Resiliency and Community.
By Kylie Mellott
For many, Summer is a magical time. Anxiety and depression are whisked away by the sun and heat; worries melted away by the warm breeze and rays of sunshine. I may be biased when I say that there is truly no place like Washington State during the Summer months. Being nestled in the Pacific Northwest means we have access to tons of rivers, lakes, and the ocean. We have the mountains cradling us on all sides. We are truly blessed by nature’s splendor.
While I have lived in Washington for most of my life, I did have the opportunity to live in Alaska for a number of years. Where I lived, it stayed dark for about 9 months, and then transitioned to 24-hours of daylight from about June to August. I was always overjoyed to see the sun, finally, after so many months of darkness. My whole mood changed and I felt empowered to seize each day with a smile on my face. But then, after a few months of sunshine and warmth, the darker months crept up and once again, my whole mood changed.
Summer is in full force here in Washington, but we know it will eventually come to an end. The darker, colder months are approaching. I absolutely love Fall and the holidays, but it is usually from about January to March that it gets tough for me: I experience a lack of energy, increased anxiety, and more sadness. Living in Washington where it is dark and rainy so much of the year takes its toll on many people. If you experience seasonal depression and anxiety, now is the time to develop and strengthen your coping strategies to survive the Winter months. Find the things that set your soul on fire and give you joy. Here are some things that I love to do:
- Play videogames. I love World of Warcraft, ARK, Overwatch and single-player games like Ori and the Sims.
- Work out
- Hike
- Cook
- Color
- Plan things to look forward to! (Staycations, nights out, events)
- Play music
I feel lucky to live somewhere as beautiful as Washington, but it’s important that we address the mental health concerns associated with living here. It is important that we recognize the struggles, challenges, and obstacles that the darker months present to so many, myself included. By engaging with one another and discussing this sensitive topic, we can work together to destigmatize issues like anxiety, depression, and seasonal affective disorder. By talking about it openly, we can support and extend our compassion to care for one another. It is certainly nothing to be ashamed of. As Summer begins to wrap up here shortly, I am reminded to be gentle with myself and to give myself grace—To truly take care of my body, mind, and spirit. I urge you to do the same. Be well, friends.
Important Dates for Student Success
Student Services Summer Hours:
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thur 8am-5pm
- Financial Aid is closed on Wednesdays for processing
August 18, 2022 – Summer Quarter Ends
September 12, 2022 – Fall Tuition Due Date
September 26, 2022 – Fall Quarter Begins
Student Services, Resource, and Activity Highlight
Running Start
Running Start New Student Orientation for students enrolling for Fall 2022 – August 3rd and August 24th from 2-4pm
For information, contact runningstart@highline.edu or (206) 592-3583
Career & Transfer
Career and Transfer Services merger update and how to not waste your summer: Here is what you need to know!
- Update your contacts. Career and Transfer Services have a new email and website. The website is a work in progress but we wanted you to have the inside scoop.
- Email: careerandtransfer@highline.edu
- Web: https://careerandtransfer.highline.edu/
*The old email addresses will expire and no longer work early fall quarter.
- Is your Resume ready? Summer is a great time to update your resume to find that great on or off campus job this fall. Career & Transfer have a guide for that.
- Check out upcoming transfer events here. (hyperlink: https://transfercenter.highline.edu/events/)
Contact your Career and Transfer Services (hyperlink: https://studentemployment.highline.edu/about/) team with your career and transfer questions.
Benefits Hub is hiring!
Highline College and United Way of King County is looking to hire several AmeriCorps members to build capacity of the Benefits Hub program beginning September 1st, 2022. Benefits Hub is a one-stop, coordinated access point on-campus that connects students to critical financial resources and interventions that help them persist and complete college.
- Date/time/location: apply today online here: https://serviceyear.org/uwkc/united-way-benefits-hub-coach/#:~:text=The%20Benefits%20Hub%20team%20is,resources%20in%20order%20to%20succeed.
- Contact person/info: questions? contact benefitshub@highline.edu