Bushnell University’s Division of Student Development is committed to creating an environment of wellness in which students can thrive. For some, this might mean choosing to access the campus counseling center for talk therapy. Yet all students benefit from opportunities to learn how to care for their mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical health. Inspired by her own passion to create a culture of care on campus, Sarah Halstead, M.A. ’15, Campus Wellness Coordinator, launched a new weekly program called “Wellness Wednesdays.” In conjunction with the Student Wellness Coordinator, sophomore Grace (Kitchens) Godawa, Halstead created unique opportunities for students to practice healthy habits through activities that promote holistic wellbeing. The group practices meditative prayer, mindful scripture memorization, creativity, and gentle movement, all while discussing mental health hurdles and how to navigate them. It provides a space for students to encourage one another.
Some of last year’s events included contemplative prayer times, yoga on the quad, art sessions, and furry campus visitors. Godawa, a psychology major, believes students found great benefit in participating: “Scheduling a time to relax and focus on God, rather than the chaos of college life was helpful, challenging, and truly enjoyable for all of us. Providing a structured break to our week creates space to rest, therefore reducing anxiety by focusing on God’s truth.”
Wellness Wednesdays provide a safe space through which students of all stages of faith and personal development feel welcome. Hope and encouragement are woven throughout the variety of guided activities, giving students tools for their wellbeing which can be applied to everyday life.
Halstead’s goal is simple. “At the end of the day, my hope is that students will be reminded that they are beloved; that there is a God who not only created them but knows them, loves them, and wants them to experience life to the fullest.” Godawa credits much of the program’s positive impact to Halstead. “Sarah radiates Jesus’ hope, peace and love, and her Christ-likeness is a blessing to all.”
Wellness Wednesdays will continue this academic year as part of the Campus Mental Health Initiative, a campus-wide collaboration to care for students in crisis or facing ongoing personal challenges. Vice President for Student Development, Jocelyn Hubbs ’09, MBA ’14, has defined this as a priority and has consistently championed University efforts in the realm of student mental health and wellbeing.
“At the end of the day, my hope is that students will be reminded that they are beloved; that there is a God who not only created them but knows them, loves them, and wants them to experience life to the fullest.”
-Sarah Halstead, M.A. ’15, Campus Wellness Coordinator