CCW welcomes Temerae as new health educator
Five years ago, Center for Campus Wellness was a small team of 6 individuals. Fast
forward to today, and we are double that number with no signs of slowing down.
CCW has undergone so many changes and transitions in the past five years and each change has allowed for more direction, growth, creativity, and a greater commitment to our work. This continues to be true with our newest staff member, TeMerae Blackwater, who brings a lot of passion and thoughtfulness to the team.
We are so excited to welcome Te the Health Education team! Te is a trained health educator working toward her MPH, and comes to us with a wealth of experience working with campus and community organizations including School of Medicine's RUUTE program and the Rape Recovery Center.
As a Health Educator with CCW, she will be connecting with campus partners, planning and implementing campus health education programs, and co-advising the ACES peer health education scholars program.
If you see Te around (virtually, of course), please do say hello and give her a warm welcome. Until then, you can get to know Te a little better through her own words below:
Tell us about yourself. I am Diné from the Bit'ahnii clan and born for Kinłichíí'nii clan raised in Kirtland, New Mexico which is near the Navajo Nation.
What is your favorite hobby? Binge watching anime, participating in physical and outdoor activities, yoga, listening to social justice and wellness podcast and reading.
Tell us a fun or surprising fact about yourself. I enjoy rap and hip-hop music and I love attending concerts.
Give us a picture of your life's simple pleasures. Enjoying the presence and company of loved ones.
What has helped keep you grounded during the past tumultuous year? Practicing my cultural language, and spirituality such as gratitude and balance.
What does wellness mean to you? There is no health without safety. Racial injustice and empowerment definitely impact health.
What do you like most about working with students? When you can pass down tools that they will then use in their work and so forth. Seeing individuals being empowered to make a difference or idea known to better the health and wellness of others.
What are you looking forward to most in your first year with CCW? Contributing to the mission of CCW, even if is as small as being present in a meeting. I look forward to building a strong and better community that prioritizes the safety and well-being of students and staff.