Supporting First-Year Athletes at Dickinson College
Starting college can be tough, especially for first-year athletes. Alongside the excitement of new experiences, many face academic challenges, intense training, and social pressures. Understanding this, Dickinson College has teamed up with the RADical Hope Foundation to offer essential support for these students.
The RADical Hope Foundation, founded by Pam and Phil Martin, focuses on mental health after the loss of their son, Chris, to suicide in 2017. Their mission is clear: to tackle the emotional and mental health hurdles young people encounter. A key part of this initiative is RADical Health, a program crafted with insights from mental health experts and students.
According to MacKenzie Kelly, the Director of Programs at RADical Hope, “We aim to empower young people to build resilience and connections.” This fall, all 163 first-year athletes at Dickinson will join the RADical Health program, supported by 33 trained upperclassmen mentors.
What sets RADical Health apart is its peer-led approach. Instead of formal lectures, new students meet in small, relaxed groups led by fellow athletes who understand their challenges. This creates a trusting atmosphere where athletes can open up about their feelings.
Many mentors joined the program to support first-years. Senior Charlie Baughan shared, “I wanted to help freshmen navigate their new environment.” Similarly, senior Ethan Jarden was inspired by a Clemson University player discussing the program’s importance. He believes in encouraging first-year athletes to engage in self-exploration.
The program spans four weeks, focusing on key topics for personal growth:
- Week 1: What matters to me? Identifying personal principles and priorities.
- Week 2: Why am I stressed? Learning resilience.
- Week 3: How do I connect? Enhancing emotional intelligence.
- Week 4: Where do I go from here? Setting future goals.
Junior Gabby Smelcer explains that the discussions target real-life situations, giving students practical tools for coping with college pressures. The goal is to cultivate a strong community at Dickinson, showing first-years they’re more than just athletes and that their struggles are shared.
Interestingly, mentors also gain significantly from this experience. They build leadership skills and deepen their compassion. Smelcer noted, “Watching meaningful discussions unfold is rewarding.” Jarden added that he’s improved in understanding stress among peers, becoming a better listener.
This initiative shows that prioritizing mental health matters. By investing in programs like RADical Health, Dickinson College is shaping a culture of care and support that will benefit students for years to come.
Mental health challenges amongst college students have recently been highlighted in various studies. According to a survey by the American College Health Association, over 60% of students report feeling overwhelming anxiety. Programs like RADical Health are crucial as they foster community and shared understanding, helping students navigate their toughest days.
As society becomes more aware of mental health, institutions like Dickinson College are taking proactive steps. By connecting first-year students with peer mentors, they establish a foundation that not only helps students succeed academically and athletically but also promotes mental well-being. For more insights on college mental health resources, check out the American Psychological Association website.
