Chico State Students De-Stress with Ramen and Quilt Crafting

URGENT UPDATE: Finals week has officially arrived at Chico State University, and students are feeling the pressure. In response, the Cross-Cultural Leadership Center hosted a cozy gathering today, December 9, 2025, to provide a much-needed break from the stress of exams. Students gathered in the Meriam Library to decorate quilt squares while enjoying warm bowls of ramen.

Program Coordinator Jojo Carranza emphasized the importance of such events during this hectic period. “We’re kind of having a destress day,” Carranza said. “Finals are coming up, so we thought something nice, warm, and cozy to eat would be cool, and then a little creative crafting event would help ease the mind and get it off of work.” The initiative aims to foster community and provide a supportive environment for students.

Students like Kesar Mann and Kalpit Sharma took part in the event, crafting personalized quilt squares while indulging in delicious ramen. Each participant selected their preferred colors and used provided art supplies to make their tiles unique. The atmosphere was filled with laughter and creativity, serving as a perfect antidote to the looming finals.

“What we like to do is bring students together,” Carranza stated. “We want to create events on campus so students can hang out, get to know each other, and build connections. We just like to make sure everyone feels included and provide a home away from home.”

This gathering is part of a broader effort by the Cross-Cultural Leadership Center to offer multiple events throughout the academic year, emphasizing inclusivity and community building. As students prepare for their final exams, initiatives like this serve as critical outlets for stress relief and social interaction.

As finals week continues, students are encouraged to take advantage of similar events to support their mental well-being. The atmosphere at Chico State remains charged with anticipation, and many are looking for ways to balance academic responsibilities with self-care. Keep an eye out for more gatherings aimed at helping students navigate this intense period.