The Latino Student Association gathered the campus community for a creative break from schoolwork. 

As the semester goes by fast, many students look for moments to unwind and reconnect with themselves and their friends. 

The fourth LSA event of the semester offered a comforting space for attendees, who made bracelets and spent quality time together. 

Offering more than just accessories, the bracelets served as a way to relieve stress, share stories and help students decompress from the demands of school. 

Sophomore Sandra Prada said being involved in the association and attending its events has positively impacted her well-being. 

“This type of event helps me because I am not thinking about schoolwork, and I am relaxing while doing something that I love,” Prada said.

The spring semester can be challenging for returning students, whether due to changing weather or the adjustment to new classes. 

Taking time to prioritize mental health and explore new activities is part of LSA’s purpose. 

Jimena Craven, a member of the Latino Student Association, said that these events support the organization’s main goal of creating a safe space for students who are far from home. 

Craven said that through these gatherings, students are able to make new friends and engage in open discussions while learning about different cultures and traditions. 

“With the workload, especially during the spring semester, it can get overwhelming, so we want students to come out, destress, and bring friends,” Craven said. “It feels close to familiarity, especially for students who are away from home. It brings them closer.”

For other students, the events also provide an opportunity to step outside their comfort zones. Junior Marisol Perez said attending the Cultura Edition bracelet-making event helped her relax while discovering a new campus organization.

“These activities help get the stress out and push me out of my comfort zone,” Perez said. “I did not really know about this association until a friend told me about it. Being here and working on my bracelet has been stress-relieving.”

The Latino Student Association aims to create spaces where the campus community can learn about the diverse cultures within the Latino community while also working to reduce common stereotypes. 

Junior Wendy Victoriano is a regular attendee at the LSA events and said the activities help improve her daily routine. 

“I really enjoy these activities because they allow me to focus on something other than school, manage my time better and take a short break,” Victoriano said. 

The Latino Student Association continues to open its doors and create spaces for all students, with the goal of helping them take a break from academics, connect with others and learn about the cultures that make the Latino community unique during a hectic semester.