As the school year comes to a close, it seems as if I am balancing – rather juggling – more than ever. From persistent friend drama, inter-organization conflict, separation anxiety (from family and senior friends who are graduating) and hopelessness. So I was very thankful for the opportunity to join a group of Rose Scholars to discuss the Cornell’s favorite buzzword: stress management. But part of me is always skeptical to ask other stressed students for relaxation advice…
At this dinner, many students expressed the lack of resources available on this campus for combatting stress and hopelessness. Since I walked onto Cornell’s campus nearly three years ago, I heard from upperclassmen that CAPS lacked the ability to provide all students with adequate counseling services. So I find it ironic to see the university build a new health center. I, along with many other Cornell students, are curious to know who will be utilizing the space, since there are little to no CAPS professionals to compensate the students on this campus. A student should never wait for over two weeks to find an appointment.
However, the bulk of the conversation was dedicated to how Cornell University should look to improve their services to prevent the high rate of suicide and hopelessness on this campus. So together a group of Rose Scholars and I drafted a list of concerns and demands we hope the university and Rose House will listen to:
- Free gym membership for all students. Or at least a small gym unit in resident halls.
- Free bus pass for all students
- A weekly large campus event – from movie on the quad, to concerts, to recess, to free ice cream
- Free merchandise and Cornell Swag
- The Cornell mascot should be more present on campus (walking around giving people high fives, etc)
- There needs to be more university traditions for students to partake in.
- Also, there should be a more coordinated effort to ensure students are engaged. I think the university should publish a monthly booklet with opportunities and events to attend (similar to the orientation packet).
While theses are just a small list of actions. I look forward to working with the Rose community and the University to address and tackle these issues.