By: Nokomis Bramantecohen, College of Fine Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences Well-Being Leader

Introduction

Hello! It’s been quite some time since my last blog, and I hope whoever is reading this had a fulfilling winter break! Whether that meant celebrating the completion of fall semester classes, having more time to focus on work and earn some extra cash, or finally slowing down to enjoy a well-deserved and refreshing break…I hope it gave you exactly what you needed.

Although I love writing about tips and tricks on how to better one’s mental health and well being through various topics, I’ve decided to put a little spin on things this semester. My goal moving forward is to share my authentic perspectives on college, the advice I would give to my younger self and future self, the goals I have beyond my undergraduate years, and what I hope to leave behind once I graduate. I hope you’ll continue reading these blogs and follow me on this new journey, because writing these pieces is one of my favorite aspects of this position 🙂

Let’s Reflect

In my personal opinion, I absolutely loved my winter break. I had the phenomenal opportunity to truly relax and take time for reflection amidst all the craziness. Finals week, working four jobs, and being involved in clubs and organizations! It’s a lot! While the fall semester brought plenty of success, it also came with an overwhelming feeling of burnout. And honestly, that deserves to be normalized and talked about.

Although I still worked a couple of jobs over winter break, I was genuinely excited for the slower pace. For the first time in a long while, I chose not to work on Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve, or even New Year’s Day. Instead, I spent that time with family, friends, and loved ones during the holiday season. That choice meant everything to me.

Over winter break, I had the opportunity to drive to New York with friends to visit one of our closest pals who now lives in Manhattan. There truly is no better feeling than reconnecting with a close friend who has moved away from home. Even though he graduated from UMass Lowell just last year and moved away only six months ago, it felt like years had passed. Growth, change, and new opportunities are inevitable parts of life, and I genuinely believe they are some of the most beautiful concepts in the world. At the same time, missing someone you love and feeling sadness because of the absence of their presence are both just as real.

I also want to normalize giving out unconditional love, appreciation, and gratitude to the people we’ve met who have stayed by our sides. Whether they are the ones we see every day or the ones we see once a year, each relationship is held with the same care in our hearts. If there’s one piece of advice I can offer right now, it’s this: always make sure to check in on your friends, family, and loved ones…today and everyday. 

What’s Happening in My Life Right Now?

Classes, internships, more classes, research assistant, four jobs, graduate school applications, and somehow still more! People always say senior year is either the most relaxing or the most stressful time of their lives. It seems I chose to add even more to an already overflowing plate. While there are moments when it feels like I’m sinking, I remind myself that I love pushing beyond my comfort zone and challenging myself. But with the aspect of challenge I am trying to do a better job of having a balance between work and leisure. For example, learning that it is okay if I can’t get everything done in a work shift and not stressing myself out over school, academics, and other professional responsibilities. And when I feel like I am sinking to go to my support group, hobbyist and interests, and other activities that can regulate my emotions and bring myself peace and tranquility. 

This semester, I’m taking five credit-bearing courses. One of them is a research service lab through the Health Advancement & Resilience in Pediatrics (HARP) Lab, where we actively recruit children and families to participate in the Health Advancement and Wellbeing in Kids (HAWK) study. Another course is connected to my directed study with an Honors College professor. The Honors College offers a program called City-Ships, which partners with nonprofit organizations to provide students with hands-on experience working directly in the city of Lowell. Through this program, I am currently working with Girls Inc., a nonprofit organization that empowers girls to be “strong, smart, and bold.” I wouldn’t trade these experiences for the world, and I am incredibly grateful for these opportunities. 

As for my other courses, I’m taking Psychology and Law (extremely interesting), Introduction to Professional Writing (also such a cool course), and finally Ceramics (I have always wanted to take this class forever, but it never fit into my schedule until now. Better late than never)! And lastly, I have chosen to audit a French I class. The reasoning behind this decision is because my partner and his family speak French. I’m hoping to educate myself more on the language and culture, as well as making my best efforts to understand their speech when they converse with one another. To make life more fun I have decided not to tell him and surprise him at the very end of the semester, hopefully the surprise does not get spoiled! 

You might also see me around campus! I’m extremely involved and truly love encouraging others to get involved as well! Campus involvement is incredibly rewarding, not only for yourself, but for the community around you! Being involved on campus shapes who I am to this day and I would not be me without it! Currently, I serve as a Well-Being Leader, Orientation Leader, Resident Advisor, AACEE mentor, and captain/secretary of UML Club Field Hockey. I really want to emphasize the beauty of balancing work and play! Sign up for roles because you want to, not because you feel like you have to.

One Goal for the Future

When I originally drafted this blog, one of my goals was to get accepted into graduate school! Well, yippie!!! I got in!!! I’ll officially be attending Salem State University to pursue my Master’s in Social Work. This position as a Well-Being Leader has helped me reach so many milestones along the way, and I’m incredibly thankful for that.

My passion lies within helping people who may be struggling silently or actively seeking someone who will listen. As a Well-Being Leader, I not only promote the eight dimensions of wellness, but I also connect one-on-one with students who may need extra guidance, advocate for mental health through presentations, workshops, and tabling events, and help provide support and resources during times of need.

As I reflect on everything I’ve done throughout my college journey, my hope is to inspire others through my actions, stories, and future goals. Whether in my personal or professional life, I strive to create a positive impact and foster safe spaces wherever I go!