Counseling Team Introduces Art Therapy to Support Student Mental Health
In the month of December, the university’s Counselors, Ana Lilia Magaña and Elizabeth Vanek, engaged in an art-based wellness activity designed to help students manage stress and support their emotional well-being. During the session, the counselors guided students through shaping and painting their own worry stones using air-dry clay and acrylic paints. The hands-on project created a calm, collaborative environment where students could take a breather during the finals season and explore their feelings while engaging in a soothing creative process.
Worry stones—small, smooth objects meant to be held or rubbed between the fingers—are often used as grounding tools. Their tactile nature can help reduce anxiety by giving students a physical point of focus when they feel overwhelmed. By making their own stones, students not only created
a personalized coping tool but also benefited from the creative act itself, which can promote relaxation, self-expression, and a sense of accomplishment. The Counseling Team hopes to continue offering similar art therapy–inspired programs in the coming semester, giving students additional ways to care for their mental health and connect with supportive campus resources.
Moonlit Musicals presents: Mentiras: el musical
During the first week of December 2025, Mentiras: The Musical arrives at our A100 auditorium, performed by our musical theatre club, Moonlit Musicals. Directed by Paula Almazán, who, in addition to staging the short version of the musical, also brought us Daniela in full character.
We find Lua Gonzalez bringing Yuri to life. Dulce portrayed by Anayancy Ramírez. Lupita represented by Renata Renteria. Michelle Toussaint as the mysterious Manuela. And last but not least, Abel Rentería as the very famous Emmanuel Mijares.
The play unfolds in the home of Emmanuel Mijares’ parents, during his funeral. His sister Manuela, in charge of contacting the people closest to the deceased, welcomes Daniela de Mijares, Emmanuel’s wife. The second to arrive is Lupita, Emmanuel’s secretary.
Rushing in next is Yuri, Daniela’s lifelong friend. And the most unexpected arrival is Dulce, Emmanuel’s second wife. With no more guests to wait for, Manuela proceeds to read them Emmanuel’s final letter, where he confesses that he already suspected someone was trying to kill him, and that they would be the ones responsible for finding the culprit, as the killer was among them.
Between jealousy, betrayal, laughter, irony, friendship, and mainly MENTIRAS, the story unfolds in a two-hour performance. Without a doubt, laughter and tears were what filled the nights of December 3rd and 4th the most.
The first show highlighted the attendance of faculty and staff, while the second and third shows were designated for students. In addition, this production required around two and a half months of preparation.
We had the honor of welcoming not only faculty, staff, and students, but also many parents, as well as alumni of the institution who once formed part of the club. The importance of each person’s presence warmed the heart of every actor who stood on that stage. From Moonlit Musicals: “We thank you with all our hearts for your unconditional support with every show, and we hope to see you at the next ones.
ELISIA EDUCATION HUB EDITION
Winter Drive Brings Warmth and Smiles to Families in Colón
As part of its commitment to community engagement and social responsibility, Elisia Education Hub successfully carried out its Winter Drive this semester, bringing support and warmth to vulnerable families served by the DIF of Colón.
Thanks to the generous participation of students, staff, and the Community Services team from the Discipline area, the Winter Drive resulted in an impressive collection of donated items. The university community gathered a total of 48 toys, 112 warm clothing items such as jackets, sweaters, scarves, and hats, 357 pieces of assorted clothing, 82 pairs of socks, 27 pairs of shoes, 28 blankets, and 11 towels.
These donations were officially delivered to the DIF on December 2 at campus, marking an important step in supporting local families during the colder season. The impact of this initiative extended beyond the campus. On December 23, just days before Christmas, part of the donation was distributed by the DIF of Colón to children receiving care at the UBR Esperanza Extension, bringing moments of joy and comfort during the holiday season.
This Winter Drive reflects the power of collective action and the university’s ongoing commitment to fostering empathy, solidarity, and positive change within the surrounding community. Through initiatives like this, Elisia Education Hub continues to strengthen its connection with the region and demonstrate that small acts of generosity can make a lasting difference.
