This past Saturday, Sep. 12, at 10 a.m., Michigan Tech students decided to start the day early by hiking with Jim Grider, an embedded counselor in Residence Education. The Trails and Trail Mix event started in the Wadsworth Hall Cafe, where students had options to make their own trail mix with ingredients like granola, chocolate chips, and cereal. After crafting up their own personal bag of snacks, students were ready to take off on their morning hike through the Tech Trails, a system of nature trails south of the Student Development Complex. This event gave many new students an introduction to college life and an opportunity to meet new people, as almost 60 students attended. Aside from the social aspect, students got an opportunity to explore the large and beautiful trail system in a group setting.
Grider is a bit of a campus celebrity, known for being a welcoming person willing to help with any problem someone might have. When asked about how this event came into fruition, Grider explained, “I actually planned this, it’s the third year we are doing it.” Grider also provides on-campus therapy, which gives him insight into what students may need. “Three things you can do to improve your mental health are eat well, sleep well, and exercise. Two of those we can knock out with this walk, plus orienting people about some of the opportunities they have free of charge,” said Grider.
This event was targeted at people living in the residence halls. When asked about what made him want to come, Cade Rugg, a first-year at Michigan Tech, said, “I wanted to see the Tech Trails, get outside early in the morning… and I had an excuse to get up and make trail mix.” When asked about his experience, Rugg said, “I met a lot of people… the walk was fire.”
For more information on events centered around mental health, go to mtu.edu/well-being/student-services/events/. If curious about mental health resources, visit the third floor of the Admin Building to the Center for Student Mental Health and Well-being or email either counseling@mtu.edu or well-being@mtu.edu.
