BC Central Asians Association Merges Mental Health and Creativity in Tote Bag Decorating Event

Photo is from Alexia Bakyt

By T’Neil Gooden

 

   The Brooklyn College Central Asians Association (BCCA) welcomed students to destress and decorate tote bags on Nov. 19 in the Student Center. 

   Students who attended were met with crayons, markers, pencils, tote bags, and licensed psychotherapist, Annabel Amir, who shared the benefits of decompressing through relaxation and innovation. 

   “I shared the importance of breathing as a simple yet powerful technique for managing stress,” Amir told The Vanguard. “Although breathing comes naturally, it’s crucial to take intentional pauses to inhale deeply and exhale slowly. These small moments of mindfulness can make a big difference in managing the pressures of daily life.” 

   Amir explained that being available to students is something that should be available on all college campuses, and being there for students is something that all psychotherapists should try to do. 

   “There are very few multilingual psychotherapists in New York who speak Central Asian languages. As someone who can connect with such a diverse population, I felt it was crucial to be there to support students, particularly youth, who are often vulnerable,” Amir told The Vanguard. 

   Students were not only able to hear about the benefits of mindfulness, but they could also meet peers and share their college experiences. 

   “My favorite part of the event was meeting new students. It was enjoyable to make new friends and see new faces,” Adam Bakyt, a BC student, told The Vanguard. “I was proud to go and get out of my comfort zone. I was also glad to have made some new friends.”

   Attendees listened attentively to Amir’s advice on enjoying and appreciating collegehood. 

   “One of the key messages I wanted BC students to take away is that everything will be okay. While this might sound cliché, I believe it’s important for students to find joy in attending classes and even taking tests,” Amir shared with The Vanguard. “Furthermore, I wanted them to know that they matter and that there are resources available to support them if they’re struggling. Although life often presents uncontrollable challenges, learning how to manage intense emotions is an invaluable skill.”

   Individuals at the event internalized the words that Amir had said and shared how the messages have made an impact on their views on college and their livelihoods. 

   “[Amir] mentioned that this event was made for relaxation and that she strove to not make it a long stressful lecture but a fun and rewarding experience,” Bakyt told The Vanguard. 

   After Amir explained the benefits of ingenuity and expressiveness, students began to use the available materials to decorate their tote bags. Students were able to take her words and create designs that were very significant to their personal experiences. 

   “Each bag was a beautiful reflection of personal perspectives and creativity. For instance, I saw trees symbolizing participants’ home countries, intricate depictions of Central Asian culture, and simple yet cheerful flowers and smiley faces,” Amir told The Vanguard. “These decorations were truly inspiring, showcasing the diverse and heartfelt expressions of everyone involved.”

   The BCCA wants BC students to understand the significance of their club through their culture, traditions, and experiences when it comes to mental health. 

   “The club is so much more than a hobby—it’s my culture. It provides a direct way for me and other Central Asian students to feel at home, even if we are thousands of miles away,” Alexia Bakyt, founder of BCCA, told The Vanguard. “The club also allows me to host events on important topics, such as mental health.”

   Students were greeted with the knowledge that these events were not going to leave as Bakyt explained the need for these events to be continued on our BC campus. 

   “I am in the process of making “Tote-ally Stress-Free” group therapy events a monthly occurrence. There was a great demand, and we even reached capacity and had to turn students away,” Bakyt told The Vanguard. “I want everyone to have the opportunity to see a therapist and enjoy the experience of drawing. We are active on Instagram and have a room in the Club Center where students can connect with us.”

   Amir then explained that this event and other events that BCCA holds are an extension of their culture and should be celebrated in any way, shape, or form. 

   “Since [BCCA] is the first to focus on bringing together Central Asian students, I found it deeply fulfilling to support their mission,” Amir told The Vanguard. “Sometimes, even a brief conversation with a trusted adult can have a significant impact on a student struggling at school or home. I wanted students to feel safe and heard.”

 

   Students interested in upcoming BCCA events can visit their Instagram, @bccentralasians. 

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