Content provided by Erika Howlett
The Lecture Hall Commons was buzzing on Thursday as students gathered for some rest and relaxation amid the stress of finals season. Attendees were treated to massages, games, visits with therapy animals, coloring pages, snacks and more as part of the Office of Student Life’s biannual De-stress Fest.
The popular event’s new feature was a pull-up bar brought by Gold’s Gym, rewarding students who completed a pull-up with a Fiesta medal — and a reminder that they have access to discounted gym memberships.
As usual, the biggest stars of the event were the four-legged guests from PAWS for Service, a local nonprofit that trains, certifies and places dog therapy teams in the greater San Antonio area. Students were eager to meet bernedoodle Jasper and golden retriever M’Aggie, the two dogs tasked with providing comfort and stress relief.
Jasper’s handler, Susan Bocanegra, explained the powerful impact that animals can have on mental health.
“There’s such a special bond there, between animals and humans,” she said. “They connect on a different level.”
Also in attendance were several rabbits from Happy Tails Mobile Petting Zoo, which has been a hit for the last three years of De-stress Fest.
Back inside, the Office of Educational Support Services offered art projects made with artificial flowers, along with a “worry shredder” where participants could jot down their sources of stress and watch them disappear into a paper shredder.
“The students we have here … in all of the various healthcare programs, they’re rigorous and high-stress, so it’s important for them to take time for themselves to relax and recuperate,” said Olivia Hayes, the program manager for disability services.
The Student Counseling Center was also there to hand out fidget toys and fliers, reminding students that their mental health services come in many forms and are unlimited for as long as they’re in school.
Other guests included the UT Health Police Department, promoting their mobile safety app, and Veteran Services and Financial Aid, reminding students to apply for financial assistance and scholarships.
“The event happening itself makes students feel like they’re being appreciated and like their well-being is being considered,” said Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine student Daniel Yang.
“I genuinely feel better after coming to this today,” he added, surrounded by a swarm of cuddly bunny rabbits.
The next De-stress Fest will take place at the end of the Fall 2026 semester.