The holiday season is over and, while the New Year is a time to make resolutions and start fresh, it can also be a tough time. For one thing, January is one of the darkest months of the year in Canada, and the lack of sunlight can lead to a shortage of positivity, called the “January Blues”. On top of that, having to go back to the grind of school and work after the holidays can be tough for some, and it can all come together to take a toll on your mental health.
It's also a perfect time to shine a light on the resources available to help you at Centennial College. College can be a complicated time, with a lot of things to keep track of, including classes, living expenses, your health, social life and money, and that’s before you enter a particularly bleak month. Life comes with challenges, so the least we can do is make sure you don't have to face those problems alone. That's where the "community" in community college comes from. Here's a look at some of the resources Centennial has to help you navigate college in a way that leaves you mentally and physically healthy.
CALCS for personal help
Everyone feels pressure from time to time, be it from stress, personal problems or other factors. No matter what it is, you can always come into the Centre for Accessible Learning and Counselling Services (CALCS) to talk about it, or attend one of our mental health and wellness-related workshops. If they can't get you the help you need, they can refer you to the resources you’ll require. If you’re a student, it’ll cost you nothing but time, so if you're having issues there's really no reason not to try it.
Our athletic facilities for physical health
Working out is an excellent way to help your mind, along with your body, especially for the mood-altering endorphins it releases. Every one of our campuses has athletic facilities and you can attend them for free, even if it's just to go for a run on the treadmill while listening to some tunes. But there's more to our athletic facilities than just weights and treadmills. You can also join one of our varsity sports teams, take a class, or use our spa, massage therapy and personal training services. And speaking of joining a team…
Our college community for social development
People are the best support system you can have, and taking part in community events at college is a good way to help yourself. Take a look at what your local branch of the CCSAI, Centennial’s Student Association, is doing. The simplest way is to just walk into their office and ask, since their entire purpose is to be friendly, accessible and sociable. Centennial's CCSAI even has a website with a convenient list of events and clubs. Similarly, you can monitor our social media feeds on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for info on upcoming events.
And if you're having a problem with the community, that's what the Student Experience Office is for. It offers formal and informal support for students experiencing any kind of conflict at the college, be it academic or social.
We'll work to make your career journey as smooth as possible. Whatever help you need, you can come to us. Really, this barely scratches the surface of what's available to a student in need of assistance. You'd be surprised at what your school can do for you if you look for resources. Start with Student Life and have a good look at what's being offered, and remember that you're part of a community. And a community takes care of its own.
By Anthony Geremia