Upper School Holds Wellness Panel for Lower School
December 1, 2021—Two student-staffed wellness panels were held for Lower School students in the David E. and Stacey L. Goel Theater and Wildcat Room, under the guidance of Winsor’s Wellness Department Head Amanda Santos Valenzuela. Using examples from their own lives and experiences, the Upper School students fostered an honest dialogue on everything from nutrition to mental health and stress management.
The meeting opened with a fun game of Kahoot! trivia where Lower School students tested their knowledge on all things relevant to wellness, from how to find Nurse Sue’s office to being able to identify examples of self-care (such as napping and going outdoors).
The Upper School students on the panels shared their personal experiences based on questions from a survey that Lower School students filled out in homerooms. Among the topics: managing time and planning accordingly, carving out space for social activities, extracurriculars, gatherings with friends and family, and, of course, sleep!
Some of the questions the students discussed on the panel included:
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How have you balanced extracurricular activities and schoolwork?
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What resources have helped you decrease stress?
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What advice might you give to your younger self?
The Upper School students offered advice about friendships that many might find valuable as students seek to find their “people.” The advice: Don’t force certain relationships and reach out to “unexpected” people who might offer new connections and friendships.
Winsor’s health and wellness program combines curriculum, events, speakers, and resources to best support students’ mental, physical, and intellectual health.
“We have excellent, active, Upper School student groups focused on wellness,” said Ms. Santos Valenzuela. This was an opportunity for the groups to work together and share their goals. Their messages about balance, friendships, and finding activities they love are impactful for Lower School students who look up to them.”
Many thanks to the Upper School students who participated on the panel:
Claire Ackerman ’22 Wellness Committee Co-Chair
Anissa Patel ’23 Wellness Committee Co-Chair
Abby Groom ’22 Peer Support Leader
Aleksaundra Hadrinos ’22 Peer Support Leader
Maita Mungah ’22 Wellness Club Leader
Uche Ogbue ’22 Wellness Club Leader
