Story by: Dima Halwani, Staff Writer
Photo by: Viviana Valencia, Editor-In-Chief
Cypress College continues its efforts to support student wellness and growth through the Building Healthy Masculinity series, an initiative organized by the Rising Scholars Team.
The program is facilitated by Tray Williams, outreach coordinator at Cypress College, and guided by career counselor Anne-Marie Beck, who ensures each session remains inclusive and accessible for all students. Interns on the Rising Scholars team also contribute by selecting topics and sharing personal experiences that shape each workshop.
The purpose of the series is to help male and male-identifying students identify, research, rebuild and relearn what healthy masculinity can look like through mentorship, vulnerability and emotional growth. “Many of our students grew up believing that showing emotion or asking for help is a weakness,” said Williams. “We’re here to rebuild that mindset and help them understand that vulnerability is actually a form of strength.”
The next workshop, titled “Keepin’ Up: The Good Fight – You vs. Pressure: Finding Ways to Finish Strong,” will take place on Nov. 19 from noon to 1:30 p.m. in CCCPXL-414.
Event Link: https://www.cypresscollege.edu/event/building-healthy-masculinity/
This session focuses on the pressures many students face during the final stretch of the semester, from imposter syndrome and academic stress to life responsibilities such as transportation barriers or court dates. The workshop will introduce strategies to overcome these challenges while encouraging students to use campus resources such as Disabled Student Service, the Transfer Center and mentorship programs.
Students will engage in scenario-based activities, learn effective communication techniques for reaching out to professors, and create a mini vision board to set clear goals for the remainder of the semester.
The event is open to all Cypress College students, including female and nonbinary students, as the program values balance, understanding and perspectives from all sides. As Williams emphasizes, the heart of the series is centered on “love, peace, and supporting each other.”
