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.
Collect 5 stamps in your passport and bring it to Student Services to enter a drawing held at the end of the month.
Earn a stamp each time you...
Be sure to ask about your stamp at each Journey event, stamps will not be given retroactively for in person events. Events held over Zoom will have a 7 day grace period for getting a stamp. Zoom event stamps are available at Student Services.
Journey-Approved Activities.
- September
- October
- November
- December
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January
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February
Table Talk Tuesday
Date: Tuesday, February 7
Time: 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 pm
Location: FSM 201
Description: Join us in a series of table talks with Kirklin Kinney, LPC, MSHS to learn students success strategies while maintaining our mental health. Mr. Kinney will join us the first Tuesday of February, March and April.Health Benefits of Chocolate
Date: Thursday, February 9
Time: 9 am - 10 am
Location: FSM Lobby
Description: Learn about the health benefits of chocolate with Winona Benson, Health Coach.Slideshow: Black History Month
Date: Tuesday, February 21
Time: 11 am - 2 pm
Location: Campus Cafe
Description: Slidedeck featuring prominent black individuals and playlist with black performers.Prepare Before You're There
Date: Wednesday, February 22
Time: 11 am - 1 pm
Location: FSM Lobby
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 say healthy, and local resources. Don’t roll the dice, prepare before you’re there!Slideshow: Black History Month
Date: Monday, February 27
Time: 11 am - 2 pm
Location: Campus Cafe
Description: Slidedeck featuring prominent black individuals and playlist with black performers -
March
Therapy Dogs for Midterms
Date: March 6, 7, 8, 9
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.Table Talk Tuesday
Date: Tuesday, March 7
Time: 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 pm
Location: FSM 201
Description: Join us in a series of table talks with Kirklin Kinney, LPC, MSHS to learn students success strategies while maintaining our mental health. Mr. Kinney will join us the first Tuesday of February, March and April.International Women's Day
Date: Wednesday, March 8
Time: 1:15 p.m. - 2 pm
Location: JKB 122
Description: In recognition of International Women's Day, Claudia Jones a university professor at Mat-Su College, will be featured as a guest presenter on her personal journey to empower women by providing access to education and bridging the gender equality gap. Founder and President of MORE Latinoámerica, a non-profit organization founded in the USA. Its main objective is to offer free and quality education to Spanish speaking people to help bridge the gap from gender equality. MORE Latinoamérica has a virtual presence in more than 12 countries and has benefited more than 33,000 people. Claudia is born in Mexico and is currently a PhD Candidate in Education. She is a member of GSL Network which forms leaders worldwide. Claudia is an honorary member of JUPV A.C. (non-profit organization) which empowers Mexican youth. In 2022, she won 4 awards for her dedication to helping women advance their education.Sisters Rising Film
Date: Thursday, March 23
Time: 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 pm
Location: FSM 202
Description: The Human Services Club and Journey invites you to view the film Sisters Rising. The film explores the Native American survivors of sexual assault fight to restore personal and tribal sovereignty against the backdrop of an ongoing legacy of violent colonization. Food and drinks will be provided. -
April
Table Talk Tuesday
Date: Tuesday, April 4
Time: 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 pm
Location: FSM 201
Description: Join us in a series of table talks with Kirklin Kinney, LPC, MSHS to learn students success strategies while maintaining our mental health. Mr. Kinney will join us the first Tuesday of February, March and April.Pain & Purpose: Understanding & Overcoming Childhood Trauma
Date: Monday, April 11
Time: 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 pm
Location: Zoom
Description: In honor of April's Child Abuse Prevention Month, Journey invites you to participate in a lively presentation on Adverse Childhood Experiences presented by Matt Clayton of United Way's Thrive Mat-Su Program for youth. Matt's presentation of ACES is sure to be like none other you've experienced before.Campus Tour with Talis
Date: Monday, April 17
Time: 11:30 am - 12:30 pm
Location: Meet - FSM Lobby
Description: Learn all about the fascinating art history that the college has. Talis keeps you entertained with his funny stories and interesting facts.Gardening in Alaska
Date: Wednesday, April 19
Time: 11:30 am - 12:30 pm
Location: In-person FSM 105
Zoom: Join Zoom Meeting https://alaska.zoom.us/j/2945399829?pwd=amptajh0QlZMWVY2dHlTM2dsTWxoQT09
Meeting ID: 294 539 9829 Passcode: Arctic2021
Description: Learn about gardening across Alaska. In-person attendees will receive seed packets.Nature Trail Tour with Talis
Date: Tuesday, April 25
Time: 11:30 am - 12:30 pm
Location: Meet - FSM Lobby
Description: Get some fresh air and learn a little history along the way. Talis has a talent in educating and entertaining at the same time! Bring good footwear and dress for the weather. -
May
Therapy Dogs for FInals
Date: May 1, 2, 3, 4
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 final exams.
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.
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 mindfulness
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 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