More than 40 students participated in the 2nd Annual Spirit Day activities at OLLU-Houston on Oct. 8. This year’s focus was, “Healthy Students Succeed: Connecting Mind, Body & Soul.”

The event featured a short program, lunch and a series of workshops centering around spiritual, mental, and physical health. The program included a personal reflection on international social injustices from Marriage & Family Therapy student Mahzad Mohajer. The third-year student, who still has relatives in Iran, talked about the challenges women and girls are facing in Iran for not wearing head coverings.

“Women are being persecuted and it’s been going on for years, but now there is an international spotlight,” said Mohajer. “When women suffer and are mistreated it impacts the world.” Following her comments, she led the attendees in a moment of silence as an expression of solidarity for women in Iran.

As part of the Spirit Day activities, students were encouraged to spend time in the Refuge Room (Prayer Room) for reflection and spiritual connection, where they also received rosary bead bracelets, copies of the mission statement and Providence Prayers provided by the Office of Mission and Ministry. Dr. Jacqueline Coppock, Executive Director of the Wellness Center, facilitated a workshop on connection and reflection through journaling. Students also participated in a relaxation exercise where they painted the “Wings Up” logo on canvases prepared by Loren Johnson. Finally, several students engaged in personal protection strategies during a self-defense class led by Stephen Loredo.

“Engaging the total student is one way we can support the student’s journey,” said Gloria Goode, Student Success Coordinator at the Houston campus. “Helping them connect with providence and taking care of their minds and bodies allows them to be better students.” The event was sponsored by the Student Government Association.

The Houston campus continues its series of seven Student Success workshops planned for Fall 2022. Topics emphasize student writing, advising and preparing for next semester during a “Get It Done” activity, career planning and preparation, leadership development, protecting one’s online identity, and navigating financial resources to support academic learning. For more information about the Student Success workshops, contact Gloria Goode (ggoode@ollusa.edu, 346-342-1271).