HSCommunity: November 2024

HSCommunity: November 2024

/ Court Side

For those who celebrated Diwali, I wish you and your family and friends happiness, prosperity and joy.

As we journey into the holiday season, I want to also focus on first-generation students. As one of two siblings to be the first in our family to pursue higher education and the first in my family to achieve a graduate degree, I remember how it was both exciting and full of pressure. I wanted to succeed and make my family proud, but it proved to be difficult to find a support system within my family that could relate to the challenges of an 8 a.m. lecture followed by my student worker position and employment. I am sure many of you are reading this either reflecting on those days or currently are having these same challenges. I hope you know that there are lots of resources for you and that you are not only seen, but celebrated this month!

Make sure you check out WVU resources, including REACH Student Success, BeWell and Carruth Center, to stay connected and thriving throughout your journey. Also don’t forget, I’m always an email or a shout out away, so if you ever want to connect, reach out!

/ Court Lanham, MSW (they/them)
Director of Diversity, WVU Health Sciences
Office of the Chancellor and Executive Dean
304-293-1425 | celanham@hsc.wvu.edu


/ BeWell

Are you feeling stressed about the election? Election season is a particularly challenging time for students across campus. The stress and anxiety that can accompany political events often take a toll on your well-being. Taking time to engage in activities that bring joy, such as movement, practicing mindfulness and spending time with those you care about, can help alleviate some of the pressure you may feel during this time. Here are some tips for managing stress during election season:

  • Limit media exposure: Set boundaries around social media use and how frequent you are engaging with election-related news.

  • Focus on what you can control: Redirecting your attention from worry and uncertainty to practicing gratitude can help you feel more in control during this time.

  • Build connections: Reach out to others you trust to have open-minded conversations with, which can reduce potential conflicts and help alleviate stress.

In addition, don’t hesitate to reach out for support when needed. This could be through scheduling an appointment at BeWell or by talking to someone you trust. Engaging in these ways to manage stress also allows students to participate more thoughtfully in the political process. Reminder, it's okay to take a step back and focus on your well-being.

/ Carmella Polak, MSCP, Provisionally Licensed Counselor (she/her/hers)
Behavioral Health Therapist
BeWell, Extension of The Carruth Center for Counseling and Psychological Services


/ Featured Events

Wellness in the Pylons
Take a pause in your day and tend to some self-care and stress management on Wednesday, Nov. 6, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Pylons Commons. Presented by BeWell.

Veterans Oral Health Day
The School of Dentistry will provide free oral health screenings for military veterans and active duty, National Guard and Reserve members on Monday, Nov. 11, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.Appointment required.

Burnout & Self-care Seminar
Hosted by BeWell on Tuesday, Nov. 12, at 4:30 p.m., this virtual seminar will help students who are feeling overwhelmed or exhausted to recharge and prioritize well-being. Registration required.

Pod Squad
Discover, connect and enjoy two podcasts each month from WVU and beyond. Join the virtual meetup on Wednesday, Nov. 20, at noon. Learn more and register to join.

For more events, visit cal.wvu.edu.


/ Journey to Your Highest Potential

All Mountaineers deserve the opportunity to reach their greatest potential and live their best lives.

From basic needs and life skills to managing stress, self-care and more, you can find the resources and tools you need to support your well-being, build resiliency and succeed in one, searchable location.

Explore the WVU Well-being website.