I think the thing I see most visibly is how race and class shape one’s ability to decide whether take a gap year because of of COVID-19 for the 2020-2021 school year. A lot of people I know who would love to take a gap year for mental health reasons, Read more…
I have no job, and may not be able to find a job into the semester depending on Yale’s social distancing policies. With all the uncertainty and so many out of work, I believe it is completely unfair to ask low income students to contribute to their education when families Read more…
During COVID-19, being able to continue my jobs with the Yale Sustainable Food Project and the Office of Sustainability remotely was really meaningful and important. In addition, being paid for my Film Studies department job– which couldn’t go remote– was so helpful because I have an apartment lease that makes Read more…
I think it’s pretty clear that a return to campus will magnify the race and class divides that existed before the pandemic began. These divides will be structural and academic but they will also be interpersonal. Unless Black students have the means to grapple with the emotional and mental health Read more…
“I support the fight for full aid and improved mental health support. For me, Yale’s financial and mental health systems go hand-in-hand. I should not have to worry about funding my education when students are promised equitable and sufficient need-based aid. The SIC only places further strain on me and Read more…
“First year pushed me to my mental and physical limits even as someone who didn’t have to work a job. The college transition is tough enough just taking classes, but with extra pressure created by the coronavirus and ongoing police violence, I know it must be even worse. I believe Read more…
Yale MH&C has proven to me time and time again that change is necessary in order for it to fulfill its mission of serving its community. Personally, after going to the intake appointment and having one follow-up appointment, the psychologist cancelled for multiple different reasons (sickness, lack of staff) seven Read more…
Because I do not have to pay the student income contribution, I have been able to find time in my schedule for counseling appointments, and have had enough flexibility during business hours to get matched with a therapist much faster than some of my peers. However, when I asked to Read more…
The pandemic has served as a harsh reminder of the large disparity between first generation low income students and the majority of Yalies. My tight income household struggles to provide me with many of the privileges financially free households are able to provide. That disparity can be a slight difference, Read more…
“Ever since I arrived at Yale as a freshman, I have heard horror stories of Yale Mental Health Services and how getting an appointment could take months. As someone who has struggled with anxiety and depression all throughout highschool, the transition to college was not easy for me. I am Read more…