Student-Led Initiative promotes mental health, combats seasonal gloom

For Zoey Preza '25, the end of daylight savings has always brought her and peers challenges.

"Transitioning from California to Ithaca my first year was really rough for me, and I've struggled a lot not seeing the sun as often," said Preza, co-president of Cornell Minds Matter (CMM) "A lot of people around me, including my friends from warmer climates and the east coast, feel a shift after daylight savings and as the colder weather comes with prelim season. The combination of my own experiences and those close to me motivated me to want to do something about it."

A student-led initiative by Cornell Minds Matter (CMM) and supported by Cornell Student & Campus Life, "Light Up The Season" will illuminate trees, lamp posts and walkways of Ho Plaza through February and is aimed at countering the isolating effects of winter and fostering mental well-being and connection across the campus community. Preza and CMM joined Cornell students, faculty and staff for the Nov. 14 lighting event, which included a performance by the Big Red Band.

Read the full story on the Student and Campus Life website