Finals can be a challenging and stressful time. Not only are all your assignments and papers officially due, but you might also be preparing to return home for winter break or even graduate from the university.

University Counseling Service (UCS) is focused on capacity-building, efficiency, and sustainability. I am excited to be here at a time where mental health and well-being are supported at the highest level of leadership. President Wilson has named mental health and well-being as a strategic priority, and both presidents of the Undergraduate Student Government and the Graduate and Professional Student Government have listed mental health and well-being in their strategic plans.

Katherine Esquivel is a fifth year from Miami, Florida majoring in psychology.

Sydney Maxa is a third year from Cedar Rapids, Iowa majoring in interdepartmental studies, with a multidisciplinary sciences emphasis and is in the pre-dentistry track.

Maddison Smith is a third year from Davenport, Iowa majoring in music therapy, vocal performance track.

Anthony Andreoli is a first year UI REACH student from Oak Park, Illinois.

Jordan Cassett is a first year UI REACH student from San Diego, California.

Maggie Bashore is a fourth year from Underwood, Iowa majoring in journalism & mass communication and political science.

Isabel Hogg is a fourth year from Cedar Rapids, Iowa majoring in public health and minoring in anthropology and Portuguese.

Grant Welk is a fourth year from Ames, Iowa majoring in biochemistry with a certificate in public health.