The lives of college students and their schedules are packed with the heavy demands in their academics, athletics, social lives and personal lives. Especially for freshmen, a new environment means a multitude of adjustments and adversity. Students must learn to seek support, as learning through others may help the development of time managing skills, navigating their personal problems and successful habits as a student.
The Student Wellness Center sees the importance in ensuring students have the opportunity to enhance their communication skills and broaden their perspectives when engaging with different students. This is why counselors have created and consistently host, “Coffee and Conversation, “a weekly event to meet other Flyers, ask questions, discuss helpful tips and get support for any specific need. No registration is required, as students can join in late if needed due to outside conflicts.
As new guests walk into the basement of Mother Theresa in room MT-030, they are welcomed with the aroma of coffee and new faces who are open to everyone. Don’t like coffee? That is okay, as staff provide water bottles too. What truly makes the event special is through the different conversations and where strangers have the ability to connect through their shared or unique experiences.
The event is facilitated by counseling staff and is led by Tracy Takeda, a mental health counselor/clinical supervisor. With over 20 years of experience, she leads a group discussion where each individual who joins is encouraged to introduce themselves with their name, year in school, major and hometown. The event is a safe place for people to interact with different counselors and students of different cultural backgrounds, gender, age, interests and perspectives.
The event on Sept. 26, took place from 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm, but will continue to take place every Tuesday, from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Once the introductions are finished, counselors begin to pass around a glass jar containing different small strips of paper, each containing a question that is open for the person who drew it to answer. Once the individual answers the question, other students and staff are encouraged to give their own opinions and advice that pertains to the question.
Questions included subjects that were lighthearted, fun and meant to create an atmosphere of laughter and the freedom to express oneself. One question asked was, “What music do you listen to while studying?” as answers ranged from classical music, lofi and movie soundtracks. Other subjects included a more serious tone, as students then presented their own techniques and ways of handling tight schedules or their struggles in achieving productivity within their busy lives.
Shamah Chinyanga, an aviation and flight freshman states, “I think this was a great experience for myself and the rest of the group. I got to talk to new people and converse with people I’ve never met. Each person was unique in their backgrounds and personalities, making it fun to interact with them. I really recommend people take time to come and talk, as I myself look to return in the future.”
Photo Credits: Alex Pragides
