Peer Health Educators

Why did you become a Peer Health Educator? I joined the PHE team

What is one thing you have learned during your time working at the Center for Campus Wellness?

What is a health and wellness fun fact you love sharing with others?

What is one thing that brings you joy? 

Tell us about a healthy habit you are developing in one of the nine dimensions of wellness: I am 

Why did you join the PHE team? I joined the PHE team because I am passionate about public health and want to play a part in helping the U become a healthier, happier, and more well place for everyone here.

What is one thing that brings you joy? One thing that brings me joy is learning new things! I love to research and explore new topics and hobbies, especially with family and friends. 

Tell us about a healthy habit you are developing in one of the nine dimensions of wellness.  

I am currently working on improving my sleep quality. Sleep is super important for mental and physical wellbeing, and so I am working on going to bed/waking up at similar times every day, and avoiding electronics in the first and last hour of my day. 

Share something you’ve learned during your time with the CCW 

During my time working with the CCW, I have loved meeting folks from all over campus and making lots of new friends! I have also enjoyed learning more about and sharing the resources available to students on campus. 

Why did you become a Peer Health Educator? I like interactive jobs that allow me to communicate and connect with others. I have had a great time in the greekcommunity and it has given me a lot and I just want to give back

What is one thing you have learned during your time working at the Center for Campus Wellness? I learned that talking in front of hundreds of people isn't that difficult. It's not easy, but it's simple. I always get nervous before my presentations but once I start speaking I mellow out.

What is a health and wellness fun fact you love sharing with others? I like this Japanese method and phenomenon often called "forest bathing". When you walk through a forest or a heavily wooded park, you aren't just enjoying the view, you are actively inhaling organic compounds called phytonicides. These are antimicrobial chemicals that trees and plants release to protect themselves from insects and disease.

What is one thing that brings you joy? The little things. Sitting around a campfire with friends, playing poker, cracking jokes, and just enjoying each other's company.

Tell us about a healthy habit you are developing in one of the nine dimensions of wellness: I always prioritize my physical wellness because it also help my mental health. Working out and snowboarding always helps me destress.

Why did you become a Peer Health Educator? I joined the team to gain more experience working in the health education world and because I love feeling like the work I am doing is making a positive impact on my community.

What is one thing you have learned during your time working at the Center for Campus Wellness? I became Naloxone certified which was cool because I had very little background on it before.

What is a health and wellness fun fact you love sharing with others? Posture affects outlook: Sitting upright and maintaining good posture can boost your mood, increase energy levels, and help alleviate tension.

What is one thing that brings you joy? I love a good adventure! Something that takes a bit of a journey, whether it be backcountry skiing, climbing, whatever!

Tell us about a healthy habit you are developing in one of the nine dimensions of wellness: In terms of physical wellness, this summer I have been becoming much more consistent in working out. I have always worked out but with ski season and a busy schedule, this summer has been nice to get into a routine of working out 5 days a week.

Why did you become a Peer Health Educator? I joined the team because I wanted to be more involved with the culture both at the University and with greek life and felt that this job specifically was a good way of doing both.

What is one thing you have learned during your time working at the Center for Campus Wellness? I was reinforced with the idea that you are not physically able to perform as well on a task with huge proportions unless you have a peer offloading some of that labor.

What is a health and wellness fun fact you love sharing with others? Regularly practicing gratitude reduces stress and improves sleep quality.

What is one thing that brings you joy? Being communicated with upfront and being given the space to make mistakes.

Tell us about a healthy habit you are developing in one of the nine dimensions of wellness: Going to the gym consistently for 3-4 times a week

Why did you join the PHE team?  I joined last year, and it was very applicable to my major and my passions surrounding healthcare! 

What is one thing that brings you joy?  Being with my family and friends and having downtime to spend with them. 

What is a health and wellness fun fact you love sharing with others?  It is recommended that all women of childbearing age take a prenatal, regardless of if they are working on or wanting a child. 

Tell us about a healthy habit you are developing in one of the nine dimensions of wellness.  

I am really trying to make an effort to enhance my physical wellness this year. I honestly haven't really started, but I spent the first half of the year working on my diet so I think that is the logical next step for me. 

Share something you’ve learned during your time with the CCW 

I learned so much! It has been such an incredible experience being able to apply the knowledge from my classes to actual work. I have learned a lot about the University of Utah functions along with its internal organizations. One of the things I have valued most that I have learned is about compassionate responses. Having now gained the knowledge about how to respond to situations that require compassion, I see the way things like consent, knowledge about drugs, sexual assult, etc show up in everyday life. 

What is one thing that brings you joy? One thing that brings me joy is enjoying the beautiful mountains surrounding Salt Lake! I especially love hiking and backpacking them. 

What is a health and wellness fun fact you love sharing with others? The body holds sleep debt for about two weeks- so if you've missed sleep at any point in the past two weeks, not just last night, you owe your body extra sleep now. 

Tell us about a healthy habit you are developing in one of the nine dimensions of wellness.  

I am trying to spend more quality time with my friends, even when plans are not very elaborate (i.e. making dinner and watching a show together, doing homework together, accompanying each other to the grocery store) which has improved my social wellness. 

Share something you’ve learned during your time with the CCW 

I've learned so much about the different kinds of resources available at the U; the financial and sexual wellness resources are very extensive, and are what I have found we connect students with most frequently. It is truly fulfilling to help students find the support they need!

Why did you become a Peer Health Educator? I joined the PHE team because I wanted to get more involved with and give back to the community on campus.

What is a health and wellness fun fact you love sharing with others? A fact that I feel is important to share is that trauma is stored in the body. 

What is one thing that brings you joy? Music and dancing! Artistic expression in general, really. 

Tell us about a healthy habit you are developing in one of the nine dimensions of wellness: I've been exploring my more spiritual side and reassessing my beliefs in that area lately. 

Why did you become a Peer Health Educator? I joined the PHE team because I wanted to be a part of a team that helped support students’ wellbeing and success. I’m excited to learn contribute positively to the U of U campus!

What is a health and wellness fun fact you love sharing with others? A health and wellness fun fact I find interesting is that humans are the only animals known to cry due to emotion, and it’s thought to be a way to communicate distress on top of being a biological stress relief response. 

What is one thing that brings you joy? Spending quality time with my friends and family brings me joy. I really value the free time that allows us to do nothing but talk. 

Why did you become a Peer Health Educator? I wanted an opportunity where I could grow in a variety of health and mental health aspects, but I could also contribute and give back to my community. Volunteer and community work has always been important for me, and this job perfectly combined both. I get to do something I love while also reaching out to others around me.

What is a health and wellness fun fact you love sharing with others? Oh! There's many! Here's a few: 

• Physical movement doesn't just include the gym. Don't limit yourself into one single box. If you hate the gym, find something else you love doing.  
• Sex can be healthy and something you enjoy doing. Everyone has their own timeline on when they want to have sex (or if they ever want to), but it can be an enjoyable experience. There are resources to help with pain, mental barriers, and trauma, and people you can talk to if you are struggling with sexual health :)
• Everyone's bodies look different, which means that everyone who is physically healthy isn't going to look the same. Focus on you and your body, and how you feel in it. Don't focus on attaining a specific shape, rather focus on being overall healthy. 

What is one thing that brings you joy? Seeing people smile, or hearing their personal stories. I love seeing people open up or blossom over time. 

Tell us about a healthy habit you are developing in one of the nine dimensions of wellness: Going to the gym or physically moving my body every day! It's become a bit of a struggle over the last year, but I'm starting to get back into the habit :)

Why did you become a Peer Health Educator? I joined the PHE team to expand my skills and gain experience in a field that interests me. I was eager to take on new challenges, learn something different, and step outside my comfort zone

What is a health and wellness fun fact you love sharing with others? One health and wellness fact I enjoy sharing is that small, consistent habits often have a greater impact on long-term health than occasional major changes. Simple actions like taking daily walks, staying hydrated, and getting enough sleep can make a meaningful difference over time 

What is one thing that brings you joy? One thing that brings me joy is surrounding myself with positive people and doing something I love, such as watching a movie, going on a walk, or getting some good food.

Tell us about a healthy habit you are developing in one of the nine dimensions of wellness: I am working on practicing mindfulness and taking a few minutes each day to reflect and manage stress. This habit helps me stay present and maintain a more balanced perspective. 

Why did you become a Peer Health Educator? The mission of PHE aligns with my value and purpose and I believe I can be proactive about my value and purpose by joining PHE team. Also, I want to make positive impact by stepping up as a Peer mentor.

What is a health and wellness fun fact you love sharing with others? Healthy lifestyle with working out and diet promoting health, Importance of Mental health, Importance of Sleeping schedule. 

What is one thing that brings you joy? Supporting and serving people. I believe that is my purpose on this earth and just seeing people have better life brings smile on my face.

Tell us about a healthy habit you are developing in one of the nine dimensions of wellness: I work out regularly to stay in shape and destress.
I try to eat healthy food everyday to stay energized and healthy (made meal plan for myself and have sticked with it)
I try to go to sleep at specific time that is recommended and try to gain at least 7 hours of sleep.

Why did you become a Peer Health Educator? I love hearing other people’s stories and helping them work through things. Mental health is so important to me so I relish any chance to engage with that field.

What is a health and wellness fun fact you love sharing with others? Rest and relaxation can give you more benefits than just pushing through a stressful scenario.

What is one thing that brings you joy? I love theatre and performing. Entertaining people is one of my passions! 

Tell us about a healthy habit you are developing in one of the nine dimensions of wellness: I really enjoy developing my physical health in tandem with my mental health. I do martial arts and frequently go to the gym. 

Why did you become a Peer Health Educator? I was drawn to this role because I wanted to connect with more members of the Greek community and make a positive impact at the same time. Building relationships and creating a network of support are such important parts of wellbeing, and I’m excited to help bring people together through this position.

What is a health and wellness fun fact you love sharing with others? A fun fact I like to share is the importance of sleep because it helps with restoring information, bettering metabolism, and your immune system! 

What is one thing that brings you joy? Something that brings me joy is spending time with the people that I love. 

Why did you become a Peer Health Educator? To be able to put myself deeper into a community that has given me so much and to talk about uncomfortable but important topics

What is one thing you have learned during your time working at the Center for Campus Wellness? how important preparation ahead of time is 

What is a health and wellness fun fact you love sharing with others? How important walking & eating enough fiber is!!!! 

What is one thing that brings you joy? A good book & being outside in the sunshine 

Tell us about a healthy habit you are developing in one of the nine dimensions of wellness: I've been trying my best to do all types of workouts, not just lifting and walking. I've loved yoga, pilates, running, and lifting and I feel like it has really helped me to feel a lot more confident. I've also tried really hard to work on what I eat and make sure it's not food that hurts me 

Why did you become a Peer Health Educator? I heard about the job from Ethan, and it sounded like exactly what I was looking for. I wanted a job where I could build my public speaking and communication skills as well as gain amazing leadership experience.

What is a health and wellness fun fact you love sharing with others? A good night's sleep helps you remember better and lock information in. 

What is one thing that brings you joy? Being outside. 

Tell us about a healthy habit you are developing in one of the nine dimensions of wellness: I am training to run a half marathon in the fall and am running 2-3 times per week. 

Why did you become a Peer Health Educator? I joined because I believe people need to be educated in topics people may consider uncomfortable.

What is a health and wellness fun fact you love sharing with others? Being able to sit with your thoughts for at least five minutes in silence is CRUCIAL for self-regulation and memory consolidation.

What is one thing that brings you joy? Hamsters! Specificallymine.