As midterms loom, students gathered at WCU’s inaugural Fresh Check Day on February 19 at Water Rock residence hall to prioritise their mental wellbeing. The event, inspired by the Jordan Porco Foundation, aims to reduce stigma and promote mental health among young adults, honouring Jordan Porco, who tragically took his life during his freshman year. “We felt like there needed to be a day dedicated to mental health, and this checks that box,” stated Claire Allison, assistant director of health and wellness education.
Participants began by receiving cards with ten boxes, each representing different booths focused on various mental health themes set up by campus partners, including sociology students addressing stigma. Attendees who visited all booths received a free t-shirt, marking their journey towards understanding and supporting mental health awareness.
One notable booth, “Elephant in the Room,” created by Kathleen Brennan’s class, invited attendees to express their struggles with mental health by writing on cards and either displaying them or submitting them into a giant pink elephant. A decorated mirror allowed participants to share positive affirmations, helping to foster self-love amidst the conversation around stigma. “We want to recognise these stigmas but also acknowledge the positive aspects,” Brennan explained.
Emery Eldridge, one of the students at the booth, shared her own mental health battles, revealing the cathartic benefits of the event. Meanwhile, Parker Metlick, a communication major, mirrored the sentiment, emphasising the importance of community in reassuring individuals facing similar challenges. “The more you talk about it, the more you build a community,” Eldridge added, highlighting the event’s purpose.
The event also featured a mandatory suicide prevention booth called “The Nine out of Ten,” which provided essential resources for attendees and their loved ones. Engaging activities, like a mini-golf course, conveyed critical mental health statistics while ensuring the atmosphere remained informative yet welcoming. “Success is giving someone a new fact; it can prevent fear,” stated Bren Hausler of Out of the Darkness.
Another creative addition was provided by the Bardo Arts Center, offering art activities that encouraged students to express themselves through creativity as a coping mechanism. Rachel Hood, the marketing manager, commented, “Art gives you a place to release,” underscoring the therapeutic power of creativity. Claire Allison deemed the event a success, wishing to organise Fresh Check Day annually to keep the dialogue about mental health alive.
On February 19, WCU held its first Fresh Check Day, encouraging students to engage with their mental wellbeing as midterms approached. Inspired by the Jordan Porco Foundation, the event included interactive booths addressing mental health stigma, suicide prevention, and creative expression through art. Conversations and affirmations fostered a supportive atmosphere, contributing to the community’s understanding of mental health challenges.
WCU’s first Fresh Check Day successfully created a safe space for students to engage in conversations about mental health as they approached midterms. Through interactive booths, creative expression, and sharing personal experiences, attendees not only learned about the resources available to them but also built a supportive community. The event’s impact resonated with the hope of continuing this vital initiative in future years, reinforcing the importance of mental wellbeing.
Original Source: www.westerncarolinian.com
