The fall 2017 semester was tragic for the Temple University community; four students died unexpectedly.
These deaths deeply affected many students. We did not know what to do. Although the president of Temple University made an effort to reach out to students and direct them to appropriate resources, it wasn't enough. We have a great counseling center here on campus, but there are not enough staff members to help students in need. When these tragedies occurred, the counseling center was overwhelmed.
Many students (including myself) decided that they were not "upset enough" to go to counseling. Even though I did not know the students who died, I was affected by what had happened. I remember crying about it and talking to my family, unsure of what to do next or how to deal with my emotions.
After calling the counseling center and being told that my appointment wouldn't be for another month, I decided to take action. At first I didn't know how the problem could ever be solved, but then I remembered: I had signed up to start a new student organization in the future.
I remembered signing up to help start a new organization on campus at Temple University's Wellness Day in September. DMAX Foundation came to Wellness Day and was looking for students to form a DMAX Club. I was drawn in immediately by the mission of DMAX Clubs: "a group of like minded college students who have the common goal of helping each other navigate the ups and downs of their college years." I decided to sign up. I wasn't really sure if this would actually happen, but I knew I wanted to be a part of it.
I received an e-mail from a leader from DMAX Foundation around the time of the student deaths. I and several others were asked if we wanted to be in a position of leadership. I thought of the pain that I and countless had experienced and the great need of support on campus. I thought of the overwhelmed counseling center. I said yes. I became the Vice-President of Temple University's DMAX Club.
Of course, I knew that a DMAX Club would not replace professional treatment. However, it would make students less afraid to talk about how they are doing. Mental health has always been a silent topic. Many students do not talk about how they are feeling mentally because they have to deal with life's stresses. Creating a space for students to openly talk about their problems would help students heal.
DMAX Club at Temple University was recently approved by Student Activities. We are looking to start meetings soon. I know that this club will have a positive impact on the mental health of the Temple community. I am so glad that I decided to sign my name on the list of interested students on Wellness Day. I had no idea what my impact would be. I and many other students recognized the Temple community's need for more resources. I am so glad that we took the risk in applying to be a student organization.
I pray that what happened in the fall semester will not happen again. With tragedy occurring almost everywhere and disasters appearing in the news every day, we need hope. I truly believe that Temple University's DMAX Club will provide the Temple University community with hope. I hope that students no longer feel isolated and insignificant.
Follow DMAX Club at Temple University on social media:
Twitter: @dmaxclubtemple
Instagram: @dmaxclubtemple
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/dmaxclubtemple/
