Dr. Talia Carroll, vice president for diversity and inclusion, organized a virtual meeting to discuss personal concerns and challenges in society today.
Carroll sent out an email on Sept. 30 inviting the students to a Zoom meeting at 5 p.m. Sept. 31 to reflect on current issues. She also hosted a similar Zoom meeting for staff and faculty at 3 p.m. on Oct. 1. Carroll said she wanted people to hear from her and be heard in a safe setting.
“People might think they shouldn’t be affected by all of the things happening in the world, but I just want people to know it’s OK. We’re all feeling effects of the pandemic, of the fires and of racism,” Carroll said. “It takes off the pressure and burden of the cumulative effect knowing that you’re not alone.”
Carroll said she discussed the cumulative effect of multiple stressors and concerns compounding over time.
“It’s something lots of people talk about, but it’s something I’ve been using more recently,” she said. “There’s been so many things happening, and they’re all layered. When things keep happening, it creates a different energy for someone.”
Carroll said she hosted these meetings as a way to help people process their feelings in a group setting.
“I think sometimes we don’t think other people are going through difficult things, and I think there are multiple ways to get those things out,” she said. “Sometimes it’s through writing, through group communication or even just venting to a friend. It’s often better to know that you’re not alone and that other people experience things similar to you.”
Carroll said the meetings were beneficial, and she said she is hoping to plan another virtual meeting in early November.
“I thought they went really well. I was really concerned at first that my desire of wanting to do something a day after my email would be too soon, but people came,” she said. “I hope that it felt good for folks to get things out and process with other people.”
Sarah Schulz, music theater senior, attended the virtual meeting. Schulz said she thought the meetings went well.
“The group of people that was there was really open to speaking and opening up. Talia had great feedback and advice, and I thought it was a great experience.”
Schulz said the meetings contained an important purpose.
“Especially at a time when we’re all isolated from each other, it can be easy to not talk about things or just keep things to yourself, so those emotions and thoughts build up and it’s not healthy,” she said. “I think it’s important to have a space to talk about those issues.”
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