Students from SIATech's Moreno Valley and Perris campuses recently participated in an engaging social-emotional learning presentation led by Chris Porter from Soluna, a free mental health and wellness resource available to young people throughout California. The presentation provided students with valuable information and practical tools designed to support their emotional well-being, personal growth, and overall success.During the session, Porter introduced students to Soluna's comprehensive support services, emphasizing the importance of mental health and self-care in today's fast-paced world. Students learned about Soluna's free one-on-one coaching opportunities, which connect young people with professional coaches who can help them navigate challenges related to school, relationships, stress, motivation, goal-setting, and personal development.
A key focus of the presentation was teaching students how to incorporate self-care into their daily lives. Students explored a variety of self-care tools available through the Soluna platform, including mindfulness exercises, stress management techniques, journaling activities, and strategies for building resilience. These resources are designed to help students develop healthy coping skills and maintain their emotional well-being both inside and outside the classroom.
Students also had the opportunity to reflect on the tools they found most valuable. Syah shared, "I believe that the 'Let It Out' feature and being able to talk to others is good." The feature allows young people to express their thoughts and feelings in a safe and supportive environment while also connecting with peers who may be experiencing similar challenges.
Porter also highlighted Soluna's care navigation tools, which help students connect with additional support services when needed. By learning how to access these resources, students gained a better understanding of where to turn for help and how to advocate for their own mental health needs. The presentation reinforced the message that seeking support is a sign of strength and that resources are available whenever challenges arise.
Another valuable aspect of the session was the introduction to Soluna's peer community features. Students learned how they can connect with others in a safe and supportive environment where they can share experiences, find encouragement, and build meaningful connections. This sense of community helps students realize they are not alone in the challenges they may face and that support can come from both professionals and peers.Students were particularly interested in the wellness strategies discussed during the presentation. Justin commented, "I think that breathing is beneficial because it can calm you down." His observation reflected one of the key lessons shared during the session: that simple mindfulness and breathing exercises can be powerful tools for managing stress, improving focus, and supporting emotional well-being.
The presentation was well received by students from both campuses, many of whom expressed appreciation for learning about resources that are free, accessible, and designed specifically for young people. By providing students with practical tools and support options, SIATech continues to prioritize social-emotional learning and the overall well-being of its student community.
Through partnerships with organizations like Soluna, SIATech Moreno Valley and Perris are helping students build the skills, confidence, and support networks they need to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. As students continue their educational journeys, resources such as one-on-one coaching, self-care tools, care navigation services, and peer communities will play an important role in fostering resilience and lifelong wellness.
