The first six months of the pandemic were all about getting my bearings. For someone who used to spend thirteen-hour days on campus, (shout out to the Union sushi for providing 1/3 of my diet) --between class, club meetings, and naps on the Bennion Center couches--the transition to full days spent in my 750 square ft apartment overhauled everything I knew about myself.
January is Stalking Awareness Month and it’s good timing for us to be addressing this serious issue. As you may have seen in recent reports, rates of stalking have increased significantly on our campus and in the community.
I started hanging up cardboard signs with the words “You Are Loved” stamped on them 3 years ago. At the time, I was suffering from undiagnosed depression and I was still working on my journey with therapy. I found that when I was most stressed, it would help to hang those signs.
Our students balance a lot: academic study, research, internships, and, if there’s time, a social life and relaxation. On top of that, many of our students are also raising a family and/or working part- or full-time jobs. Each of these commitments demand their time and effort, which can tax their wellness—mentally, emotionally, and physically.
Earlier this month, the University of Utah released a message to the campus community asking students to report to a COVID-19 testing location and be tested for coronavirus before heading onto Thanksgiving festivities.