Patrick Stallings
The second annual Taking Care Week started Monday, Feb. 25 as students approach midterms and begin losing sleep during those long nights of studying and paper writing. 
To better prepare students for the increase in stress, the Counseling Center plans to provide activities in the Student Union every afternoon and in the Student Recreation and Wellness Center (SRWC) on Tuesday, focusing on managing the pressure that comes once deadlines start to creep up.
“It’s a tough time for everyone halfway through the semester,” the co-chair of planning the event, Matt Altiere, said. “It’s a nice way [for students] to take a couple minutes out of their busy college life and learn ways to take care of themselves.”
“There’s no need to sign up for any sessions. It’s each day [in the Student Union], 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Stop by and get involved on campus,” Altiere said.
The week includes a variety of activities to increase personal wellness from fitness classes and health screenings, to increasing the wellness of others by making get well cards for patients at Akron Children’s Hospital.
The Taking Care (Resource) Fair kicked the week off on Monday afternoon in the Student Union Piano Lounge. Students can discover departments and organizations on campus that aid in the well being of themselves and others within the campus community.
Sessions aimed toward physical fitness include a Zumba class and PiYo, a mixture of Pilates and yoga. These each take place at the SRWC on Tuesday and are also offered weekly.
The Stress Management Fair on Wednesday will consist of multiple activities including massage therapist chairs, student-led relaxation techniques, making your own stress balls and even coloring books.
“Obviously physical and mental health are important, especially
at this time of the semester,” education major Scott Davis said. “The relaxation techniques will help when I get anxious before exams.”
Head Football Coach Terry Bowden is scheduled to speak Thursday. Coach Bowden plans to share his knowledge with students about teamwork and engaging in the community.
“He’s been coaching for a long time and has a lot of experience in team building,” Altiere said.
Taking Care Week wraps up Friday, Mar. 1 with the Future Self Information Fair, gearing toward healthy eating on a college student budget. It is also geared towards students with questions about their future steps following graduation. Students can also learn tips for marketing themselves on LinkedIn, as well as receive a free headshot photo taken of them in their professional attire.
Psychology major Amanda Rucker plans to attend the informational fair for her post graduation considerations.
“This is a good way to help students find ways to search for job opportunities and find out what else to do after college so you don’t have to rely on your mom and dad anymore,” said Rucker.
Along with the Counseling Center, departments represented at the fair include Student Life, the Office of Multicultural Development, the Career Center, Health Services, College of Health Professions, the Institute for Teaching and Learning (ITL), the Office of Accessibility, the Military Services Center, Adult Focus, the School of Music and the Athletic Department.
For specific session room locations and times visit uakron.edu/counseling or call the Counseling Center at (330) 972-7082.
