NTCC’s Active Minds student organization celebrated the opening of the college’s new rock garden-sensory area, ‘The Mindful Nest’ Tuesday, Sept. 29, with a well-attended kickoff event that brought together students, faculty, and staff.
The celebration included a ribbon cutting for the new space, along with activities, free Chick-fil-A, drinks, cupcakes, cookies, and giveaways. Attendees were also encouraged to create their own Zen Garden and paint rocks to add to the Mindful Nest, helping make the new space a collaborative part of the campus community.
“The rock garden is for everyone on our campus to enjoy,” said Cindy Stansell, NTCC Director of Mental Health Services. “Whether you need a quiet moment between classes, a place to relax or just a few minutes to step away from a busy day, we hope this will be a welcoming space for students, staff and faculty. We also encourage everyone to continue to paint more rocks to leave their mark at NTCC for all that will come to enjoy this wonderful space.”
Active Minds is a student led organization dedicated to promoting mental health, connectedness, and encouraging open conversations about mental health. Many thanks and appreciation go to Ray McNutt (Active Minds President), Kristian Anders, Elena Roach, and other Active mind members who spent countless hours in bringing this project through to completion.
Special thanks go to Kim Irvin, Vice President for Student Services, for her support of Active Minds and the new Mindful Nest rock garden. Stansell also recognized the NTCC Cabinet Leadership for suggesting this space be used on this project. JaQuacy Minter, Director of Student Development, and the Eagle Mascot helped to make the ribbon-cutting ceremony a success.
The event was made possible through the hard work of Stansell and the NTCC Counseling Center staff, who organized the celebration and continue to provide mental health resources and support for the campus community.
