Wellness Wednesdays, an online wellness kit, and an intention-setting event are just a few of the fresh wellness initiatives implemented at South Texas this academic year by Jazmine Rivera, student support specialist hired last November to join the Student Support team.
Rivera develops programming and resources to assist STCL Houston students in balancing the pressures of law school and developing healthy coping mechanisms to manage stress, anxiety, depression and burnout.
“I chose to come to South Texas because the law school is actively spurring conversation and holding space to discuss these important mental health issues,” Rivera said. “I am very pleased to see this concerted effort from the entire institution, from the top down.”
Building on a background in counseling from Sam Houston State University, Rivera loves working with students. As her first initiative at South Texas, the department created a Wellness Kit that includes all types of resources, both on campus and in the wider community. The kit covers everything — from help searching for a therapist and suggestions for healthy places to eat to calming breathing exercises and relevant articles from respected mental health publications.
Making mental health guidance accessible is paramount for Rivera. This includes making online resources available for students who are off campus or who may need support after hours.
She highlighted that the Student Support Office has contracted with several counselors to offer three free sessions to any STCL Houston student and to recent alums studying for the Bar Exam. Counseling services can be crucial, especially in moments of crisis. However, they can be costly if students don’t have insurance. Once the free sessions have been used, students can receive referrals to assist with finding a long-term therapist..
“Studies have shown high rates of mental health issues and addiction in the profession and in law schools,” Rivera said. “Law students and legal professionals operate under extreme pressure and hold themselves to very high standards, which may contribute to stress, anxiety, imposter syndrome, depression and burnout.” The student support staff members are the first point of contact for students dealing with these issues. The staff is trained to provide academic and wellness counseling – including crisis management.
All STCL Houston first-year (1L) students sign a matriculation commitment, which includes an agreement to maintain balance and perspective and to ask for help when needed. Rivera’s goals are to foster connections and to create an environment that supports all-encompassing student wellness and further prepares them for successful legal careers.
The department also has initiated Wellness Wednesdays — events dedicated to thinking about anything but law school. “We’re helping students cope, prepare for their future careers, be present in the moment, and learn about different topics related to wellness,” she said.
Topics this semester include helping relationships, self-compassion, burnout, and stress management — just in time for finals week.
One question Rivera asks her students is: “What is something you’re going to do for yourself today?” She pushes them to be intentional about setting time aside for their needs. (And no, completing assigned reading doesn’t count!). She asks them to choose an activity not related to school or work obligations.
“Sometimes people need permission to take a step back and listen to their body’s needs,” she said. “This is not something they should feel guilty about.”
Earlier this semester, students enjoyed Wellness Weekend, developed in collaboration with the Black Law Students Association. Games helped students decompress and have fun with their peers. Other upcoming programming includes a mental health awareness day,10-minute chair massages by appointment (during finals week), spending time with trained therapy dogs, and targeted wellness events for Bar takers
Rivera emphasized that self-care is not a prescriptive, one-size-fits-all solution. “It doesn’t have to be a half hour of meditation”, she said. “It’s about doing something for yourself, whatever that looks like for you, even if it’s watching reality TV or spending time with friends. Having a supportive social circle is important for mental health, too.”
For more information about upcoming programs or if you are in need of services, the Office of Student Support staff can be reached at studentsupport@stcl.edu or by calling 713-646-2975.
