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community Food & Beverage Local Business Spotlight

Balancing It All On A Busy Saturday

Morning Routine

I usually start my day pretty early, especially when I know I have a lot to get done. One thing that helps me get into a good mindset is going to Ragamuffin before work. I like getting a drink and something small to eat and just sitting down to get some homework done before the day gets busy.

That morning, I got an iced matcha and a muffin and worked on a couple of assignments. Being in that kind of environment helps me focus way more than being at home, and I was actually able to finish two assignments before 9:30 a.m. Starting my day like that made me feel really productive and set a good tone for everything else I had going on.

Work Life

After that, I went straight to work and clocked in at 9:45. It was supposed to be a shorter shift, but it ended up being really busy, which made it feel longer than it actually was. We had multiple parties come in, including one with 31 people, so the restaurant was pretty packed.

It definitely got a little stressful at times, but I am used to that kind of environment. Working while being in school has taught me how to manage my time better and stay on top of things, even when it feels a little overwhelming.

Spending Time With Friends

When I got off around 2, I went home to pick up my dogs and then headed to Ventura Harbor to meet up with a couple of my classmates. They were there covering an event called “Short Dawgs In Da House,” which was honestly really cute.

Even though I got there toward the end, it was still fun. My dog loved it because she is really social and got to be around a bunch of other dogs. After the event, we walked around the harbor and got some ice cream since it was pretty hot out. It was a really simple moment, but after a busy day, it felt nice to just slow down and hang out.

Time To Reset

Later, I went to a yoga class at Grassroots Yoga, and it ended up being one of the best parts of my day. The class focused on breathwork and a sound bath, and it was exactly what I needed after such a busy day.

The whole atmosphere was really calming, and I felt relaxed the entire time. It was a nice break from how busy the rest of my day had been, and it helped me slow down and just be present for a bit. The staff there were also really welcoming, which made the experience even better. It is definitely a place I want to keep going back to.

Ending Of The Day

After yoga, I went to the beach for a little bit just to be by myself and relax. The sunset was really pretty, and being there helped me clear my head after such a long day.

When I got home, I made some tea and watched Law & Order: SVU, which is one of my favorite shows. It is kind of my go-to way to end the day and just fully relax.

Reflection

Saturdays are usually my busiest days because I try to fit everything in, including work, spending time with friends, and catching up on homework. It can feel like a lot when the day is packed from morning to night, but it is also the day where I feel the most productive.

Even though it gets overwhelming at times, I have learned how important it is to balance everything instead of just focusing on one thing. Being able to get my work done, still have a social life, and take time for myself all in one day makes it feel worth it. Days like this are busy, but they also remind me that I am capable of handling a lot at once.

Categories
Food & Beverage Food & Dining Local Business Spotlight

A Local Spot Built on Family and Flavor

Ozeki Noodle, located on Esplanade Drive in Oxnard, is more than just a restaurant. It is a family-rooted business that has become a familiar part of the community over the years. Although the owner does not know the exact year it opened, they believe the restaurant began sometime in the late 1990s or early 2000s.

According to the owner, family was the original reason for opening the restaurant. That family-centered beginning still shapes Ozeki Noodle today. More than just a place to eat, the restaurant offers a welcoming environment built on tradition, connection, and service.

When asked about the restaurant’s signature dish, the owner pointed to “Udon”. The dish stands out as a staple of the menu and reflects the comforting style of food the restaurant is known for.

The owner also shared that what they enjoy most about running Ozeki Noodle is the people. Serving customers and connecting with the community continues to be one of the most rewarding parts of the job.

That connection is clear in the experience of returning customers. One customer said, “I always come back for the spicy pork and for their great service.” Their comment highlights not only the restaurant’s food, but also the hospitality that keeps people coming back.

The owner also shared an older menu, showing that prices used to be much lower, a reminder of how much times have changed for small restaurants. Even so, Ozeki Noodle continues to stand out as a place that offers both quality food and a strong sense of community.

Ozeki Noodle shows how a family-driven restaurant can become a meaningful part of a city. With its signature udon, popular spicy pork, and strong customer service, it continues to offer Oxnard a place where food and community come together.

Ozeki Noodle | 349 W Esplanade Dr, Oxnard, CA 93036

Categories
science

Day in the Life of VC Professor: Niki Milani

8:30am – Morning before Class

Professor Milani never leaves her house without a cup of coffee in hand. What kind of coffee? Well, she starts her morning with a cup of NESCAFE CLASICO Instant Dark Roast Coffee and heads out the door. Professor Milani has an hour-long drive to work, spending her time in the car staying informed about what’s happening in the world by listening to her favorite YouTube channel, Democracy Now. 

9:30am – Arrives on campus 

Professor Milani strides onto campus with her purse and rolling backpack in hand as she heads to ASC 150 to teach her first class, Intro to Psych. 

11:15am – after class + Lunch 

After class, professor Milani has about an hour between her first and second classes. She walks to her office in LRC where she realizes she forgot to pack a lunch. She walks to the food truck and orders salad and some watermelon. Once she gets back to her office, she has her weekly lunch with Professor Lucy Capuano, a fellow psychology professor here at Ventura College, and Mariana Branda-Gherardi, a Sociology professor at Ventura College. In their meetings, they catch up on their busy schedules and classes. 

1pm – Next class

After her hour and a half lunch break, Professor Milani walks down to the library where she prints out the lecture notes for her next class. She walks back to ASC 150 where she teaches intro to psych again. She greets students while they walk and begins lecturing. She starts lecturing while cracking jokes along the way to make the lecture fun, engaging and entertaining. After class, she stays 15 minutes longer to talk with some students and answer any questions they may have. 

2:30 pm – After class

Professor Milani walks to her car to start her hour and a half drive home. On her drive home she listens to more news and updates herself on what is going on in the world. She stops to pick up her son from daycare and heads the rest of the way home. 

4:00 pm – Rest of the day 

As soon as she gets home, she changes and heads to her boxing class. Somehow even in her busy schedule, she finds time in her day to do something for herself which is very important when you have a schedule as busy as hers. After her 50-minute boxing class, she goes home, takes a shower and makes dinner for her two kids under 4. After dinner, she puts her 1-year-old to sleep and gets right back to work. She grades papers, creates lecture PowerPoint slides, and creates assignments until 11pm, then goes to sleep to wake up early the next day and work again. Following Professor Milani around for a day has made me realize that a professor’s work doesn’t stop after the classroom. Professor Milani has taught me work ethic and to use the laziness that I might feel to fuel me to be the person that I want to be. She is someone that I look up to every day and hope one day I can be as successful as her. She has always shown me a level of respect that I now have for professors. The amount of work they do inside and outside the classroom is extremely underappreciated,and I hope readers will realize that, too, as they read this.

Categories
Advice community Student Life at VC Study Spots

How Ventura College Students Actually Deal With Stress

If you’re a Ventura College student, or know a college student you may already know how stressful things can really get with classes, assignments, work, and trying to have some kind of life outside of school. Especially around midterms and finals, it can feel like everything just hits at once. Because of that a lot of students have their own ways to deal with stress such as these in this article.

Finding places to slow down?

One thing that came up a lot when it came to my survey on how my peers deal with stress is just getting out of the house and going anywhere outside. A lot of people mentioned going to the Ventura Beach when they need some time to theirselves. They mentioned just walking, sitting, or listening to music but being by the water seems to help a lot of people clear their head and slow things down.

Location:The Ventura Pier Beach

Changing study spots

Another thing students said they do to relieve stress and boost their workflow is changing where they study. Staying in the same place all the time can make you feel stuck and sometimes unmotivated, so going somewhere like Starbucks down the street from school, Honey Cup Coffee House & Creamery, or Heritage Coffee can actually help a lot. A different environment plus a little bit of coffee can just make it easier to lock in and get things done according to students.

Exercise and Staying Active

My personal favorite way to relieve stress and keep me going is exercise and working out. When I get overwhelmed and am feeling stuck I tend to just get a quick work out in or get my body moving then I come back to doing my assignments with a refreshed mind. Places and things to do could be things such as students going to the Ventura College Gym, going on a run around campus, or even just something simpler like walking around campus. It’s less about working out seriously and more about getting out of your head for a little while and coming back to things with a clearer mind.

Spending Time with Friends & Family

Last but definitely not least hanging out with friends is a great way to relieve some stress. Out of all the things students said they did to relieve stress, almost all students said that hanging out with friends helps more than anything. Even if it’s just a quick break, talking and laughing with people can take your mind off everything.

Categories
Arts & Entertainment Social Media community Arts & Crafts

Star Wars, Marvel, & DC Art Expo

This past weekend before Spring Break I decided I was going to go to this art expo by my house. For what reason? Because the ad I found on Instagram was titled “Star Wars, Marvel, DC Art Expo” and that’s all I needed to see to be hooked. 

The Amazing Art Expo!!!

First time ever hosted in Oxnard, CA, this event was a 3 day free event that landed on Friday, March 27 – Sunday, March 29 was such an amazing and fun event to go to. The venue was the Staybridge Suites (River Ridge) in Oxnard, California. The featuring art they had displayed were Anime, Video Games, Star Wars, Horror & Monster Art, Disney Princesses/Characters, Marvel, DC Comics, Lord of The Rings, DND/Fantasy & Dragons and more! “A representative and collective of 12 different artists such as: Christopher Clark, Nastiya Grushovenko, Dominic Glover, Adam Michaels, Ashley Raine, and many more! Everything around the room was hand drawn, created by an artist, nothing was made by AI in this room.” said by Rachi Felici, one of the event’s organizers. As you can see there is extremely amazing pieces of work drawn and presented here. All of the art really brought out my nerdy side because I knew every genre of art that were there. From the Harry Potter art to the One Piece art. My favorite, of course, was the Star Wars art. You can check out the Amazing Art Expo website below —- https://amazingartexpo.com/?srsltid=AfmBOootJRVg1c5I8pNZMms-Xi4-3-qRCFqC0HHPhNZrru2ZKua58f4H

Voice Actor Appereances

Many people from all over came by to this event. They had voice actors like David Sobolov, who voiced the villain Kaido in One Piece, and he has voiced many other known characters throughout his career. David Sobolov is a Canadian voice actor and director, best known for his roles as Gorilla Grodd in various DC media, Drax the Destroyer in various Marvel media, Kaido in One Piece, and various characters in the Transformers franchise; notably Depth Charge in Beast Wars: Transformers, Shockwave in Transformers: Prime, and Battletrap and Apelinq in Transformers: Rise of the Beasts. 

David Sobolov, March 27, 2026 at the Amazing Art Expo in Oxnard,CA

Cosplay Costumes

This event wasn’t just art for 3 days, it was also a Cosplay Event. On Saturday and Sunday of that event, there were many people in their costumes ready to enjoy all of the art, artists, voice actors and be a part of their favorite niche. I saw many costumes, such as Clone Troopers from Star Wars, Monkey D. Luffy costumes from One Piece, Disney Princesses along with people dressed up as their favorite anime and horror film characters. Saturday and Sunday reminded me of a smaller version of Comic Con, but with a lot art and cool looking cosplay costumes. You can check out Amazing Art Expo Instagram below —-

https://www.instagram.com/amazingartexpo?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

 

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Advice Business Food & Beverage Local Business Spotlight Student Life at VC Study Spots

Top Five Study Spots in Ventura

Screenshot

For most college students right now, the end of the semester is right around the corner, which means we’re all cramming in the last few assignments before finals. When it comes to getting work done, a lot of us focus better with a cozy table, a warm drink nearby, and an aesthetically pleasing atmosphere. But in my experience, and from talking to many of my peers, finding the perfect study spot can be a challenge. Every place has its pros and cons.

So where do you even start?

Today I’m sharing a top five list that I compiled from personal experience and a little bit of survey research. I talked to 20 students at Ventura College and asked them one question: What is your favorite spot to study at, and why?

For the “why,” I expanded and asked them to consider factors like price and availability, along with anything else they value in a study spot. Here’s what they said:

Kaapicat Cafe
  1. Kaapicat Cafe 377 E Main St, Ventura, CA 93001
    If you haven’t heard of Kaapicat yet, you just might discover your new favorite study destination. They are a family-owned café in the heart of downtown Ventura, with delicious breakfast food that mixes Indian flavors with American brunch items. Personally, I love their tea menu. Multiple students chose this place as their favorite, with the main reason being the spacious seating area, multiple outlets, and a staff that’s warm and welcoming. The café describes itself as a place for “remote workers, solitary readers, and writers” which welcomes students looking for a coffee shop to be at for hours on end.
  2. Cajé Coffee Roasters 71 N Palm St, Ventura, CA 93001
    Cajé is a newly trending spot for aesthetically pleasing food and drinks, with a beautiful atmosphere both inside and out on the huge patio. Students that suggested Cajé to me highlighted the insane amount of seating, reliable WiFi, and available outlets inside. And of course, the main reason it seems to be a crowd favorite is because it’s a very pleasing atmosphere to be in. It’s a solid pick whether you’re there for a couple hours to study or a common group study meetup spot. Some things to consider: Weekends get very busy and wait times can be longer, so weekday mornings or early afternoons are your best bet. The parking situation is also less than ideal— the back lot fills up fast and the only other  free public lot is a short walk away.
  3. Simones Coffee & Tea Two locations: 7818 Telegraph Rd & 2848 Cabrillo Dr, Ventura
    Simones has been a Ventura staple since 1996, and  it’s been voted “Favorite Coffeehouse” in the county year after year, and for good reason. Many students chose Simones at their go to spot, mentioning that they have good WiFi, plenty of outlets, and a comfortable atmosphere that doesn’t make you feel like you need to buy something every 20 minutes. The Telegraph Road location is open seven days a week, and seemed to be the preferred location. The Cabrillo location is closed on weekends and the general consensus is that it’s more specifically for the workers at the hospital across the street (although some people reported it being pretty empty inside because of that reason). Some things to consider: There isn’t a huge amount of seating, especially when it’s busier or if you’re looking for an outlet since they are along the wall.
  4. Barnes & Noble Booksellers 4820 Telephone Rd, Ventura, CA 93003
    Stepping away from the coffee shops, Barnes & Noble is  on this list for a very obvious reason: you don’t have to buy anything to sit and study. That’s a big deal when you’re already stretched thin (as most college students might be). Besides the financial factor, the students who suggested Barnes & Noble pointed out good WiFi, a noticeably quieter crowd compared to most coffee shops, and a low-pressure atmosphere. I will admit that there’s something about being surrounded by books that gives you more motivation to focus. There is an  in-store Starbucks, so you can grab a drink if you want one but not making it a requirement is a huge bonus for this spot.
  5. E.P. Foster Library 651 E Main St, Ventura, CA 93001
    A classic choice that is often overlooked. E.P. Foster Library is a free, public resource with free WiFi, public computers, so much seating, and absolutely no purchase required. In the same respect to Barnes & Noble, there tends to be less of a crowd than a coffee shop. Honestly the services they offer are great for students who need those resources or a space that is quiet. The main reason this choice is favorable is overall convenience.  Important note: E.P. Foster is currently undergoing a renovation, so hours and access may be limited.

So, what makes the perfect study spot?

After hearing from my peers, I noticed that these factors for the ‘perfect study spot’ were at the top every time:

  • Good WiFi and plenty of outlets. That’s just essential.
  • Enough seating and less of a crowd. Somewhere to be for hours at a time.
  • Low cost or no purchase required— because this is for community college students.

I hope this helps you reflect on your perfect study spot, and maybe even discover new local cafes. Happy finals season everybody.

Categories
Business community Social Media Student Life at VC

How the Ventura College Foundation Changes Lives Through Student Support

As a student at Ventura College, I’ve always known there were resources available to help students succeed, but after speaking with Pete Parker, Director of Development for the Ventura College Foundation, I realized just how much support is actually available behind the scenes.

The Ventura College Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping students overcome barriers that may stand in the way of their education. Whether it’s financial struggles, housing challenges, food insecurity, or even transportation, the foundation works to make sure students have what they need to continue their academic journey.

One of the biggest ways the foundation supports students is through scholarships. This year alone, the foundation is awarding over one million dollars in scholarships, which is an incredible milestone. These scholarships can make a life-changing difference, especially for students who might otherwise have to pause or stop their education due to financial stress.

Pete explained that the foundation’s goal is simple: remove barriers so students can succeed. While financial support is the most common need, the foundation also works closely with programs like the Ventura College Basic Needs Center and the Promise Program to ensure students are supported in every aspect of their lives. These programs provide essential resources like food, school supplies, and additional support systems that help students stay focused on their education.

What many students may not realize is that some of this support is made possible through community involvement, including the Ventura College Marketplace, which helps generate funding that goes back into student programs and scholarships. This connection really shows how the campus and the community work together to support student success.

Something that really stood out to me was learning that the foundation is actually separate from the college itself. It is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that works as an external partner, connecting the community to the college. Through donations and partnerships, they are able to fund scholarships and support programs that directly impact students.

The scholarship process is also much simpler than many students might expect. There is only one application that opens in October and closes in February. From there, students are matched with scholarships based on factors like GPA, major, and personal background. The foundation also provides workshops and support through the Writing Center to help students submit strong applications.

What makes the foundation truly special is the connection between donors and students. At the annual scholarship ceremony, donors get to meet the students they are supporting, creating a meaningful and personal experience. Pete shared that seeing students smile, celebrate, and even cry tears of joy when they receive support is the most rewarding part of his work.

As a recipient of two scholarships myself, this experience is incredibly personal. Being a single mom returning to school, support like this makes it possible for me to continue my education and work toward my goals. Receiving two scholarships through the Ventura College Foundation has been life-changing, and I’m deeply thankful to the donors who made that possible. Their support goes further than they may ever realize.

At the end of the day, the foundation’s mission is clear—they want students to succeed. They want to see students achieve their dreams and continue growing even after they leave Ventura College. It’s not just about the time spent on campus, but about building a lifelong connection and support system.

If you are a student at Ventura College, I highly recommend applying for scholarships and exploring the resources available. You never know how much support is out there until you take that first step.

To learn more, visit the Ventura College Foundation website or explore the Basic Needs Center to see the resources available to students.

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Advice Beauty & Wellness community Local Business Spotlight Social Media Student Life at VC Study Spots

Becoming My Own Girl Boss: A Day in the Life of a Community College Student

Being a community college student is about more than just attending classes. Many students are balancing school, work, and personal responsibilities while also preparing for their future careers. Every day looks different for me, and sometimes unexpected plans can change routines. As a student working toward completing my social media marketing degree, I am constantly learning how to manage my time, stay motivated, and continue building my career at the same time.

This article shares a realistic look at one day in my life as a community college student who is not only completing assignments but also working, creating content, and preparing for life after graduation.

Morning Routine: Resetting After a Busy Weekend

On most Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, my morning starts very early, around 4:30AM, so I can get to the gym before starting the rest of my daily responsibilities. However, this particular Wednesday looked a little different because I had just returned from Coachella Weekend 1, and my body needed a bit more time to recover. So, instead of waking up before sunrise as I usually do, I started my day at around 7:00AM, which gave me a much-needed boost to fulfill the day’s requirements.

My morning routine still focused on getting organized and preparing for the day ahead. I filmed a Get Ready With Me video, which is part of the content I create daily as I continue building my presence in digital media. Creating content has become an important part of my daily routine because it allows me to practice skills related to my future career in social media marketing. In addition, it is just something I enjoy doing on a daily basis.

Even on slower mornings, I remind myself that preparation sets the tone for the rest of the day.

Late Morning: Turning Free Time into Productive Time
@mariahmikaela

spend a realistic day in my life with meeee!🌞🤍 #dayinmylife #Vlog #spendthedaywithme #diml #studentlife @Palm & Boy Coffee and Acai @Nespresso @Califia Farms @Garage Clothing @abercrombie & fitch @Aritzia @Wildflower Cases

♬ Garden party – neo trip

Around 9:00AM, my day officially began moving. I was already dressed and ready, so I filmed the start of my Day in My Life video by showing my outfit for the day. I made coffee at home and ate breakfast, which was leftovers from the night before (a tostada with beans, cheese, ground beef, and salsa). It was a simple meal, but it gave me the energy I needed to keep my focus.

Before heading to study, I made a quick stop at Costco to get gas and a car wash. Small errands like these are part of everyday life, but they still require planning and time management. After finishing my errands, I drove to Palm & Boy Coffee and Acai to study before class. This is one of my favorite cafés (Fun Fact: I used to work here back in 2019!)

I arrived at the café around 10:00AM, ordered an iced dirty chai with almond milk, and settled in to get some work done. This was important because it allowed me to prepare for class while also working on creative projects.

While studying, I filmed and created a short video for TikTok featuring a lip combo using my new Rhode products. Creating content while studying might seem unusual and/or odd, but for me, it is part of building my career. It allows me to practice marketing, filming, editing, and branding skills in real time!

Attending Class: Investing in My Future

After studying at the Palm & Boy, I left to attend my 11:30AM Digital Content Marketing class. Attending class is one of the most important parts of my day because it provides the knowledge and skills I need to succeed in my field. I am enjoying this class because it allows me to connect, in person, to peers with similar interests as me! As a community college student, I have learned that my education is an investment in my future.

Balancing school responsibilities requires a ton discipline and focus. Even on days when I feel tired or busy, I remind myself why I started this journey in the first place and what goal I am working towards.


Afternoon: Working and gaining Real-World Experience

After class, I drove to Thousand Oaks, where I work. Before clocking in for my shift, I picked up lunch from Jersey Mike’s and prepared for the rest of the afternoon. I worked from 1:30PM to 6:00PM,  helping customers and managing various other responsibilities at my job.

Working while attending school has taught me valuable skills such as time management, communication, and responsibility. These skills are just as important as the lessons I am learning in the classroom. Having a job also helps me gain real-world experience that will, hopefully, be useful in my future career.

My workday marked the end of my Day In My Life Vlog, but my responsibilities did not stop there.

Evening Reset: Finishing Responsibilities and Preparing for Tomorrow

After finishing work at 6PM, I drove home and continued organizing my space. I had just returned from a busy weekend at Coachella, so cleaning and resetting my environment was necessary to feel prepared for the upcoming week. Resetting the space is always helpful in creating a more productive environment.

Even after a long day of school and work, my responsibilities were nowhere near completed. I am currently taking Excel and we usually have a variety of assignments due on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Since this was a Wednesday, I still had a full list of assignments to complete. This part of the day requires extreme discipline, especially when I feel tired.

Later in the evening, I went to grab dinner at In-N-Out. Taking time to eat and relax is important because it allows me to recharge after a full day of responsibilities.

By the time I finished dinner, it was around 10:00PM, I took a shower, prepared for bed and got ready for my nightly “scroll-time”. Nights are a time for reflection and recovery. Even though the day was super busy, I was proud of everything I accomplished with my time management and organization. Now I am one day closer to building my dream career.

Reflecting: Becoming a Girl Boss One Day at a Time

This day in my life shows that being a community college student involves so much more than just going to class. It requires dedication, organization, and motivation. Everything I do, whether I am studying at the café, working a shift at my 9-5, creating content, or studying and doing homework, plays a role in building my future. 

As the end of the semester approaches, I continue to focus on developing my skills, gaining experience, and preparing myself for my career in digital marketing. And while everyday looks different, one thing remains the same: all of the effort I put into each day helps me shape my opportunities for the next day to come. 

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Categories
music

The Soundtrack of Our Lives

If you are into electrifying emo music, then listening to 9mmpistol is your jam. On March 22nd, I had the opportunity to attend 9mmpistols’ live performance at Vaquero Y Mar on E Thompson Blvd in Ventura. When you first step into the restaurant it omits a warm and laidback atmosphere. The show was from 7-10pm, and before the band was setting up, I had the opportunity to speak with their lead singer, Sophia, and their drummer, Nate.

Sophia got into music when an acquaintance of hers was looking for a vocalist for a project, and her passion for music grew after that. Then, almost a year later, she formed her own band, which was 9mmpistol.

“Time management while also working and going to school is honestly tough, its all about communication, commitment, and a group effort, and nonetheless you got to always make time for doing what you love or you will be miserable if you don’t. “

Sophia was formally acquainted to Nate when her and their bassist went to a concert together, and after that, the rest was history. Not only are they band mates, but they are also good friends.

Nate first got into music when he was about 2-3 years old and received a hand-me-down drum set from his cousin. As a kid, he would mess around on that drum set until he turned 9 and wanted to take it to the next level. Music has been his whole life and has formed him into the person he is today.

“As I said, music has consumed my whole life so I don’t honestly worry about time management with school, work and band because at the end of the day I know music will always be there for me no matter what.”

The songs that they performed that night were “Veil,” “The Message Unkept,” “Indecision,” “Rat Race,” and “Toothache.” Overall, if you are fascinated with emotional and punk music then you should at least listen to their music on Spotify. They do not disappoint.

Categories
Advice community Nature & Outdoors Student Life at VC

Why Community Is So Important: A Mental Health Epidemic

What We Know

Here’s a hard truth; In this day and age, almost everyone- if not struggling themself, knows someone that is struggling. 

10 years ago, mental health was talked about a fraction of the amount it is talked about now. It has become a bigger conversation than ever, especially for students. Between school, work, relationships, the pressure to “have it all figured out”, and just trying to be a decent person, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and even isolated. 

But one thing keeps coming up in these conversations: community matters.

The term “community” can mean a lot of things, so it’s important we define it before we start valuing it. Community is found in the people we spend time with, the spaces we feel comfortable in, and the interactions we have daily. And while many people think of community as a big, obvious display of connection (clubs, organizations, large groups), it can also be a lot simpler. For most students it can look like a friend you can talk to between classes, a local barista that knows your order, a phone call with someone you trust, or a teacher that checks in on you. Living in a small town, and especially one as warm as Ventura, most of these aren’t foreign concepts.

According to conversations with several Ventura College students, one of the hardest parts of struggling mentally isn’t always the stress itself, but it’s feeling like you have to deal with it alone. 

I talked with a senior named Relle; she shared,

“I don’t think I realized how much I needed people until I stopped seeing them regularly.”

It’s a feeling that’s more common than we think. 

While there isn’t a “twice daily pill” or quick fix to struggling with mental health, connection does make it more manageable. It is our human nature to need places where we can let loose, laugh, talk, and not feel like we’ll be voted out like “Survivor” for being ourselves. 

Building real connection can start with small, consistent choices. Here’s some ways students are already doing it: 

  1. Becoming a “regular” somewhere. Coffee shops, a study spot, walking around campus, showing up consistently creates familiarity, and with enough effort, connection.
  2. Invite. Be the first to reach out! If everyone always waited for someone else to include them, no one would be invited anywhere. Take the initiative, even if it’s scary, it’s better than not trying at all. Here are some suggestions from VC students,  

“Do you want to grab coffee? Would you want to study together? Can I give you a ride somewhere?” 

3. Put your phone down! (Sometimes) Most people’s phone is their digital implant- hardly ever leaves their hand. Feeling that someone cares enough about what you’re saying to give you their full attention doesn’t go unnoticed and means so much more than you think. Think back to any time you’ve been talking to someone that’s on their phone. I bet it still conjures up just as much frustration now as it did then. Now think back to a conversation you’ve had with someone that looked you in the eyes. I bet you felt much more listened to, much more cared for, and much closer to that person. Listening is how we build connection, and therefore, community.

4. Low pressure. If you feel that every interaction you have to have with a person has to be meaningful, deep, and groundbreaking, that can be a lot of pressure. And chances are, you don’t always have the energy for those types of conversations. So keep it light, take the pressure off, and meet people where you are. Taking the steps to reach out, even causally, ensures you don’t slip away to an island of isolation, and that you continue to build reliable relationships.

Having “Go-to” spots also helps. Ventura naturally creates opportunities for connection (you just got to take advantage of them).

You can try: Any one of our beautiful beaches or walking paths, coffee shops (Daylight and Moon, Freedom Coffee, and Room Service are some of my favorites), places on the VC campus (the library, student center, outdoor benches/quad), local parks or lookout spots (Cemetary park, Arroyo Verde park, Surfers Point).

Having places you can depend on makes planning so much simpler. One student said,

“Something about being out in nature makes it so much easier to open up.”

I couldn’t agree more, and Ventura makes that extremely accessible.

If there’s one takeaway, let it be this: you’re not supposed to go through everything yourself. When things feel hard, or stressful, or completely overwhelming, it feels easy to push people away and deal with your problems alone. But trust me when I say, that won’t solve anything. Building community, especially in the hard times creates relationships to last. Community won’t solve all your problems, but it will help you remember that you’re seen, supported, and not the only one figuring things out. You don’t have to completely uproot your life and change your schedule, or friendships, or habits. You just have to put in a little effort. Text someone. Sit with someone. Invite someone. It might matter more than you think.