The switch to online classes was one that came extremely abruptly and altered the atmosphere of schooling entirely.
It was a change that both students and teachers had difficulty adjusting to.
Now that many universities, including UW, have returned to traditional semesters this fall, students and teachers are once again being required to quickly readjust to new environments.
The sudden changes that university communities across the country have experienced during the pandemic have had detrimental effects on mental health.
I, like many other students, am a visual learner and thrive in a classroom setting. Having to learn everything on a screen made school very difficult to engage with and bored me to tears.
I am confident that other students felt the same way while all classes were being held via Zoom.
As we slowly re-enter the world of face-to-face learning and having in-person activities on campus, students and teachers are likely feeling excited and overwhelmed.
We became so used to having fully virtual interactions throughout the pandemic that making slow movements toward normalcy can be intimidating.
It is imperative to increase recognition of mental health and wellbeing resources on campus so that the entirety of the UW community is aware of their availability.
The University Counseling Center is, in my opinion, one of the most important mental health resources on campus and has services available for free for actively enrolled students. The UCC is currently offering services both in person and over the phone.
The Wellness Center incorporates both physical and mental health to build an environment for students that emphasizes overall wellbeing. As per the Wellness Center website, their core values include harm reduction, collaboration and viewing every student as a person.
Half Acre Gym is another wonderful wellness resource that is available to students. The gym offers a swimming pool, climbing wall, personal training and several other activities to increase overall wellness.
Each of these are substantial resources for students to utilize in order to prioritize their overall wellbeing, which is imperative to focus on this semester.
An emphasis on togetherness is important as well. I encourage students to check on and spend time with their friends as we adjust to a traditional school experience.
If you are feeling stressed and overwhelmed, you are not alone. Chances are, your peers are experiencing the same emotions.
Readjusting to a traditional semester after becoming so used to a virtual school setting is not easy, but there are resources available on campus to ensure students have a comfortable semester.
An increased awareness of these resources can help to reassure the UW community that their wellbeing, both physical and mental, matters in the utmost sense.
University Counseling Center: http://www.uwyo.edu/ucc/
Wellness Center: https://www.uwyo.edu/rec/wellness-center/
Half Acre Gym: http://www.uwyo.edu/rec/
