In this workshop students will understand and identify how good stress can motivate and enhance performance while prolonged stress can lead to negative effects on physical health.

Students will identify personal stress and understand how essential it is to develop self-regulation and coping strategies. Developing these coping mechanisms not only aids in navigating daily stressors but also fosters a healthier, more balanced lifestyle.

In this Lab, students engage in various activities connecting concepts taught in the Physical Wellness & Self-Regulation skills workshop and explore movement-based activities as coping strategies.

The class will consist of practice, videos, discussion and opportunities to practice healthy self-regulation skills. Techniques such as mindfulness, exercise, stretching, breathing techniques, journaling, dancing and other movement based activities will help manage stress levels and help students to manage their personal wellness.

The Self-Awareness & Goal Setting skills workshop is an invaluable opportunity for college students to develop a comprehensive skill set that will enhance their employability. By focusing on both hard and soft skills, students will be better prepared to meet the demands of the workplace, contribute to their teams effectively, and navigate their careers with confidence.

Students in this workshop have the opportunity to engage in SUNY Orange’s FoodTEC program.

Upon completion, students earn a meaningful certificate recognized by the National Restaurant Association which enhances students' opportunity to obtain a job.  As they progress through this workshop, students will not only gain knowledge but also practical experience that will serve them well in their future endeavors.

The Self-Awareness & Goal Setting Lab is a fully hands-on workplace simulation workshop where students learn and practice skills related to a variety of common industry areas. Some examples include: food services, hospitality, retail and manufacturing. Students are taught various job tasks related to each area and then practice these skills with the goal of increasing their employability.

These engaging activities are designed to foster the essential work readiness skills that college aged students need to thrive in their future careers.

By actively participating in these exercises, students will not only learn theoretical concepts but also apply them in practical, real-world scenarios, enhancing their overall readiness for the workforce.

The utilization of social and emotional skills is essential for personal growth. This workshop focuses on a variety of social skills that enhance functional communication, including initiating conversations, building friendships, engaging in professional communication, and practicing self-advocacy.

By developing these essential skills, students will learn how to effectively express themselves, foster meaningful relationships, and navigate various social environments. Through interactive activities and discussions, participants will gain practical strategies to improve their social interactions, ultimately leading to greater confidence and success in both their personal lives and future careers.

In the Social & Emotional Lab, college students engage in diverse activities including role-playing, group projects and activities aimed at developing and enhancing the students social communication abilities.

This workshop includes Peer Mentors from the Occupational Therapy Assistant program and the Human Services department at SUNY Orange to interact and focus in reciprocal conversations.

Through interactions with instructors, peers, and mentors within the campus environment, students practice essential social skills to help aid them in home settings, community and workplace settings. The structured approach encourages students to explore various scenarios enhancing their capacity to navigate social situations confidently and independently.

These competencies may include practical life skills, such as financial management, medication management, home maintenance, personal safety and positive decision making. By acquiring these abilities, students can navigate the complexities of adult life with greater confidence and independence.

The development of self-reliance, personal accountability, and adult competencies empowers students to become responsible and capable individuals, better equipped to thrive in the next phase of their lives. 

The adult competency skills Lab offers students a unique environment to develop essential life skills through interactive and hands-on experiences. Students rotate through various stations, each designed to simulate real-life tasks that require problem-solving, sequencing, planning, and prioritizing.

Some examples of tasks include students understanding their medications and side effects, understanding the use of a weekly pill box and separating pills for AM/PM. Other skills involve students utilizing simple recipes to make lunch and dinner items.

This immersive approach not only reinforces theoretical knowledge but also enhances practical competencies essential for daily living. By actively participating in these activities, students gain confidence in their ability to manage everyday challenges, fostering independence and critical thinking skills that are vital for independent living.

Recreation skills are essential for students as they create opportunities to engage in activities that contribute to personal growth and well-being. By exploring various topics such as art, travel, music, sports, and games, students learn to structure their free time in meaningful ways.

Engaging in these activities not only promotes relaxation and enjoyment but also enhances social connections, physical wellness and decreases isolation. For instance, participating in sports can improve physical fitness and teamwork skills, while exploring art can foster creativity and self-expression.

Through this exploration, students can discover alternative leisure pursuits that offer greater fulfillment than less efficient ways to spend their free time, ultimately leading to a more balanced and healthy lifestyle.