Goodbye Fall Semester. Hello Resources!

Student Life & Services December 9, 2020

Winter break can be difficult for many different reasons. Here is a graphic made by our wonderful CAPS staff. We hope this helps you take care of you!

CAPS coping

From the heart, with so much hope...

2020 has been a year like no other. At the end of a semester, we have many chances to reflect; a chance to reflect on our academic successes and learning opportunities; a chance to see that our failures do not define us, they help us grow. Many of you may feel grief, loss, and anger. I encourage you to check out the resources below. You are not alone. Additionally, I know sometimes it is difficult in the moment to see the “why” when it comes to decisions that this university has made recently. Any time you are struggling to understand a decision that was made, or a different route that someone took, I encourage you to ask questions if you have them to those who can give you a sufficient and accurate answer. You don’t know, until you know. Sometimes, the most difficult decision is the right one.

2020 has been a year of not only protecting ourselves, but also protecting our loved ones and our local communities. It has been a historical and draining year for our BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities. So many of our WCU Students, Faculty and Staff stood up for themselves, their loved ones, coworkers, and community members. I hope you are still standing. You should be proud, and should you fall, I hope you know who and what can help pick you back up—if not, I hope the resources below can help. We must remember that there is beauty in growing pains, but that pain should be embraced, not ignored. Balancing self-care and taking care of those we love can be difficult... but, in 2020 I would argue many people have done both—as difficult as that may have been, and be. I must again remind you that you are not alone. Deep breaths. We can do this together.

Over break, I hope that you are able to re-charge and reflect on your successes and learning experiences, not failures. I hope you continue to ask questions, respectfully. I hope that you seek help when you need it. I hope you genuinely check on someone, and that someone genuinely checks on you. I hope you finished this semester with a smile, because… you made it!!! We did this, Catamounts. In the grand scheme of things, as a community we masked, cleaned, and distanced our way to the finish line. So, no matter the hardships you face, know that you have accomplished so much. No matter where you are today, tomorrow, or in 5 years… know that WCU faculty and staff are here for you. Your wellness is important to us.

2020 Graduates… congratulations! You are going to do wonderful things!

Love in Our WCU Bond,

Katherine