Meet Your Peers

What hobbies do you have outside of school? 

When I have free time I enjoy reading, photography, special effects makeup and watching a good movie. 

What made you interested in becoming a peer counselor? 

I have always enjoyed helping people, including my peers. Some advice I have received a lot recently is “you aren’t alone.” People care about you, and most will listen and help the best they can. I know what it feels like being alone, so I never want anyone to feel like that.  

What do you do when you are having a bad day to decompress? 

If I’m having a bad day I will usually cry or call some people that I trust and just talk. Talking about your problems instead of pushing them away is a great way to help.

What is one tip of advice you would give to college students about mental health? 

You aren’t alone even if you feel like it, many people on this campus care about you and are willing to help if you decide to put in that effort. Mental health is a very scary and tough topic but seeking help is the first step to a long recovery. I would recommend the counseling center or maybe even start with peer to peer.  

What made you interested in becoming a peer counselor? 

I love working with people and want to be a doctor for marginalized groups, and I feel strongly that a better understanding of mental health will be beneficial for helping people in the future. 

What do you do when you are having a bad day? 

I love to drive on bad days and to decompress by watching shows that make me smile. 

What are your favorite resources that you have used on campus that have helped you to be a successful student or helped your mental health?

I LOVE the Equity and Inclusivity Excellence Department. The people are so kind and always willing to help. I also recommend checking out the KEAP Center! It is open to everyone and a great place to study, relax, nap, or meet new people. 

What is one tip of advice you would give to college students about mental health? 

You’re not alone. There are people here for you and the things you are going through matter just as much as those around you. 

What made you interested in becoming a peer counselor?

I have been through so much therapy in my life and have enjoyed it a lot. Counseling Services has really been helpful for me! I always need an unbiased third party about things with my roommates sometimes and my parents aren’t always the best to talk to. I wanted to give back by being able to help my fellow peers. 

What do you do to decompress and practice self-care?

I have an apartment now so I like to take a warm bath. I also really love to craft (coloring, diamond art, etc.) when I’m stressed, focusing on something other than my anxious thoughts helps me a lot. I enjoy dancing, listening to music, card and board games, and I love watching movies with friends.

What is your favorite quote or piece of advice you have received about mental health?

“Sometimes it all gets a little too much, but you gotta realize that soon the fog will clear up” A Little Too Much by Shawn Mendes. 

What is one tip of advice you would give to college students about mental health?

Find an activity outlet that isn’t just walking to class-being active can truly help you physical and mental health. I came from a home where I was always active with dance. When I got to college, I didn’t find a good activity outlet. The lake is great to walk around. The gym, even though it can be scary, has a track that you can walk around on too. Yoga is good to do in your room and let loose.

What made you interested in becoming a peer counselor?

I want to provide a kind listening ear to anyone who needs it. 

What do you do when you are having a bad day?

When I am having a bad day, I cook something super involved and time consuming. I love to cook, paint, and garden. That way, I have spend more time doing something I love and always feel better after doing this. 

What are your favorite resources that you have used on campus that have helped you to be a successful student or helped your mental health?

The WELL in the IWC, I have had many rant sessions with all the lovely people who are there. The meditation room on the second floor of the IWC is amazing and I think everyone should check it out.

What is one tip of advice you would give to college students about mental health?

“Anything worth doing fully, is worth doing partially.” Basically, if you can’t do it–all it’s okay to do some.  Sometimes, you need to take a deep breath and hand in the assignment not fully done. No grade is worth your sanity. Most of the time, if you are open with your professor, preferably before the due date, they will be understanding and do what they can to help.

What do you like to do outside of school?

I love doing things outside and being with nature so going on hikes or walks around the lake. I also spend a lot of my time at the gym. To destress, I enjoy taking a long bath (usually watch a movie or read at the same time), or have a girl’s night. 

What is your favorite quote or piece of advice you have received about mental health?

“Emotional pain is not something that should be hidden away and never spoken about. There is truth in your pain, there is growth in your pain, but only if it is brought out into the open.” – Steven Aitchison 

What are your favorite resources that you have used on campus that have helped you to be a successful student?

TRIO has been an amazing resource for me, especially the first couple years because I struggled with school. Having someone else to help walk me through it made a world of a difference. Getting involved has also helped a lot with making friends. The connections I have made through the clubs I have joined helps makes life more enjoyable, plus they have become my best support system. 

What is one tip of advice you would give to college students about mental health?

It’s okay to put yourself first and do what will make you happy. You are enough. You are not alone.