Whoops. It’s Wednesday.
Does it feel like Friday to anyone else?
What a week. What wonderful energy on campus, with students pouring into halls, the quad and classrooms. What a rush of activity everywhere!
As we transition into the new term, I’m remembering my first days at college, how exciting and sometimes overwhelming it was. And I’m remembering my first weeks, just last year, at LB—how it took me months to figure out the fastest way to get one place to another, and to know I could get a $1.49 emergency lunch at the bookstore (Kirkland trail mix and a cheese string).
What I remember best is how friendly and welcoming everyone was. And how willing to help me.
This week, I’m taking time to notice others and give attention, when I can, where it is needed. If I see a student sitting for hours in one place, I stop and ask how things are going for them. If I see a student looking lost, I ask if they need help. I’m asking students how their first classes went for them and if they know who their advisor is or where to find a bus map.
I’m looking at my work goals for this year as a mental health counselor. They haven’t changed much: build community, connect students to resources, teach about common mental health issues and how to manage them, spread wellness ideas and encouragement.
How to reach them is changing as I learn more about our LBCC community. As a commuter college outside of a town, it’s harder to get students together outside of classes. Food helps—we have limited dining here and a LOT of hungry, busy students. It was great to see all the students outside in the quad today; staff made and served over 500 grilled cheese sandwiches!
Let’s keep working on how we build connection and community. Meanwhile, spread the word about events and resources. Attend them! Encourage conversations. Check in with each other. And if you’d like to have me help with a presentation, table or activity about mental health in your class, department or student club, please contact me.