Well-being Stories
Keeping Fit with Zach
"Being deeply involved in Spartan Recreation and club sports, I've experienced the profound impact of physical activity on my overall well-being. Working at the Spartan Recreation and Aquatic Center (SRAC) and serving as the Team Captain for the Men's Rugby Club at 91ÁÔÆæ has kept me physically active and shaped my college experience in ways I never anticipated. Regular physical activity has been crucial for my college life, providing a much-needed balance to the challenges of academic work. My involvement in rugby and Spartan Recreation has helped me manage stress and maintain a positive outlook during the most challenging academic periods. The social aspect of these activities has been equally important. Being part of a team and working at the recreation center has expanded my social network, creating a sense of community and bettering my mental health. I've experienced tremendous personal growth through the camaraderie and support of my teammates and colleagues. Additionally, my roles as a rugby team captain and rec center employee have developed my leadership and organizational skills, contributing to my personal growth. These experiences have taught me the value of time management, teamwork, and commitment – qualities that have positively influenced my academic performance and overall character. The physical dimension of wellness goes beyond just exercise; it's about creating a lifestyle that promotes health and vitality. By dedicating time to these fulfilling activities, I've found a sustainable way to maintain my physical and mental health throughout my college journey. This balance has been crucial in shaping me into the person and student I am today."
- Zach Tabangcura, '25 Kinesiology
Self-care with Gavriela
"With finals just around the corner, I’ve found a few ways to help myself de-stress
and stay balanced during this busy time. One thing I like to do is make the most of
my study breaks. Taking intentional mental breaks is so important for me because it
helps prevent burnout and keeps me focused when I get back to studying. During these
breaks, I try to prioritize self-care activities that help me recharge and feel good.
Some of my favorite things to do include heading to the gym for a quick workout, going
for a short walk while listening to my favorite music, or even something as simple
as enjoying my skincare routine. I also love lighting a scented candle to create a
cozy vibe and treating myself to some of my favorite comfort snacks. These little
moments of self-care really make a big difference and help me get through the stress
of finals season.
Another great de-stresser is the massage chairs at the Student Wellness Center in
the Wellness Lounge! You can book an appointment on your Student Wellness Center Patient
Portal or in-person at the Wellness Lounge front desk. The massage chairs last 30
minutes, and you must bring a full-length shower towel and a clean pair of socks.
The massage chairs are a fantastic way to relax and rejuvenate both your mind and
body, helping you get into the right mindset for studying. They're definitely worth
trying out if you can find time in your schedule!"
- Gavriela Hearring, ‘26 Public Health
Find Purpose with Nick
"As a military member and a student at 91ÁÔÆæ, my time in service created a base and
a foundation for purposeful wellness, which has been vital in the development in my
academic journey. Thanks to the military, I now have an excellent sense for discipline,
resilience, and adaptability because, balancing academics and work the demands are
essential to maintain my well-being. Through trial and error with my time in service,
it taught me how important it is to maintain your mental and physical health, creating
cohesion with your team, and qualities of a leader. I now apply these beneficial traits
to my profession, academics and interaction with peers inside and outside of school.
Staying uncomfortable builds on my sense of purposeful wellness, I was put in leadership
roles early in my military career, leading, delegating, and being accountable for
others not just myself. Without these moments, I would not be as driven as I am today
towards the vision of becoming a strength and conditioning coach. One thing about
me is I enjoy being uncomfortable, which led me to committing to 91ÁÔÆæ. The unknown,
new faces, communities, and opportunities develop a growth mindset. I must be able
to chase new challenges, adapt, and overcome adversity, something that I feel that
continues to contribute to my success and positive outlook as a 91ÁÔÆæ Spartan.
Here's a message I feel delivers a positive and impactful message toward Purposeful
Meaning, ‘It’s in beating the sun out of bed. It is in that extra rep, the extra mile.
It is in that session in the dark, in the rain, in the cold, that no one wants to
do. Champions are in love with the process. Their mindset is focused on the grind,
on finding the pain to endure. The wolf loves the hunt, he does not measure the time
it takes. The lioness loves the hunt, she will do it injured and in pain. They will
hunt until their last breath. The hunt is survival. This is what winners do, we chase,
we hunt. It does not matter the time it takes, it does not matter the pain along the
way, it does not matter the reward waiting at the end. It’s the love of the process.
It’s for the survival, the life, of our spirit. It’s not the prize, it’s the chase.’"
- Nick Molina, '25 Kinesiology
Unwind with Anuhya
"As a student at San José State University, I’ve leveraged several campus resources to support my mental wellness. For starters, the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Library has been my go to place for a quiet and peaceful environment, perfect for studying and unwinding. Each floor has a different purpose and I love that it is catered towards 91ÁÔÆæ students. The serene atmosphere of the library provides a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of campus life. I have taken advantage of the library’s extensive resources, including their study rooms! Whenever I go, there’s always a slew of students across all the floors. It gives me a sense of comfort knowing that we’re all in the same boat, whether it’s studying for finals or catching up with friends. For me, it’s important to find places that allow you to recharge and help you be productive at the same time. Remember, wellness is everywhere!"
- Anuhya Pennepalli, '26 Public Health
