On Sept. 30, the Neurodivergent and Disabled Student Alliance (NDSA) hosted a self-care event to help students de-stress before upcoming midterms. 

The NDSA aims to make the University of Denver a more inclusive place by helping students develop a deeper understanding of neurodiversity and disability while simultaneously fostering a sense of community and allyship. 

“Self-care is important, not just for those with disabilities, but in general because the world is so stressful,” said Hannah Adams, the president of the NDSA.

Students who attended the event were able to build their own self-care kits, choosing from a range of face masks, stickers, plushies, squishy toys and fidgets to help manage their stress. Students were also able to connect, listen to music and hang out. 

“Self-care is important to me because it’s important to take care of yourself, especially in such a demanding environment like college,” said Tylah Stewart, a first-year sociology major. 

Adams said that her self-care involves listening to music and occasionally enjoying a treat. She said a great place for that type of self-care can be found at Beans, the student-run cafe located in the Joy Burns Center. 

The event was one of NDSA’s first of the year, but Adams confirmed that there was much more to come, including a movie night, a Halloween party and an advocacy roundtable event. 

Follow NDSA on Instagram and join their Crimson Connect for more information about future events.