It’s a stressful time for Humber students and there’s a new space for them to unwind on campus called the Zen Zone.
“People are using the time to de-stress, or meditate or just to chill,” said Humber Athletics fitness coordinator Leanne Henwood-Adam.
The Zen Zone is at North Campus and aims to be a safe space by providing users a place to relax by stretching or even meditating.
It opened on March 14 and Henwood-Adam said that the reception has been “very positive” so far this week.
Yoga mats, blankets and pillows are provided.
“We actually had one student come in on Wednesday and fell asleep in the time she was there, and that’s totally fine as well,” she said.
As the college strike deadline approaches, Henwood-Adam confirmed that the Zen Zone will be open even if there are no classes.
The Zen Room can be found in A227 Studio B and is first-come, first-serve.
It runs on Mondays from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. and Wednesdays from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Students Are Frazzled
Students opened up to Humber News on Thursday about how this potential strike affects their stress levels.
“I’m more so worried about what happens with the end of [the] semester, ’cause we’re so close to it,” said Michael Salerno, an Industrial Woodworking student.
The last strike in 2017 lasted for five weeks and “you know, we have less than five weeks left in the semester,” he added.
Salerno said he uses video games to destress.
Meanwhile, Shanza Aqeel, a Business Accounting student, said that she’s still confused about how to feel citing a lack of communication.
“I have a very important presentation tomorrow, a group presentation, and I’m still not sure if it’s going to happen or not,” she said.
“So, it’s kinda stressful for me.”
On a scale of one to 10, Salerno said that his stress levels are about a five or six, but Aqeel measured hers at an eight “because I have heard that the strikes might cause our semester to delay,” she said.
Aqeel said she has concerns about what happens next.
“If this semester’s going to be delayed, then what’s happening for the summer semester?” she said, adding “I wanted to complete my semester on time, and just get done with my program on time.
Speaking of time, Aqeel said she is using this opportunity to hit the books.
“Since we have all the materials of the course, I can do self-study more, and get prepared for the finals,” she said.
Living in Humber Residence
For students living on campus, both residences will continue to be open and offer the same services, including the cafeteria if a strike begins, confirmed Humber spokesperson Nadia Araujo.
Currently, there are 620 students at the North campus residence and 367 at Lakeshore residence, she said.