Trail Mix & Total Destruction: EMCC Helps Students Smash Finals Stress

East Mississippi Community College (EMCC) found a dynamic way to help students combat finals stress at its Golden Triangle and Scooba campuses. On November 2 and 3, the college hosted “Smash and Snack” events that combined practical nutrition education, stress-busting activities, and a touch of friendly rivalry.

At the heart of the effort were Dean of Students Leann Alexander from the Golden Triangle campus and Sharon Thompson from the Scooba campus, working alongside EMCC Dining Marketing Specialist Elizabeth Brunet to create a finals week experience students would remember. Their collaboration brought to life an event that emphasized the importance of both mental and physical well-being during one of the semester’s most challenging periods. EMCC President Scott Alsobrooks joined in the fun, judging the results of the campus competition.

Inside, the Trail Mix Bar was a hub of activity as students created custom mixes from a variety of nutritious ingredients. The bar featured brain-boosting nuts, seeds, and antioxidant-rich dried fruits, paired with information cards that detailed how each ingredient could enhance focus and energy. Elizabeth Brunet explained the purpose behind the initiative:

“Providing snacks is one thing, but helping students understand how to fuel their success is even more impactful. The Trail Mix Bar gave them the knowledge and the energy boost they needed to face their exams head-on.”

Outside, a more primal form of stress relief awaited. The Student Government Association set up a demolition zone complete with a car ready for destruction. Students armed with sledgehammers, bats, and pickaxes took turns smashing away their finals frustrations, enjoying a release that combined fun with therapeutic benefits. Dean of Students Sharon Thompson shared her perspective on the activity:

“We wanted to give students a way to release their stress in a big way. There’s something incredibly freeing about swinging a sledgehammer at a car, and it brought everyone together in such a positive atmosphere.”

To make the event even more engaging, the demolition activity turned into a friendly competition between the two campuses. President Scott Alsobrooks judged the results, ultimately declaring a winner. The losing campus didn’t walk away unscathed—their Dean of Students had to endure an icy plunge as part of the event’s lighthearted finale.

In addition to the excitement, EMCC ensured students had access to helpful resources for managing stress. The EMCC Dining's Mindful Program offered strategies for balancing the physical release of smashing with techniques to calm and refocus the mind. The combination of these elements created an event that addressed finals stress from multiple angles.

Leann Alexander, Dean of Students at Golden Triangle, reflected on the broader impact of the event:

“Finals week is tough, but we’re here to support our Lions in every way possible. Whether it’s through practical tools like the Trail Mix Bar or a fun outlet like the demolition zone, we’re proud to help them succeed academically and personally.”

These events showcased the commitment of EMCC’s leadership and staff to supporting their students through innovative and engaging solutions. By offering meaningful stress relief and empowering students to take charge of their well-being, EMCC made finals week a little less daunting—and a lot more memorable.