Mental health issues have long been a concern of many. UCC students and faculty have faced these controversial issues first hand. That is why the new Resiliency Room in the ES Building, ESB 9, provides comfort for all facing the unfortunate effects of Oct. 1.
The room provides a quiet and safe space for all students and staff to clear the mind and relieve stress. What was originally the Bistro Room in the cafeteria, the new Resiliency Room gives everyone at UCC a private, safe space to relieve the burden of everyday stresses and gain enough resilience to power through the day.
“It’s a permanent place where you feel calm and supported and can talk to someone when you feel stressed out,” said Anne Marie Levis, UCC’s public information officer.
Following Oct. 1, The Resiliency Room got funding from the federal and state government to provide support for those affected by the tragedy that struck campus that day last year. Originally, counseling services used to be in the left corner of the cafeteria known as the Bistro Room during the first few months following Oct. 1, however, due to privacy issues, it was deemed necessary to move it to the ES Building where students can walk into the Resiliency Room to find a safe hang-out spot and then privately walk into the back of the building to get the counseling they need.
Federal government funds paid to hire counselors and therapists to provide comfort and mental health support through the healing process.
“I have been here 30 minutes after the shooting happened since that day,” said Tony Dicenzo, UCC counselor/mental health therapist. The Resiliency Room is a place where someone can come in if they need a quiet, safe, space… It’s a therapeutic milieu.”
The Resiliency Room is a safe shelter for anyone with any type of issue. Students can come in at any time or make an appointment with one of the counselors inside. The two main rules are that the room is not for studying and nobody can eat inside.
“Resiliency helps people get through anything in their lives, no matter what it is. Mental and emotional support is a good thing,” said Dicenzo. “It’s not just to chill out or relax, there is that, but at the same time we’re here, we’re available.”
The Resiliency Room, ESB #9, is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Anyone is welcome to drop into the Resiliency Room or schedule an appointment to talk to one of the counselors inside.
“It’s a permanent place where you feel calm and supported and can talk to someone when you feel stressed out.” —Anne Marie Levis