On October 10, World Mental Health Day, four BCIT Nursing students will be hosting a Mental Health and Wellness Fair at the BCIT Downtown Campus from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. We caught up with one of the students, Sophie Carmichael, to ask about the event and learn more about her road to the Nursing program.
Q & A with BCIT Nursing student Sophie Carmichael
What made you decide to come to BCIT for Nursing?
I always knew I wanted to be a nurse! I grew up in Southeast Asia as an expat student and was constantly exposed to vulnerable populations and people living in poverty. I wanted to do more to help these people and do something hands-on. I knew nursing was the right path for me.
How far along into the program are you? How’s it going so far?
I just started my second year and I am halfway through Term 4. It’s going well! I’m currently in my Public Health rotation and I will be starting my Mental Health rotation mid-October.
Is your Mental Health and Wellness Fair part of a project for Term 4?
Yes! For our Term 4 Public Health rotation we have two health promotion initiatives to complete so we decided to focus on mental health for one of them because it is so relevant and as students, we understand how stressful and overwhelming school, and in general life, can be.
Why do you think it’s important for Mental Health to be top of mind for students?
I think it’s important for mental health to be top of mind for students because it is so easy to get lost in the shuffle of trying to focus on school, maintaining a social life, focusing on your emotional and physical well being, and putting time aside for yourself! Our goal is to provide students with resources and activities to help them identify how they can best deal with stressors and know that they are absolutely not alone.
What sort of resources will you be recommending to students who visit you on Thursday?
We will have a variety of resources available for students during the event. We have a ton of handouts for everyone to take, including resources both through BCIT and within the community. We have information about online supports, screening, support groups, and how to manage your general wellness. These resources are accessible in person and digitally.
What can students expect to see and do at the fair?
We will have a ton of games, activities, prizes to be won, and we have a room dedicated to spending time with therapy dogs!
If there was one piece of advice you’d want to share to future Nursing students, what would it be?
My number one piece of advice would be to take the courses available prior to starting the program (LIBS) and find your people! The friends you make in this program are going to be your friends for the rest of your life. Find your tribe! The amount of support and incredible friendships you’ll have is invaluable.
Anything else you want to share with the BCIT community?
Stop by our Mental Health and Wellness Fair! We’ll be at the Downtown Campus from 11:00-1:00 pm!
