su Valley community access to health screenings, affordable blood tests, free health education information, and education activities. The event will be open to the public. We will invite organizations and healthcare providers from the Mat-Su Valley to staff an exhibitor table.

  •  October
    Relax with Therapy Dogs
    Date: October 9 - 12
    Time: 10 am - 2 pm
    Location: FSM Lobby
    Description: Carole Shay from Alaska Assistance Dogs is bringing dogs Stanette and Gabe to the Mat-Su College FSM Lobby for some cuddles and hugs during mid-terms. Stop by to visit our our furry friends.

    What is good leadership?
    Date: October 11
    Time: 11:30 am - 1 pm
    Location: The world needs effective leadership to help us work together to meet challenges, solve problems, accomplish goals and make the world more equitable and sustainable. Join us for a discussion about what good leadership looks like and how we can become better leaders – at school, home, work and in the wider world! About the presenter Libby Roderick is Director of the Difficult Dialogues Initiative, Associate Director of the faculty development center at the University of Alaska, and co-founder of the Difficult Dialogues National Resource Center. She has co-created several books, and works with faculty across the U.S. and in South Africa to increase their capacity to conduct difficult dialogues, apply Indigenous ways of teaching, and ensure collegial workplaces. Libby holds degrees from Yale

  •  November
    Gratitude Week: Thank Someone Today!
    Date: November 13 - 17
    Time: 8 am - 5 pm
    Location: FSM Lobby
    Description: According to research on the psychology of gratitude, led by Robert Emmons, expressing your thanks can improve your overall sense of wellbeing. As we approach the Thanksgiving season, take a moment and identify what you are thankful for. Write a thank you note to someone who has positively impacted your academic journey or your life. Address the envelope with their name and mailing address. Place it in our mailbox in front of Student Services during gratitude week and we will add the postage and mail it for you. If it is someone in the MSC campus community (advisor, staff, or faculty) write their name and we will make sure they receive it.
    Wellness Yoga Class
    Date: November 29
    Time: 12 pm - 1 pm 
    Location: Glenn Massay Lobby
    Description: Calling all Yogis or those wanting to learn! Join us in the Glenn Massay Theater, every third Wednesday of the month, for an all level yoga class at noon This free wellness class will be led by, Sophia Moropoulos, an instructor from Midnight Sun Yoga. Mats will be provided. This event is sponsored by Journey program.
  •  December
    Relax with Therapy Dogs
    Date: December 11 - 13
    Time: 10 am - 2 pm
    Location: FSM Lobby
    Description: Carole Shay from Alaska Assistance Dogs is bringing dogs Stanette and Gabe to the Mat-Su College FSM Lobby for some cuddles and hugs during mid-terms.. Stop by to visit our our furry friends.
  • January  
     
  • February

    Nature Trails Winter Wellness Walk
    Date: February 1st 
    Time: 12 pm
    Location: Meet in FSM Lobby
    Description: Lace up your boots and join us for a natural trail walk with librarian Micah Muer on the Mat-Su College Campus Trails.

    Health Benefits of Chocolate
    Date: February 14th 
    Time: 11 am - 1 pm
    Location: FSM Lobby
    Description: Learn about the health benefits of chocolate with Winona Benson, Health Coach.

    Prepare Before You’re There
    Date: February 28th
    Time: 10:30 am - 1 pm
    Location: OKL Atrium and JKB 108
    Description: Mat-Su Public Health will be available to provide information on sexual health and answer your questions. Check-in with us to learn more about what we can do for you at the Mat-Su Public Health Center, how to stay healthy, and local resources. Don’t roll the dice, prepare before you’re there!

    Restorative Yoga
    Date: February 29th
    Time: 10 - 11 am
    Location: Glenn Massay Theater Lobby
    Description: Calling all Yogis or those wanting to learn! Join us in the Glenn Massay Theater, for a beginning level class. This free wellness class will be led by, Sophia Logan, an instructor from Midnight Sun Yoga. Mats will be provided. This event is sponsored by Journey program.

  • March

    Relax with Therapy Dogs
    Date: March 4 - 7th
    Time: 10 am - 2 pm
    Location: FSM Lobby
    Description: Join us in the FSM Lobby with the Therapy dogs to help minimize the stress and anxiety from your midterm exams.

    Restorative Yoga
    Date: March 19th
    Time: 12 - 1 pm
    Location: GMT Lobby
    Description: Join us for a free and beginner-friendly yoga class with Sophia Logan, a professional Yoga Instructor from Midnight Sun Yoga!

    Talks Saves Lives
    Date: March 27th
    Time: 11:30 am - 12:30 pm
    Location: Atrium & JKB 108
    Description: Participants will learn common risk factors and warning signs associated with suicide, and how to keep themselves and others safe. Sandwiches will be available. 

     
  • April
    Rock of the Resilience
    Date: April 9th
    Time: 6:30 - 9 pm
    Location: Glenn Massay Theater
    Join us for the 6th Rock the Resilience performing arts event on April 9th at the Glenn Massay Theater. "Love Like That" will be a night full of community art and conversation around respect, resilience, and relationships. Join us for a night of imagination and integration, where we will envision what safety looks and feels like and explore practical steps towards further communal health.
    Relax with Therapy Dogs
    Date: April 22-25th
    Time: 10 am - 2 pm
    Location: FSM Lobby
    Join us in the FSM Lobby with the Therapy dogs to help minimize the stress and anxiety as you approach finals week.
  • May
     


Counseling Services

Mat-Su College students may receive up to 3 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.

illustration of a student resting in bed
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
Illustration of jogger
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 mindfulness

If the symptom above do not improve or seem to be worsening despite self-care efforts, talk to your health care provider.

 

illustration of student being rained on
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

 

Illustration of doctor
Seek professional help:
  • Psychotherapy (talk-therapy)—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