Making space for well-being during finals

On May 7, with finals in full throttle, George Mason University offered a space for students to slow down and reclaim rest as a form of restoration and renewal.

The 2026 Heal Together event was hosted by the Office of Access, Compliance, and Community (OACC) in partnership with the Center for Leadership and Intercultural Engagement, Contemporary Student Services, the Center for the Advancement of Well-Being, and Community Engagement and Civic Learning.

A clinician of 15 years, Shakila Melchior, director of strategic initiatives, partnerships, and outreach for OACC, framed the event around what she learned from practice. "Stress lives in the body, and it is so important for us to take breaks, especially in high-stress times," she said.

Activities were held across campus. In the newly opened Spiritual and Interfaith Center, students could participate in Quiet Tech-a silent disco headphones and virtual reality experience-alongside positive affirmation cards, sensory grounding, painting, an aromatherapy bar, and herbal tea blending workshops.

For junior Angie Mendizabal, the combination of journaling and Quiet Tech opened up something new for her. "When you write down exactly what you know is best for you or what's holding you back or what you're feeling now…just writing it on a sheet of paper really helps," she said.

Through Counseling and Psychological Services, Mind Spa offered 30-minute appointments in a zero-gravity massage chair with aromatherapy.

Human Resources offered Rest to Recharge, an educational room built around seven types of rest: mental, physical, emotional, social, spiritual, creative, and sensory.

Play to Restore set up board games, LEGO building, lawn games, and free play at the Corner Pocket.

For sophomore Maddi Steen, the intentional programming reflected her George Mason experience. "I think George Mason does a really good job of reminding us that we matter as individuals and that we're not in this alone," she said. "I'm thankful to go to an institution that prioritizes mental health and community."

More about the Spiritual and Interfaith Center

Related News

Topics