We're pretty satisfied with the extent of our iteration and design of the Vault space into the Mindfulness space. However, we always have room to improve. Some feedback from Shannon, Natalie, and Diana has encouraged us to label certain times as "quiet zone," "tech-free zone," and "regular mindfulness zone," have groups reserve the space when they want to lead workshops, and add Yes, you can definitely..." posters to match the vibe of the Hive and show people what they can do in the space. Also, once we have necessary funding which we will search and apply for, we will be adding more to the space. For example, to meet one user's needs for nature, we plan to add bioplastic plants and a small water fountain. Our extensive budget is located on our Final Mural. Once we receive our final presentation feedback, Claire will be able to go into the space and add these elements as well as any other additions that are suggested to us. If that is not possible, Medha will add any other elements before orientation in August.
In order to advertise the space we hope to debut it at the Hive Relaunch's Orientation Programming before school starts this Fall. Medha plans to be in the space to introduce people to the activities they can engage in and take feedback for further iteration. We also hope to share information about the Mindfulness space with mindfulness-related clubs, such as Yoga Club and Meditation Club, and advertise alongside them at Turf Dinner (5C Club Fair).
Lastly, now that we have a space, we look forward to hosting a workshop or two in the Fall semester to teach students mindfulness life skills necessary for individually bettering their mental health through Qi Qong, Art Therapy, Breath-work, Meditation, and more. Mati began working on plans for a Qi Qong workshop led by Professor Kathy Yep and will be finalizing a date and time at the beginning of August.
We hope these workshops will facilitate community across the 5Cs, help people start and habituate mindfulness practices in their daily lives, and increase socialization through clubs and other 5C groups hosting workshops in the space as well.
We also hope the 5Cs look at our model as an example of prioritizing mental health awareness and practice on campus and fund and/or implement more related to this cause to benefit their students. Although our design is intended for college students, we encourage the broader community to also look into our space and replicate the design for their communities.
Our systems mapping demonstrated to us the many obstacles that come in the way of a college student receiving adequate mental health care. Thus, we intentionally made this a free, accessible space in order to meet the needs of all 5C students and hope they all come and utilize this space.
We're so excited to see all of you join us in the space in the Fall and potentially at a workshop too!