PWA Coach

• Major:
  • Biomedical engineering
• Why did you become a PWA?
  • I have always been an advocate for mental health because I know what it feels like to be alone. I became a PWA so that I could be there for anyone that might need it.
• Other extra-curricular activities you hold while being a PWA:
  • Thai Student Association
• Favorite way to practice self-care:
  • If I’m overwhelmed, I will play a video game or watch some anime to calm down. My most important thing is making sure I have done my skincare routine every day and dressed up in a nice outfit as much as possible.
• Favorite thing about being a PWA:
  • I love the friendships and connections that I have built with my fellow PWAs the most.
• Something you wish you had known about the PWA position before you started:
  • I wish I had known how helpful the role would be to me as a person. Not only has this role provided me with lifelong friends, but it has also taught me extremely useful information about mental health and helping others.

PWA Coach

• Major:
  • Medical Sociology
• Why did you become a PWA?
  • I believe when promoting wellness to your community of peers, it is a critical take on a holistic approach to cover ground on the various aspects of taking care of your health. As a medical sociology major, I have learned to analyze health problems from an upstream approach in which you do not look at the initial problem and find a short-term, easy solution but rather, you look at the foundation factors that have evolved over time that has created the given issue. In continuation, with my own personal experience with struggling with my own mental health for a short period of time, I learned it is essential to connect with fellow colleagues and friends to find resources located on campus that promote health and wellness.
• Other extra-curricular activities you hold while being a PWA:
  • Undergraduate Student Government Association, UAB Inquiro Undergraduate Academic Research Journal, B-Women
• Favorite way to practice self-care:
  • I am committed to self-care Sundays where I will do zero homework, a face mask and watch my comfort movies. 
• Favorite thing about being a PWA:
  • My favorite part about being a PWA is being able to brainstorm and collaborate with other PWAs. This year's cohort of PWAs has been a blessing as I have been able to grasp onto different perspectives and approaches to PWA related scenarios based on background experience and just general way of thinking. 
• Something you wish you had known about the PWA position before you started:
  • Something I wish I knew before becoming a PWA is that the training material and processes you go about as a PWA will also impact you as an individual. My approach to life has completely changed when dealing with issues and socializing with friends & family as being a PWA helps you create a more mindful approach to taking care of scenarios and becoming more empathetic as an individual. 

PWA Educator

• Major:
  • Biomedical Sciences
• Why did you become a PWA?
  • I became a PWA to get involved as a freshman and be an advocate for all the areas of wellness. I wanted to be able to use my creativity to plan events and bulletin boards to help educate students in the residence halls and overall create a better environment for everyone!
• Other extra-curricular activities you hold while being a PWA:
  • I am a freshman representative for a UAB organization called South Asian Organization that organizes a dance competition called Magic City Maza. I am also part of the honors college and volunteer at Girl's Inc. through a UAB organization called Her Science. I look forward to going to the recreation center for dance classes as well as volunteering at the children's hospital!
• Favorite way to practice self-care:
  • My favorite way to practice self-care is by watching a movie or spending time with my friends! I also love to dance in my spare time.
• Favorite thing about being a PWA:
  • My favorite thing about being a PWA is creating bulletin boards every month and having good connections and friendships with the rest of the PWA team.
• Something you wish you had known about the PWA position before you started:
  • I wish I had known about how much I would learn during my training, and how I would be able to apply all of it for my role as a Peer Wellness Ambassador as well as my everyday life.  

PWA Educator

• Major:
  • Biomedical Sciences
• Why did you become a PWA?
  • I wanted to get involved on campus and promote positive well-being in others. The PWA position was the perfect fit! 
• Other extra-curricular activities you hold while being a PWA:
  • I am involved in the UAB rock climbing club, part of the BMD Mentor/Mentee program, and I am a School of Health Professions Emerging Leader.
• Favorite way to practice self-care:
  • My favorite way to practice self-care is through scheduling. I know it sounds boring but I find that for me it lowers my stress greatly. It makes sure I'm able to pursue my interests, enjoy my free time with friends, and not have to think about when I’m gonna get work done.
• Favorite thing about being a PWA:
  • My favorite part about being a PWA is the friends I have made through my position. I have so much support from my fellow PWA, other student staff members, and from friends I have made through programming.
• Something you wish you had known about the PWA position before you started:
  • I wish that I would have known how close I would be working with RAs. The RAs on campus are such amazing people with enormous amounts of knowledge on campus life. As PWA's you work desk shifts, run programs, and go through training with RAs. They are great resources and wonderful friends. I'm very glad that I've gotten to know them through the PWA position.