NC’s Welland Campus was filled with energy on March 3 as students gathered for the RESET (Reflect, Engage, Support, Empower, and Thrive): A Student Wellbeing Conference hosted by NC’s Student Engagement team. Now in its third year, RESET is a student-focused initiative that aims to give back to students by supporting their mental health and overall wellbeing through a full day of interactive, hands-on experiences, reflection, and connection.
This year, 65 students participated in the conference – its largest turnout to date. From the morning breakfast to the final debrief, students had the opportunity to choose and participate in various breakout sessions throughout the day, exploring topics that resonated most with their interests and needs. Sessions were led by a mix of NC staff, alumni, and wellness experts, offering students the chance to learn from experienced facilitators as well as graduates who have successfully navigated student life and beyond. The schedule offered a diverse mix of workshops, activities, and interactive experiences designed to support personal growth, self-awareness, and peer connection.
A Welcoming Start: Breakfast and Panel Discussion
The day began in The Core with a nutritious breakfast, giving students an opportunity to mingle, meet facilitators, and prepare for the day ahead.
Students then settled in for the opening panel discussion hosted by Dr. Chris McGrath, Vice President, Students. Sitting on the panel were Jessica Compton, Founder – Tree of Stars, 2025 NC Alumni of Excellence recipient, Melanie Pine, Registered Psychotherapist – Sleep Specialist, Jessica Cameron, NC Academic Advisor, Laura Fakla, NC International Student Advisor, Jacinda Martin, Faculty, School of Academic & Liberal Studies, and Jenna Warren-Mayer, NC Academic Advisor. Together, they explored wellbeing through the lens of student life, offering practical strategies and insights. Topics included the impact of technology and social media on sleep, techniques to improve rest, nutrition, movement, and the benefits of engaging with community. The discussion offered practical approaches that students could implement in their daily lives, from social media detoxes and sleep hygiene to movement, mindful eating, and building supportive relationships.
RESET Breakout Sessions
Journaling: Reflection and Emotional Awareness
The journal writing workshop was facilitated by Jessica Compton (Correctional Worker, 2001), Founder of Tree of Stars. After earning her Correctional Worker diploma at NC, Compton brought her lived experience and advocacy for youth mental health into the session.
Compton was also recognized as a 2025 Alumni of Excellence, NC’s highest alumni honour, which celebrates graduates who have made outstanding contributions to their community, profession, or society.
The session offered a calm and supportive environment where students received a journal and pen and participated in a guided writing exercise accompanied by the soft sounds of an acoustic musician.
Compton encouraged participants to approach journaling at their own pace, reflecting on gratitude, self care intentions, and personal experiences.
“I hope students left feeling inspired to put pen to paper, step away from their screens, and breathe, release, and reflect,” she said. Participants explored social and emotional awareness, gaining tools to manage stress and prioritize mental health throughout their academic journey.
Exploring Creative Self-Care Workshop
A highlight of the day was the Exploring Creative Self-Care Clay Scent Diffuser Workshop, led by Laura Fakla, International Student Advisor. Students were invited to slow down, shape natural clay into personalized scent diffusers, and reflect on what self-care means to them. The session focused on presence over perfection, encouraging participants to engage fully in the creative process.
Fakla explained to students the value of focusing on the creative process rather than the end product.
“Engaging in any sort of creative outlet helps release stress hormones and allows us to connect with ourselves and others,” she said.
Students were prompted to reflect on emotions before and after creating, set intentions, and discuss realistic, guilt-free ways to incorporate self-care into daily life.
VIBREN: Latin Dance & DROM
Alumna Frida Rocio Zebadua Vera (Recreation Therapy, 2024) energized the afternoon with the VIBREN – Latin Dance & DROM session. Drawing from Latin-American music, rhythm, and culture, Frida created a space for students to express emotions freely through movement.
“Dancing is a form of healing for the soul,” said Rocio Zebadua Vera. “Music and rhythm help people feel connected and energized while fostering a sense of belonging.”
Participants moved to the beat at their own pace, whether drumming along with exercise balls, swaying to the rhythm, or simply feeling the music. The session emphasized the connection between physical activity, mental health, and community, leaving students feeling both energized and grounded.
Additional sessions included:
Students also explored a variety of other interactive workshops throughout the day:
- Sound Meditation with Veronica King, offered deep relaxation through crystal bowls, gongs, and chimes.
- Sleep Hygiene with Melanie Pine, Registered Psychotherapist – Sleep Specialist, provided strategies to improve rest and overall health.
- Sensory Mindfulness with Tea with Kristina Inman, Sommelier, explored mindful tasting and the cultural and health benefits of tea.
- Planning for Peace of Mind with Holly Galinec, guided students in organization, goal-setting, and stress reduction.
- Movement, Mood & Wellbeing with Jacinda Martin explored the relationship between physical health and mental wellbeing, highlighting how movement, nutrition, and healthy lifestyle behaviours influence mood, energy levels, stress regulation, and overall quality of life.
- Game-Bling: When Gaming Meets Gambling with Madeline Roberts from the Youth Gambling Awareness Program, educated students about digital wellbeing and the intersection of gaming and gambling.
From arts-based mindfulness to movement, music, and practical life skills, students had the opportunity to engage in activities that nurtured the mind, body, and soul – a reflection of RESET’s holistic education philosophy.
Student reflections
- “All of the sessions were fantastic. The sleep hygiene was very informative, creative self care felt like a zero pressure experience and sound meditation just makes me feel nice all over mentally and physically.”
- “It gave me a reason to disconnect from my studies for a moment of self care.”
- “I will prepare and enjoy some tea before working on assignments, it will help me relax and feel connected to myself.”
- “I really loved Kristina Inman’s teaching and how she really emphasized making the big picture of wellness into small tangible little moments in the day.”
- “I loved getting CBT strategies and other tools/tips from a sleep technologist… I loved making the clay diffusers because it’s an easy, low-cost thing to make and I liked how she talked about flow! I also liked the time management session because time management is a skill I am working on and I learned some new strategies I am excited to try!”
Wrapping up with reflection and community
The day concluded with a debrief in the Welland Campus Wellness Lounge, where students shared insights, connected with peers, and reflected on what they had learned. The RESET Conference offered students the tools, inspiration, and supportive community to prioritize wellbeing, explore creativity, and engage meaningfully with themselves and others.
