Friday, September 15, 2023
Photos by Cindy Davis Meixel, writer/photo editor
The "Alive! Mental Health Fair," hosted by the Office of Student Engagement on Tuesday, welcomed participants into a candid conversation about mental illness and warning signs of suicide.
For several hours in the Bush Campus Center, students took part in revealing interactive exercises – separating myth from fact, for instance, and giving anonymous voice to fears and concerns – designed to foster a campus atmosphere of hope and help.
Students arrive in the CC lobby to engage in the event in thoughtful ways. Among those greeting attendees is Hayden D. Lester (right), enrolled in business management and serving as Student Government Association president for 2023-24.
Jacob A. Krautheim, a freshman in building construction technology, volunteered to staff a table at the fair. Here, he leads fellow students through a “fact or fiction” exercise.
A big draw for students attending the fair – visiting enough stations to qualify for a free plushie (with an optional add-on: a #pcthope T-shirt).
Illuminating information for understanding the range of mental health topics
Jonathan Smith, engineering design technology, and his girlfriend, compassionately view various “secrets” shared by others.
Students could write out their deepest personal thoughts in the open or opt for privacy in this booth.
Luis E. Rodriguez, landscape/plant production technology, stops for a photo op with his new Scottish Highland friend.
Freed secrets are posted to the wall, potentially liberating their authors from feeling alone in such thoughts.
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