Sometimes, college life can be overwhelming. For some students, it’s their first time away from home, let alone having to fend for themselves. For others, balancing work, internships and finances can be daunting. Not to mention emergencies, family issues or social problems that may arise when you’re just trying to do your best.
Knowing that there was a need to support the mental, emotional and overall wellbeing of students, Stony Brook University developed the Student Support Team, a group of individuals that are there to help when challenges begin to impact academic success.
“Vice President of Student Affairs Rick Gatteau realized that we needed a dedicated non-clinical office to assist students experiencing acute crises,” said Patrick Toscano, a student support associate who is a member of the team, along with Parisa Saghati and several other team members, under the direction of Carolyn Stephenson. He explained that the team was created just prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and was designed to ensure that students can persist toward graduation and have the right resources to assist them.
However, one of the most unique parts of the Student Support Team is the Peer Support Internship. This team is made up of a group of students who want to help build an engaged community at Stony Brook University, especially for students who may not feel as if they have a community to call their own.
“College isn’t just about classes — it’s about building a community of support. Being a Peer Support Intern is a unique opportunity to be creative, make change and be a mentor,” explained Saghati.
Student Support Team Peer Interns are a group of students that want to connect, listen and guide others through campus life. Saghati said that students who become Peer Interns are usually those who have a desire to be leaders and innovators on campus and make connections both professional and personally. “They are creating a new culture on campus where everyone thrives,” she said.
While the Student Support Team has a host of services to assist students in a variety of capacities — including emergency funds, basic needs support and leave of absence requests — the Student Support Team Peer Support Interns bring an added dimension to the department. It allows students to discuss issues and challenges with a peer, which brings a level of comfort. It also allows students to know that there is a friendly face waiting to greet them and an ear willing to listen.
“If students are unsure where to turn, the Student Support Team is here to guide them through difficult times, to work towards their success and overall wellness,” said Saghati.
Faizah Armfield-Bility, a Peer Support Intern, notes that being part of a team that values mental health has been an invaluable experience for her as she has realized that it has made such an impact to others — even when it seemed as if the gesture was a small one.
“I’ve loved being part of events like Glo Yoga, Healthy Tea Habits, and even just simple things like tabling, putting a smile on someone’s face during those small interactions really makes my day,” she said, a sentiment echoed by Support Team Intern Astrid Chong. “I’m very grateful to have had the opportunity to learn about careers in mental health from dedicated professionals in the field. As a senior, this experience has helped give me a sense of direction in terms of what graduate programs I want to pursue and has made me think about my career aspirations in a very meaningful way,” said Chong.
However, both Chong and Armfield-Bility explain that they got invaluable experience being a Support Team peer intern that will stay with them beyond their years at Stony Brook.
“Being a Peer Support intern at such a diverse school like Stony Brook taught me how to work with people from all kinds of backgrounds. Everyone comes with different experiences, values, and ways of thinking, and I had to learn how to adapt and communicate effectively with each person,” says Armfield-Bility. “It taught me how to be more culturally aware, and flexible. These are all skills that I’ll carry with me well beyond graduation.”
— Emily Cappiello
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