By Nicole F. Park

Daily Titan Staff Writer

The International Association of Business Communicators at Cal State Fullerton will be hosting an event to help alleviate students’ biggest pain in the neck: finals week.

Fun Before Finals, a club-sponsored event, will offer free chair massages to all CSUF students on Tuesday, Dec. 8 in the Titan Student Union’s Alvarado AB room from 7 to 9 p.m.

“At IABC we understand that finals can be really stressful and can cause anxiety for students. We wanted to create an event where any student can come enjoy a free massage and have a chance to mingle,” said public relations major Audrey Huynh, 23.

Photo courtesy of MCT

Huynh currently serves as the director of communications within the ASI-recognized club and will begin her term as executive vice president of CSUF-IABC in the spring.

To celebrate the end of what she calls, “A successful semester for the club,” Huynh and fellow IABC executive board members will shift the evening atmosphere of Alvarado AB to be, “ambient, spa-like … a place for students to relax” with dim lights and soothing background music.

Huynh said her team has prepared for the crowd of tired Titans by planning for “other forms of entertainment” during any waiting time that may develop. Fresh fruit platters and Starbucks coffee and tea will be provided for refreshments.

When asked if he’d attend the free event, business senior Danny Tran, 26, said, “Totally! Getting a massage is a much better way to spend a study break rather than running downstairs (to the pub) to get a beer.”

Tran blames his stress not only on the academics of school, but also its related costs.

“It’s crazy; I couldn’t get into any classes and when I finally did, I found out I had to pay even more for them,” Tran said.

After acknowledging the newly-heightened costs and stressors of school, Tran said the massage, free of charge, will be a huge relief to him.

“I think it’s an excellent idea and we should have more events like this,” he said.

Priscilla Rodriguez, 21, a senior majoring in advertising, said that she has been under less stress this semester, but adds, “Stressed or not, I definitely appreciate a free massage. I already told my roommate about it and we’re going.”

Huynh said the free event is provided, in part, by volunteer masseuses who are giving their time and holistic services. Local students from Fullerton College will also be participating.

Jesselyn Fernandez, 27, is an independent masseuse who is properly certified, but only practices massage as a “side hobby.” Fernandez says her appointments are booked by personal referrals and family, but that she was happy to donate her time after a friend told her of the event’s need for massage therapists.

“I just like to offer up my time to events like this. I love giving,” said Fernandez, who also volunteers her hands to exhausted participants at Relay For Life events.

Huynh encourages students to take advantage of the opportunity, made possible by volunteers, and hopes to inspire a similar charitable spirit within all Titans.

“For the holidays, and in the spirit of volunteerism, IABC is organizing and executing a full PR campaign for the Toys For Tots charity. We’re looking for volunteers for every aspect of the project,” Huynh said.

To contact CSUF-IABC for volunteer opportunities, e-mail iabc.csuf@gmail.com.