It was another successful Challenge Day at Jackson College. The annual three-day event is an anti-bullying program designed to empower students to build a culture of kindness and understanding.  

Challenge Day Facilitator Enrique Collazo said it gives students and volunteers the opportunity to experience and build genuine human connection.  

“When people get real with each other, they feel closer,” he said. “That connects them with other people and within that there is an empowering feeling.” 

Participants took part in a mix of activities from fun icebreakers to heartfelt “real-talk” conversations. Collazo describes it as an emotional rollercoaster that encourages people to challenge how they see themselves and others in their communities. 

“We obviously see the division and all the ways we separate whether it’s in our own nuclear family, community or out in the bigger world,” he said. “We’re here to remind people that there’s other options. We want them to have their own direct experience with this stuff and find out what feels true for you.” 

Hundreds of local area students participated throughout the week. Collazo said this event helps them realize they are not alone in the challenges they face. 

“They begin to trust the listening-speaking process that they can find someone they trust and actually talk about the stuff that’s on their heart, mind and shoulders,” he said.  

Among the volunteers was Jackson College Student Services Specialist Michael Nau who was eager to help create a safe, welcoming environment for students.  

“The best thing I can say about the whole experience is the kids came in and you had this feeling they weren’t bought in or whatever the case was and I didn’t really have the most faith they were going to open up and everything,” he said. “I was honestly shocked to see how much they were willing to open up.” 

Nau said he plans on volunteering again next year. The next Challenge Day event is tentatively scheduled for November 2-4, 2026 at Jackson College.  

About 

The official group that fundraises and brings the event to Jackson is the Jackson MLK Committee as part of the Jackson Chamber of Commerce.  

Jackson College was used for the event space.  

Challenge Day is a non-partisan secular workshop based out of San Francisco, Calif.