The Welcome Back Wellness Fair kicked off this morning as several organizations and clubs set up their stations to inform students of the wellness resources available on the USC campus.
“The Wellness Fair is really essential because it allows students to get to know the wellness resources in a more fun way, and not sitting down getting the information thrown at you online,” Brianna Sanchez, the Wellness Chair at the Undergraduate Student Government, said.
The USG, USC Hillel and the Office of Religious Spiritual Life joined forces to sponsor this interactive event in the heart of the campus near Tommy Trojan to emphasize the importance of prioritizing mental health while balancing a rigorous course load.
The fair was divided into four quadrants, which allowed students to spend time at each station learning about the resources and clubs that focused on spiritual, sexual, mental and physical wellness.
Gradie Caveya, a freshman majoring in biochemistry, said events like this are important because it can help students like her who struggle with allowing themselves to take a break while studying for all of their classes.
“I don’t know how to balance my schoolwork and mental health, that’s why I’m here,” Caveya said.
After having the opportunity to speak with the clubs and organizations that interest her, Caveya said she now knows to give herself grace and take breaks.
“I now know to take breaks after every hour for like 15 minutes to either read a book, watch a movie or do nothing to calm myself,” Caveya said. “It’s nice to know that we have these resources to help us find a balance and that we have safe spaces both physically and mentally.”
Students have access to Organizations and clubs such as:
SC Outfitters is a 100% student-run outdoor organization that prides themselves on offering a diverse and inclusive space for students to connect with nature all over Southern California. They offer a vast amount of outdoor activities that range from snorkeling or overnight backpacking trips. Students are able to pick the days that work best for them and the difficulty level of the activity.
Grace True, Director of Membership for SC Outfitters, said being able to enjoy the outdoors can allow students to disconnect from homework and participate in activities that will put them in a better headspace to complete their coursework.
“Being able to go outside and go for a hike can make that overwhelming feeling go away for a little bit and gives you the opportunity to connect with other people outdoors,” True said.
Office of Religious and Spiritual Life
With over 90 religious and spiritual groups on campus, the Office of Religious and Spiritual life gives students the opportunity to find groups on campus that provide a sense of community as they navigate their time on campus.
Robin Mitchell Stroud, Director of Student Engagement for ORSL, said their office cares about the students’ spiritual health and wellbeing, and that comes with figuring out how students connect with themselves and their inner life.
“We know that students who have a healthy spirituality do better as students here,” Mitchell Stroud said. “When people are spiritually healthier, they’re more resilient, and we’re hoping that our space will help them to hone in on that meaning.”
The USC Student Health department offers students the ability to seek a variety of care, whether it’s counseling and mental health services, medical care and sexual healthcare, or sun safety tips.
Gray Mandabach, Public Engagement Team Leader for USC Student Health, said it’s important for students to know of all the great services that they offer and to take advantage while they are students.
“When you’re in college, both your physical and mental health are important,” Mandabach said. “Whether you fall or you’re sick, USC Student Health is proud to offer these great services to help serve you guys.”
First-generation student Erika Johnson said there are a lot of things that she doesn’t know about college, so the wellness fair allowed her to educate herself on the resources that are available to her to help manage her stress.
“Learning about each club makes me want to get involved, because I just work,” Johnson said. “I’ve been living in this little bubble in my room, so getting involved will help me to get out more.”
Students can find more information about all clubs and organizations offered on campus on the USC campus activity website.