In the United States, students face various stressors such as engaging
in economic activities to earn allowance, excessive school work, and more.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC] reported in a 2021 survey
that 44% of high school students in the United States experience persistent
feelings of depression. Failure to properly care for the mental health of adolescents
can hinder their physical and emotional growth and may lead to various social issues.

WeLoveU has created a “Calming Room (Emotional Stability Classroom)”
at University High School in Newark, New Jersey, to help students manage
their physical and mental well-being. The Calming Room is a special classroom
designed to help students enhance academic focus and cultivate
proper emotional health through emotion regulation and stress relief.

The Calming Room, remodeled from an existing classroom, was designed
with various elements to aid stress relief and emotion regulation.

WeLoveU members dedicated more than 420 hours
over the 10-week course to create the Calming Room.
They adorned the space with soothing blue hues, warm lighting,
and potted plants, while providing comfortable seating and exercise equipment.
They’ve also stocked beverages and headphones so that students can relax at any time.

On February 29, a grand opening ceremony for the Calming Room
was held at University High School. Attendees included the principal, teachers,
WeLoveU members, representatives from the design company HDR, and officials
from the nonprofit organization Vivacity Tech, who sponsored the project.

During the opening ceremony speech, Roger Leon, Newark Board of Education Superintendent, emphasized the importance of emotional stability for both students and teachers.

On this day, WeLoveU commemorated the opening of the Calming Room
by donating 40 laptops to the school. Members hoped that students
would grow emotionally healthy through the use of the Calming Room.