University News

Caring for Yourself & Caring for Others

October 15, 2020

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Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,

I have been in higher education for over 30 years, and I can't think of any time in my career that has been as stressful and challenging as the semester we are now in. We started the semester in the midst of a global pandemic, with many of our courses online or hybrid. We are still reeling from racial tension that has affected our community and our nation. We have an extremely nerve-wracking election on the horizon. We had a shooting on our Macomb campus.

That we have made it to this point in the semester is a testament to our resilience. While we have adapted to new teaching and learning strategies, the added stress of our impending midterms challenges us to continue along the paths we have chosen. We are Leathernecks, first in and last out, making extreme efforts to achieve success. But Leathernecks do that together, working collectively as a team, and supporting each other. So today, I am asking you to take care of yourself in a meaningful way; to take a few moments to consider your own needs and regroup. We can't help anyone if we can't first take a few minutes to help ourselves.

Although we are six feet apart, we need to continue to connect with each other, check in, and empower each other to press on. When we share our experiences and our feelings, we learn that our worries may be quite similar and we benefit from the collective support of the group. At the same time, your support of others can provide you with inner peace and a positive shift. Our entire community benefits through our connectedness.

We have each other, we have resources, you are not alone. You are important and if you are hurting, please consider reaching out. Call a friend or a loved one you haven't spoken with in a while. Send a note via mail, email or text. Talk to a trusted professor or an advisor. If you're not sure who to contact, support staff are available through the University Counseling Center (UCC) and other departments. For more information about UCC services as a starting point, visit wiu.edu/ucc.

Take care of yourself and be well. Your well-being is our priority, and together, we will get through this.

Martin Abraham
Interim President




Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing