A few weeks before I started my 1L year, I read a Temple Voices Post about a new organization at Temple Law called the Student Wellness Association (SWA). After reading about the organization’s mission and goals, I knew I needed to become a member. A few years prior to my 1L year I started prioritizing physical, mental, and emotional self-care, and significantly improved my health (and lost 200 pounds) in the process. I feared that I might lose sight of how important my well being is while immersed in the daily rigors of law school; but I knew that connecting with other students who value wellness and encourage others to do the same would make those stressors far more endurable.

SWA believes wellness is holistic, involving multiple facets: physical, mental, and emotional. Each facet of wellness is equally important and interconnected, requiring a delicate balance. Failing to care for yourself physically can seriously impact your mental and emotional well-being; the inverse rings just as true. Fortunately, there are activities that address each of those components simultaneously: taking a short walk in the middle of a study session, enjoying a meal with friends, and ensuring a regular sleep schedule are just a few that come to mind.

So how do we promote student wellness at Temple Law? The school has adopted a wellness initiative by offering two things: opportunities and information. The initiative is school-wide, with support from administration, student organizations with various missions, and organizations like SWA, whose primary mission is fostering wellness among law students. Some of the events from the beginning of this school year – such as a Wellness Run hosted by Student Services, and the first part of the Black Law Student Association’s mental health series – illustrate the importance Temple Law places on encouraging health and wellness, tailoring various events to address every student’s needs and concerns. With a vast array of opportunities and information at our fingertips, students can participate in events that they find particularly appealing and useful, and that fit best with their schedule. From my experience and through my peers’ feedback, having so many of these resources and events at Temple Law provides respite and support on a personal level, along with a renewed passion and motivation on a professional level.

As for SWA, we are offering events throughout the school year to remind and encourage students to care for themselves and encourage others to do the same.

“We hope that students will take advantage of the varied opportunities we provide as a chance to strive for holistic wellness while preparing themselves for their legal profession.”

We serve as another resource to students, so there’s no major time commitment; we want you to come as you are, and come as you can. We’re looking forward to collaborating with different organizations and communities at Temple Law this year so we can further help every student succeed by establishing a foundation of health and wellbeing in law school that we hope will continue throughout our professional lives.

One of the great things about Temple Law is the diverse background of our community. Among our students, you will find personal trainers, yoga instructors, and culinary artists. Besides those professionally trained, there are even more students who are passionate about and extremely well-versed in nutrition, stress-relief techniques, and other health- and wellness-oriented topics that have helped them personally succeed. Taking advantage of our students’ passions and expertise, SWA has a board of dedicated students who have specialized knowledge and experience in at least one aspect of wellness.

We are planning events that focus individually on the physical, mental, or emotional well being of students. The Mindfulness in the Law Society, a division of SWA, hosts weekly meditation and yoga sessions. Our physical wellness division is hosting workout opportunities throughout the year, taking advantage of campus resources and the unique sights and sounds of Philadelphia (Just imagine a boot camp at the Art Museum!). Our mental wellness division is dedicated to checking in with students throughout the year, educating students on the prevalence of mental illness and addiction in the legal profession, and offering fun stress-relief activities during some of the more stressful times. We hope that students will take advantage of the varied opportunities we provide as a chance to strive for holistic wellness while preparing themselves for their legal profession.

Mental Illness Awareness Week is the first week in October, and SWA is here to remind the Temple Law community that the problem is pervasive and the stigma is real, but that plenty of support and resources are available. To reach as many students as we can without asking too much time from their busy schedules, we will be providing information, giveaways, and fun opportunities during Mental Illness Awareness Week on the first floor of Klein Hall.

There are many things I wish for my fellow students. I want us to be passionate, dedicated, and prepared to embark on a rewarding career. But above all else, I want us to be well. And I’m grateful that, at Temple, this desire can become a reality.