Highline’s TRiO program is hosting their “De-stress and Reconnection” event today (Dec. 5) from noon to 2 p.m. in the TRiO center on the first floor of Building 6. Game tables, art stations, and lunch will be provided.

With the last of lectures wrapping up this week, Highline students are cramming last minute information into their head leading into finals week. Cornell University says, “Taking purposeful breaks (anywhere from 5–60 minutes) from studying to refresh your brain and body increases your energy, productivity, and ability to focus.” 

Laughing, creativity, and being around others has been proven to lower blood pressure and heart rate, which are common stress symptoms that, prolonged over time, can damage the body’s heart and diminish our immune system.

TRiO has been operating within Highline providing low income, first generation college students, and running start kids with academic and advisory support. They help with choosing classes, navigating college, financial literacy, and even moral support. 

College is hard. That’s why only 34.2% of the US population (age 25 and up) holds a bachelors or higher. Finding moments through the quarter to connect with the community will leave some lasting memories for Thunderbirds until we reconvene in 2025, with the start of winter quarter.