Starting the academic year—or even just a new term—can be disorienting for students. They’re navigating new classes, unfamiliar faces, and the pressure to perform before real connection has had time to grow.
In one of AOM’s student focus groups, a Participant shared something powerful:
“If we had done an AOM Class at the beginning of every course — no matter what the subject — I would have felt immediately more connected to the people around me. It would have broken down barriers that sometimes never get broken at all and I wouldn't have felt so isolated."
That insight stuck with us. It reminded us that even a short Class can make a big impact at the right time.
Early in the semester, students are looking for cues:
An AOM Class that offers space for honest reflection, shared storytelling, and a touchpoint around mental health tells them: yes.
Even a 30-minute, one-film Class can create a sense of community that supports learning across the term.
To break the ice and build connection, try selecting Classes that:
Use filters like:
A first-week AOM Class isn’t just a “mental health add-on.” It can:
