How to Help Student Stress and Mental Health

With final exams and assignments getting close, the amount of stress being placed on students is increasing. Severe stress is one of the leading causes of mental health issues, so it is important that students take the time to care for themselves and find the right balance between their schoolwork and personal life. With Nicole Chevrier of the Mental Health Commission of Canada reporting that around “three out of four mental health problems start by age 24,” the necessity for students to take care of their mental health becomes even more clear.

For students who may be struggling, the university offers a variety of options that can help, including the Health and Counselling Centre and the Peer Support Program (PSP). The PSP offers help to those seeking it through their student volunteers, such as Julia Baniak, who shared some information on the program and gave tips to students about taking care of themselves during the most trying time of the term.

For any students who have limited knowledge on the PSP, they may first be interested to know that all volunteers have the necessary qualifications, having what Baniak estimates to be at least 20 hours of training, including running through various scenarios. They also recognize that some students may just be looking for someone to talk to, “especially someone you might not know that can lend an ear to listen.” Baniak says that the main reason they are there is to listen to whatever issues one may have and to help in anyway possible, even if all a student wants is a small piece of advice. Their willingness to help ranges from “advice on a paper to relationship issues”—they are there for anything a student may need. As such, students should not hesitate to take advantage of the program and to use it to its full capacity.

The PSP is located on the top floor of the Bloomfield Center in room 147. Any students searching for it just need to follow the sign for TheU and search for the office with the PSP label. Other than the volunteers, Baniak shares that the office also includes “sensory tools you can use” for any students who may be in need.

Baniak also offers advice for what students can do outside of the PSP in order to take care of their mental and physical health. She highly encourages students to participate in physical activity, citing the science that states that activities, such as going for a walk, helps serotonin levels. Similarly, she shares that getting outside also assists in improving one’s mental state. While it may seem difficult with an increased amount of papers or the pressure to study, Baniak expresses that students should take time out of their day to do some sort of activity. She also shares that she finds it beneficial to slow down at the end of her day and have a set routine for the night, as it “helps to take the stress away” and “having something that you practice every day” provides stability.

Though it can be challenging, Baniak affirms that “in order to do better, you need to take time for yourself too.” Balancing life between school and personal time is greatly beneficial, and having what she refers to as “buffer room” can allow for less stress and a more reasonable pace to one’s day. She strongly encourages planning ahead, if possible, to allow students to have set expectations for their upcoming day or week. The PSP recognizes that exam season leads to greater stress levels and will be available all throughout this time for anyone in need of its services.  As the end of the academic year approaches, students are encouraged to care for themselves, and to make use of the programs provided to them. In doing so, students have the best foundation to maintain good mental health throughout one of the most stressful times of their year.

The Women’s Narrative: The Origins and Importance of International Women’s Day

With March fast approaching, International Women’s Day is right around the corner. This day is an opportunity to reflect on the influential women of our past and present and, as the Canadian government’s website puts it, “celebrate women’s and girls’ social, economic, cultural, and political achievements.” Though the day dates back to over 100 years ago, its role in emphasizing the importance of gender equality and acknowledging the accomplishments of women throughout history make it highly relevant in the modern day.

Despite its significance, many are unaware of how International Women’s Day (IWD) came into existence or why it is celebrated on March 8th. As shared by Alexandra Kollontai in her article that shares a name with the current commemorative date, the first day in honour of women’s rights took place in the United States on March 8th, 1908 and was originally a strike of “garment workers in New York” over their working conditions. The women aimed to raise awareness for women in the working class. The Social Party of America created a day honouring the event the following year. The date officially became an international phenomenon in 1911 when men and women alike attended rallies in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland. These rallies supported “women’s right to vote, hold public opinion, improve vocational training, working conditions, and end discrimination,” as shared in a publication through the University of Glasgow, written by C. Johnman, F. Sim, and P. Mackie. The date has only grown from there. The United Nations made 1975 International Women’s Year, and the day began being celebrated throughout affiliated countries from that year on.

Today, IWD has taken on a greater meaning. The Government of Canada refers to it as a day of “unity, celebration, reflection, advocacy, and action,” highlighting the many definitions that it has assumed across the world. It plays a role in honouring the women who fought for political rights, women of colour who have overcome oppression, transgender women whom society has refused to see as who they are, and all other women across the nation and globe. The day shows the necessity of commemorating all women, as stated in the government’s IWD theme of 2023, “Every Woman Counts.” The theme aims to remind Canadians that all women deserve rights and a place in society and should be given as much. Despite the progress made since the early years of the day, there is a continuing need for gender equality worldwide. On IWD, Canadians are encouraged to celebrate the impact that women have had and to support the women and girls of today.

A notable quote that is often associated with IWD is by Gloria Steinem states that “the story of women’s struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist nor to any one organization but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights.” The women’s narrative is a collective story, with countless perspectives and experiences impacting the whole. This International Women’s Day, take a moment to consider this story and the many people who have contributed to it over the years. By knowing and sharing the history and importance of this commemorative day, more people contribute to this narrative and the effort toward gender equality.

The Return of Frost Fest

Incoming students for the winter term may have missed out on having an O-Week, but they are far from forgotten. New and returning students got to spend their first week back participating in this year’s Frost Fest, a celebration filled with activities aiming at bringing together the Xaverian community. I was able to have a conversation with Kali Beaton, the Students’ Union’s Vice President of Activities and Events, during which she shared an overview of Frost Fest’s events and overall goal.

Frost Fest began on 4 January, with the Apres Ski Wing Night at the Golden X Inn. Here, new students had the chance to experience their first Wing Night and to start meeting many of their new peers. Students continued the festivities into the weekend with a favourite event on campus: Two Year’s Eve. 7 January brought the Super Sub, which students may recognize as having been pushed back a day to prevent conflicts with studying for postponed exams. The event took place in the Bloomfield Center’s McKay Room and welcomed students of all ages. Beaton shared that they had hired the band Signal Hill, who, for non-domestic students, “is very well-known in Nova Scotia.” The Inn also participated, with the DJ ROSEDRiiVE hired to play. Beaton says that they had “1200 people there,” and was pleased with how the event turned out. She also shared that students got to participate in a midnight countdown, just as they would have on New Year’s Eve, and how happy she was to have this welcome for the new students.

Society Night, the final event of Frost Fest, took place on 10 January. Any students looking to become more involved on campus were able to visit the tables of StFX’s many societies on display on the third floor of the Bloomfield Centre. From 6 to 9 p.m., students had the chance to talk to members of the societies in which they were interested and gain knowledge of activities and events they may not have known about otherwise. For any new students looking to meet people, Beaton recommends going out to events such as Society Night, or any others offered throughout the school year. 106 students have joined the school this semester, and all are encouraged to become a part of the Xaverian community—whether it be by joining a team, society, or going to the events that have been planned for them. The Students’ Union, as well as the rest of campus, hopes that all incoming students feel as welcome as those who joined StFX in September.

Beaton then went on to explain the excitement brought by this being the first Frost Fest since the pandemic struck. Over the past two years, many events have had to occur in virtual formats. This limits the ability of students to meet one another and to become fully immersed in the Xaverian community and spirit. However, this year’s Frost Fest returned in full force, and was a “great way to bring everyone back together.” Beaton also shared that planning events for the winter semester was much harder when limited to a virtual format, so having the opportunity to bring back their in-person events was highly appreciated by those planning.

Overall, Frost Fest gave students a chance to come together, promoting involvement and the community-oriented ideals for which StFX is known. Going forward, all students are encouraged to continue attending events such as Frost Fest, during which they will have opportunities to meet and bond with new friends. Events are there to allow all StFX students to be a part of the community and boost their Xaverian spirit.

Remembrance at StFX

Every Canadian has a definition of what Remembrance Day means to them. No matter how someone views the day, it’s easy to recognize the increased significance in small communities, like Antigonish, where people have deep roots and have continued to tell the stories of their ancestors. A conversation with Dr. Barry MacKenzie, part-time professor in the history department and the curator of the Antigonish Heritage Museum, explained the impact that war has had at StFX in further detail.

When asked to consider the history of Remembrance Day, thoughts of the First and Second World Wars come to mind. In the case of World War One, Dr. MacKenzie shared that the school gave large contributions, despite it being a small university at the time. Not only did the school have “a great number of young men who left StFX” to join the forces, but it also played a role from the homefront. The war had begun in 1914, and by the next year, StFX had founded a Canadian Officer’s Training Corps (COTC) on campus. Although this decision was major in the encouragement and enlistment in the war, MacKenzie shared that the “most noticeable contribution from the university was the hospital unit that was raised.” Established in 1916, the hospital unit played a major role in the care of soldiers and was used to prove that StFX could “hold its own among the other universities of the nation who had provided hospital units.” Because StFX had no medical school or nursing program at the time, the hospital unit relied on alumni that had studied medicine after graduating. Women had been unable to enlist in the army, but MacKenzie recognized that they were present “in the capacity that they were permitted” in the war, including as nurses.

In the Second World War, StFX brought similar support to the war effort. The COTC was brought back to campus in 1938, leading to the enlistment of many students and even some faculty. StFX continued to hold a pro-war attitude, and the Xaverian Weekly was used to spread information about “casualties, promotions, and alumni working in the war effort”. In the aftermath of the war, a surge of people came to the university—due both to the return of those who went to fight, and the incoming class. This led to the expansion of lower campus. Most notable was the building of the Cameron and MacKinnon residences.

For approximately the past 20 years, interest in Remembrance Day has been decreasing. MacKenzie noted that, “after 50 years, it’s really easy to forget what war represents”. That being mentioned, it is worth noting that more recent events, such as the conflict in Afghanistan, have brought about a resurgence of understanding and interest. Despite this resurgence, the World Wars continue to “loom the largest” and mark their place in Remembrance Day ceremonies decades after their end.

Meal Hall Response to Hurricane Fiona

Hurricane Fiona significantly affected StFX, creating a long-term power outage and damage across campus. Throughout this time, many campus services closed; however, Morrison Hall remained open, providing students with food and electricity. Though these services seem simplistic to students in everyday circumstances, the hurricane brought many difficulties in presenting them. In an interview with Tim Hierlihy, the general manager, Debbie Kopf, a chef on staff, and Kris Benoit, the residence dining manager, these struggles were further explained.

Morrison Hall has faced hurricanes before, but Fiona proved to be the most challenging. Benoit shared that the team is “always somewhat prepared [for the hurricane], but when it actually comes down to it, you start to realize how many moving parts are involved.” Some struggles, such as limited supplies and transporting the food, were issues that an outside perspective would overlook. Benoit continued, saying that the duration of the power outage was one of the most significant and unexpected obstacles they faced. Having had to purchase their supplies ahead of time, Benoit shared that he knew they could serve people with what they had for a few days. However, he aired further concerns, saying “you start to get a little worried about if the supplies are going to be able to supplement the extra food that we’re having to serve.”

Benoit, Hierlihy, and Kopf also shared concerns over the number of people they had to serve. Because of limited food access, there were already more students coming to Morrison Hall than on an average day. With the added influx of people from the Antigonish community, the numbers continued to rise. Hierlihy estimated that over 2000 people had come in on Saturday, September 25th, which was the first day following the hurricane. Kopf added that she saw “kids who graduated years ago that were here.” It seemed that anyone who did not have power to cook at home was coming to Morrison Hall for a hot meal. Kopf additionally shared that while there was an increase of people entering meal hall, she was the only one working in the kitchen. The other two staff members had been unable to come in. Hierlihy later added, “factors like limited staff, power outage—all of those things come into play.” He emphasized how their plans had to change with each new element. These experiences have shown them what could occur in future storms, as well as the conditions they could continue to face.

  “[The students] had the three most important things; electricity to charge their devices… a place where they could meet their friends safely, and they had hot food,” Benoit said when asked about student response. All three concurred that, with these in place, the students seemed content with what was provided. However, when asked what the students should know about what occurred, Hierlihy said that he “[doesn’t] think they properly understand the complexity of what was going on to get that to happen.” He shared that the main kitchen, which cooks most of their food, was located downstairs. Without full power, the elevator that usually brought food up to the main level was not working. Two to three people “had to hand-bomb the food up the stairs,” explained Kopf. She also revealed other difficulties, such  as how “the big oven didn’t get wired until 12:30 to 1:00 o’clock, and that’s the only oven we had.” Benoit provided the numbers with which they were working: one of four combination ovens, and one of three deep-frying stations.

Their limited supplies also posed a problem, especially as they reached the second and third days of the power outage. Something as common as ice started to become a concern. “We couldn’t chill down pop, or we couldn’t leave food out for longer than a certain period of time,” Benoit stated, “food had to go into walk-in freezers and fridges.” Hierlihy elaborated on the ice concerns, adding that he “raided every bit of ice on campus that he knew of” before Hurricane Fiona had hit campus. Ice was only one of the many products that had to be stocked prior to the hurricane. Other supplies Hierlihy mentioned included paper plates, cups, and disposable utensils, as he knew that washing so many dishes would not be possible.

Toward the end of the interview, the marketing coordinator Syahrul Anwar Jamaludin joined the conversation and shared the importance of communication during the aftermath of the hurricane. The StFX Campus Food Instagram played a crucial role in informing the students about what was available; students are advised to follow the account as storm season approaches. The account later made a post with a thanks to the staff, which many students and families have commented on to express their own appreciation.

Hierlihy ended the interview with a thanks himself. He wanted to voice his gratitude to “the partners around the university and the students. Everybody’s cooperation during that time went a long way.” Benoit also wanted to remind students that although future storms may cancel classes, “the staff are still taking a huge risk coming to work every day to provide food service,” and to recognize this importance. Despite the difficulties that Hurricane Fiona presented for the dining hall staff, they successfully pulled through and provided students with all they possibly could.