Personally, I love the holidays. From Halloween through New Years Day, I’m my happiest. Apparently I’m not alone—two years ago, Gallup reported that in 2013, Americans reported their happiest days were

1. Thanksgiving
2. Memorial Day
3. Christmas

And yet, despite the fact that we love the holidays, we tend to spend them doing things we hate.

Regardless of how you’re feeling—giddy to spend more time with your family or dreading that road trip to Uncle Milton’s—please remember that we’ve got your back! We want to make sure you’re  happy and healthy and successful.

Here are just a few ways we’ve worked toward that goal this semester:

• The Bowen Center: We bring counselors to campus, you don’t have to go too far to get the help you need.
• Safe Space training: Over the last month or so, the College has offered Safe Space training for employees. That’s training about LGBTQ issues. We don’t become therapists or counselors, but if you need a friendly, nonjudgmental face, all you need to do is find the “Safe Space” placard on an office door and wander on it. We probably won’t have all the answers, but we can listen, offer an encouraging word, and help however we can.

That’s the one on my office. I’m in CC1446, inside CC1440. Everyone down my hallway has had the training, too, so feel free to come on in if you need a break.

• Have you heard about the College’s new bathroom policy? It’s part of the larger Transgender Policy and states, “Students have the right to use the rest room or locker room facility that corresponds to their gender identity. Students who want additional privacy may make use of individual user facilities, or more private areas, if such exist.”
• The College’s Wellness Initiative is, granted, for employees, but when we’re healthier, that’s better for you, too. Weight Watchers @ Work encourages employees to get healthy, as does time available for walking with coworkers and spending some time in the Student Life Center gym.

The holidays are hectic, and when that’s combined with exam time, we know how stressed you can get. Just remember: If you need help, just ask!