From offering a peaceful retreat in the middle of a busy school day, to hosting mental health events that spark important conversations, the Serenity Center has quickly become an integral part of the OCSA community over the past year.
“I enjoy seeing the frequent users come in for quiet time. Even when they come in with friends, they respect the space and other students who need the calm atmosphere,” said Ms. Dawn Spranger, Serenity Center Coordinator and member of the Student Services Team at OCSA.
Since its grand opening last school year, the Serenity Center has had over 2,600 visits, with the space continually being used by those looking for mental health support or a break from the hustle and bustle of their busy day.
The number of visitors and responses from a recent student survey reflect the overwhelming success of the space. Many students have shared how the Serenity Center has helped them reduce anxiety, stay grounded and prioritize their mental wellbeing.
“It helped me calm down from antsy feelings,” said one student in the survey, while another mentioned that the space helped them be more mindful about mental health.
Others noted enjoying the comforting features of the center, such as the quiet environment, the soothing essential oils, heavy blankets, and fidgets. The smaller individual rooms for reflection are also a standout feature for many students, offering them a sense of privacy and calmness when they need it most.
The aspects of the space that students found the most important and helpful included the fact that the Serenity Center is a quiet, reflective space with individual rooms for solitude; fidget tools and coloring activities are provided, which help students express themselves and focus; and essential oils and heavy blankets that enhance the overall calming atmosphere are available for student use.
Ms. Spranger also shared that the two major mental health events—Mental Health Awareness Month last May and Suicide Prevention Week last September—were pivotal in raising awareness around these important issues. A special highlight from these events was a sound bath meditation class facilitated by Ms. Paige Acuna, a Student Services member and OCSA counselor, which became an incredibly popular and calming experience for all who participated.
Many OCSA students mentioned in their responses that the Serenity Center has been helpful in reducing anxiety, with several highlighting the benefit of simply taking a moment to stop and breathe. The students also felt comfortable in sharing their suggestions for improvement and future growth of the space, which the Student Services team will take under serious consideration.
Looking ahead, Ms. Spranger said OCSA’s Student Services team would love to continue to enhance the space. From adding new features to improving the space based on student input, the goal is to make sure it continues to meet the evolving needs of students.
The Serenity Center has made a lasting impact on the student body by fostering an open dialogue about mental health and breaking down the stigma surrounding it. As we reflect on this first year, there’s a sense of optimism about the future. The hope is that the Serenity Center continues to be a safe, nurturing space where students can access support, practice self-care, develop healthy coping habits, and reduce levels of anxiety and stress.
On Friday, May 16, students are encouraged to attend the Mental Health Awareness Day celebration on 10th Street. There will be music, activities, on-campus and community resources, Norf’s Ice Cream, and more!
Here’s to another year of supporting students in their journeys toward better mental health and self-care!