미국 미주리대학교 학생상담센터 소개
As a clear blue sky is coming, people’s minds are also colored blue. This is because problems are easily spotted at the beginning and sometimes they come up at the end. This time, just as the clocks are set an hour back, the Chonnam Tribune puts back difficulties faced by university students experiencing hardships by examining the counseling system at the University of Missouri-Columbia (MU).
Meet Grace Rublick (American, Freshman, Dept. of Business Administration). She came from Chicago to MU. She feels lonely away from her family; even though Americans generally start living on their own when they turn 18. Even worse, college is not like high school due to the high pressure to study, most students’ wish they could relive their high school days.
In her case, she can get help from the Counseling Center which offers opportunities for growth as well as challenges that can be difficult by supporting licensed psychologists, counselors and social workers along with other mental health providers who offer therapy at no additional cost, to help students work with concerns such as relationships, stress, anxiety, sexual assault and family issues etc. David Wallace (Director, Counseling Center) said that “Students usually visit here mainly regarding academic stress and relationships with their friends, or girl or boy friend.” Counseling services, therapy, workshops and training, all help students boost their mood and take charge of their lives. After being consulted, Grace said that “My counselor helped me deal with my issues and responded with sincerity and a caring attitude.”
As America is known for being a melting pot, the university recognizes factors such as race, ethnicity, ability range, age, gender, sexual orientation, religion and other unique issues. Besides the Counseling Center, MU has over 700 student organizations and 180 school facilities which are specialized for each issue. They also provide a safe, collaborative environment for the university community. The University counseling system members pledge themselves to make them effective in the very fabric of their lives, their community, and all relationships with others, thereby enhancing the development of individuals and the well-being of society. How do you start? Just visit anywhere that is involved with your issues. That is always open to you.
By Kim Han-na, Overseas Correspondent
김한나 해외통신원
tribune1968@cnumedia.com