Free lattes and craft vision boards scattered the Student Recreation Center pool deck as Associated Students hosted their “Matcha and Manifest” wellness event on Wednesday.
After waiting in line, students got to make their own matcha concoction with certain mixers to suit their taste buds, provided by ASI. Not only were there mixers for matcha, but they also provided coffee ingredients. ASI also provided pastries for students to go along with their drinks.
“We always do some type of pastry, tea situation when we do these types of events just because they tend to be very popular with students and we know people love matcha regardless of how you offer it,” said Fitness Graduate Assistant for the SRC Lauryn Salley.
After students had their fix of mixing beverages, they made their way to tables filled with supplies to make their vision boards. Poster paper, cutout colorful images, scissors, glue, stickers and washi tape were all provided by ASI.
There were enough items for students to formulate their vision for their board to manifest for the new year.
Because of the big turnout, the tables were fully occupied. ASI had this covered by spreading out blankets on the small field patch across the way for more students to sit down and craft their boards.
Although the event was at full capacity, students were welcomed in to make a drink and sit down where space was available.
Raquel Garcia, a first-year communications and public relations major, saw “Matcha and Manifest” through her Instagram feed and was excited to come to the wellness event as a big fan of matcha. On the other hand, Garcia had never made a vision board before and was inspired to do so.
“I put (an image of) a group of girls cause I want friendship, I also want to be more true to myself this year as well,” Garcia said. “I also want to be more confident enough to do things that I want to do.”
“Matcha and Manifest” not only serves as an activity-based event, but it also serves as a social gathering for students to talk with each other. Garcia engaged in conversation with other students from her table and felt comfortable in the vision-board making process.
Audrey Ojeda, a first-year business administration major, also found the event via Instagram and had never made a vision board before.
“My vision is I wanted to travel, there’s no better time than the present and I really felt like 2026 is gonna be the year that I’m going to go see the world,” Ojeda said.
The atmosphere of the wellness event was calming but most importantly, it made the students feel comfortable to take their time and enjoy it.
“It’s really cool to be able to see the community that comes out and people that make friends here,” Salley said. “I just want them to know they have a comfortable place here and we are really, really trying to work on creating events that are centered around student wellness and community.”
