(Credit-Photo by: Alejandra Ortiz/The Valley Forge)
College students are faced with new challenges every day. It’s like walking or riding a bike for the first time. Juggling school, work or social life may be difficult. Even trying to pick a class for the next semester may be hard. Perhaps you or a friend are struggling with their mental health.
“Personal and Success Counseling offers personal counseling and academic/success counseling helping students with homesickness, identity-forming concerns, crisis, grief, depression, isolation, suicide prevention, athlete counseling, family and relationship concerns, home insecurity, anxiety, stress, and much more,” Andrea McCauley, a counselor for the department, said.
Counseling is available to all students to talk and manage any issues.
“They were the people that helped me out with success planning with financial aid. They made sure I was okay with keeping my classes organized and making me financially stable,” said Ahlam Abdulijaleel, a peer mentor.
“Personal and Success counselors are different from advisors,” said Rose Goodloe, a counselor in the department. “We are mental health providers. I was a psychiatric nurse first and transitioned into counseling because I like to spend time engaging with students and helping them reach their greatest potential.”
Students are provided opportunities like one-on-one counseling on campus. These meetings can be held in person or virtually. BetterMynd is another alternative available. It provides online counseling. Each student receives three free 50-minute sessions per academic year.
The department also provides Wellness Wednesdays. This day brings a focus to mental health education and awareness to students.
Resources like the mental health and suicide lifeline can be found on the department’s RVC website page. If a staff member notices a student or even a friend of yours is struggling, you can refer them to the department.
The department also provides resources like HOUSE Liaison. It helps students struggling with housing-related concerns. Career Closet is another resource. It provides the opportunity for students to receive free business professional attire. A food pantry is also available for students.
Counselor Takesha Brooks encourages students to take advantage of these resources.
“It is helpful to reach out now as an RVC student because it is free and there is support available. It can be hard to navigate on your own. Make use of the services offered by the college while you can,” Brooks said.
If you or a friend needs help, you can call (815) 921-4101 to schedule an appointment or go to Personal and Success Counseling’s website here for more information.
