By Taylor Clarke, Special to The Chronicle
As part of an initiative to spread suicide awareness and promote healthy ways of living, Hofstra University hosted a Fresh Check Day on Thursday, Sept. 14 in the Sondra and David S. Mack Student Center Atrium. The goal of the day was to introduce new and returning students to the variety of resources available on and off campus.
Fresh Check Day is a program attributed to the Jordan Porco Foundation. This foundation is committed to preventing suicide in high school and college-aged students. The Jordan Porco Foundation promotes awareness and education, with hopes to save lives and offer guidance to students struggling with mental illness.
“It makes you feel like you’re a part of a community,” said Zach Klebaner, a junior film studies and production major.
The free event contained dozens of interactive booths, food, prizes and live music for students to enjoy.
Haley Kulesza, a junior psychology major, feels that it is important for Hofstra to host events like this.
“College is a really stressful time. It’s also a really transitional time. I think a lot of times students deal with stress, anxiety, depression and a lot of other disorders start to occur at this age,” Kulesza said. “I think it’s important that Hofstra shows that there are a lot of resources here for them if they need any help. Also, just to show that there is support out there and that they’re not alone.”
Fresh Check Day was sponsored by the Office of Student Advocacy and Prevention Awareness, Student Counseling Services and Campus Recreation. Many student organizations, as well as off-campus resources, volunteered their time to promote healthy lifestyles and stress-free living.
The booths included student representatives from organizations in Greek life, the Career Center, Hofstra’s Coloring Club, It’s On Us and many more groups. Over the course of the day, students particularly enjoyed having the opportunity to spend time with the visiting therapy dogs.
“I think it was successful. There were a lot of informative tables with some fun and educational things to do. I think that it was beneficial for Hofstra students to see all the resources available to them while simultaneously having fun,” said Jillian Yuni, a junior psychology major.
Kristi Riecker, a graduate assistant in the Career Center, emphasized how important it is for students to focus on their physical health as well as their mental health. “They definitely interact. For example, eating correctly. There is a nutritionist here. Getting enough sleep, getting moderate exercise throughout the week will definitely help you stay healthy inside and out. One thing to focus on with your mind is to be mindful. It’s this new practice that a lot of therapies are taking into account.”
Aside from the plethora of resources on Hofstra’s campus, the university aids students in utilizing alternative institutions to meet their specific needs. Freshman Gaetana D’Auria said, “I learned that there are outside sources that are incorporated into Hofstra. I didn’t know that.”
The event attracted many students and faculty members. Throughout the day, students had the opportunity to learn how to get involved on campus in ways that aim to reduce stress, anxiety and depression. Tori Staniewicz, a sophomore marketing major and a volunteer at the Delta Phi Epsilon booth, hopes that the attending students were able to gain some insight. “I hope that students realize that they can overcome their insecurities or at least believe in themselves more,” she said.
Students can access counseling services by visiting the Student Health and Counseling Center and the Wellness and Campus Living Center located on the north side of Hempstead Turnpike at the Hofstra Boulevard entrance.
If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
The Hofstra Chronicle 