Chico State Hosts Urgent De-stress Event Amid Finals Pressure

UPDATE: With finals week underway, students at Chico State are feeling the heat, prompting the Cross-Cultural Leadership Center to host an urgent de-stress event. On December 9, 2025, students flocked to the Meriam Library for a cozy gathering featuring quilt square decorating and ramen, designed to alleviate academic pressure.

Program Coordinator Jojo Carranza confirmed the initiative aims to provide students a much-needed break. “We’re kind of having a de-stress day,” Carranza stated. “Finals are coming up, so we thought something nice, warm, and cozy to eat would be cool, and then a little creative crafting event would help ease the mind and get it off of work.”

The event saw students like Kesar Mann and Kalpit Sharma engaging in both culinary creativity and artistic expression as they decorated quilt tiles. Each participant chose their favorite colors and personalized their tiles with provided art supplies, fostering a sense of community and relaxation amidst the academic chaos.

Carranza emphasized the center’s commitment to hosting similar events throughout the academic year, stating, “What we like to do is bring students together. We like to bring events to campus so students can come hang out, get to know each other, and help build connections and culture within each other. We just want to ensure everyone feels included and has a home away from home.”

As finals continue, the community-building efforts at Chico State highlight the importance of mental health and support for students facing academic pressures. The Cross-Cultural Leadership Center’s initiative serves as a vital reminder of the need for balance and self-care during challenging times.

Expect more events like this to emerge in the coming weeks as students seek ways to navigate the stress of finals while maintaining their well-being.