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Share thisOut of the Darkness Walk
On Sunday morning, April 16th, First Year Seminar students from Dr. Santhiny Rajamohan’s First Year Seminar course participated in the Out of the Darkness Walk held on the campus of St. John Fisher University (SJFU). The walk was chosen as this year’s service project for the class; this project is a vital component of the First Year Seminar course. The walk is an event put on by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) in order to bolster suicide prevention efforts nationwide. Katie Allkofer, First Year Seminar Mentor, and Kellie Barbato, Director of Library Services, also walked as part of the Roberts team. The program featured participants sharing stories about how suicide has affected their lives. Participants could select honor bead necklaces to wear with an array of colors representing different experiences with suicide, such as the loss of a parent, sibling, friend, or a personal struggle or attempt. It was uplifting to gather with many other college students, faculty, and staff from the Rochester area whose lives have been impacted by suicide to support and encourage one another. Our Roberts Wesleyan University First Year Seminar team raised $1,725 for AFSP.
It is imperative to shed light on mental health and advocate for further awareness; individuals too often struggle alone in fear of potential stigmatization. The Out of the Darkness walk was powerful and impactful; it provided students, staff, and advocates with the opportunity to discuss ways to support loved ones struggling with mental health disorders. It is important to reach out, provide validation of thoughts and feelings, and offer both moral and pragmatic support to those that are struggling. Do not minimize the power of sitting in silence with an acquaintance or loved one; providing space for someone to unburden both their mind and heart can do wonders in assuaging emotional pain. Spending time with someone who is struggling and offering to accompany them as they seek help can also be profoundly beneficial. The Out of the Darkness walk allowed participants to attain this insight and ignited students’ passion for helping others. It was beautiful to see students taking part in this project and the pride they radiated as they supported this cause; each was awakened to their own innate ability to make a difference. It was a wonderful first-time collaboration with a neighboring school (SJFU) to support the AFSP mission of saving lives and bringing hope to individuals affected by suicide.
Let’s keep saving lives!
If you or someone you know is in crisis, please call 988 or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741
Katherine Allkofer
Kellie Barbato
[Tiffany Rollek, Area Director of Western NY Chapter of AFSP, joined us at SJFU for the walk]
Students Experiences:
“I think the walk was a great way to raise awareness while having fun and showing support for each other. Having struggled coth mental health myself as well as some family and friends it was really nice walking in to see so many people there to spread hope and love.”- Sammi
“It was an impactful event. It showed what is possible when we come together to make change. I enjoyed hearing the personal testimony share. They show how important it is to be there for our friends and family.” - Georgia
“I felt very helpful and was more than happy to contribute to this special event! I hope that next time it'll be bigger than what is was and more people Joining to raise awareness.” - Keveina
“The walk at Fisher was something I have never done before. I always hear about events that stand for a good cause but actually attending this walk felt freeing. I know people who struggle with mental health. I feel like it’s easy to forget everyone around us is going through something. It was comforting to see a handful of people come together to show mental health the love it needs and deserves.” - Chloe
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