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Student & Campus Life

Students share voice on building resilience

Student on bench with feet up surround by plants
 

Promoting the health and well-being of all students is foundational for academic and life success. The Student Mental Health Collective, in collaboration with Cornell Health, works to advocate peer-to-peer discussion in the support and enhancement of student well-being, and reduce the stigma of mental illness.

As part of this discussion, SMHC is speaking to students from across campus to share experiences and helpful tips that support fellow Cornellians and fosters community around collective mental health on campus.

Each month we will feature a new area of mental health and wellness, and spotlight this peer-to-peer conversation. This month, we highlight Building Resilience.

Antonia Pellegrini

Antonia Pellegrini '23

"Cornell (and also life in general) will have its challenges, and in those moments resilience means tapping into the communities we have and prioritizing self-care practices so that we can feel empowered and capable of facing those challenges."

See Antonia's full profile on building resilience.

Jamaya Scott

Jamaya Scott '25

"I wish I knew that resilience isn't always about getting perfect grades at any cost or tirelessly staying up for days on end without talking to another soul just to finish a paper. Yes, I see resilience as continuing to walk towards the finish line no matter what obstacles you are faced with, but it doesn’t mean giving up on yourself and your health in the process."

See Jamaya's full profile on building resilience.

Philly Latorre

Philly Latorre '23

"One thing I learned is that opening up to friends isn’t so bad after all. I used to feel embarrassed and bad for some reason, and sometimes I still do, but from the times I was able to do so I got love and support that helped me...it took a lot time and work that it’s only really now I’m feel like I’ve gotten myself to a better place."

See Philly's full profile on building resilience.

Salima Ali

Salima Ali '23

"I (wrongfully) used to think resilience meant nonstop grinding until I accomplished everything that people would deem as impressive. As I look back on my time at Cornell, I realize how resilient I am is not defined by how other people perceive me, but resilience is about how I handle the things that I personally think is important."

See Salima's full profile on building resilience.
 

This series was developed on recommendations from Cornell's Mental Health Review. 

A wide range of supportive resources are available at mentalhealth.cornell.edu for students in need. An Ithaca-based Crisisline is available at 607-272-1616. Students in need of professional mental health support can call Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at 607-255-5155 and employees can call the Faculty and Staff Assistance Program (FSAP) at 607-255-2673.