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Rosalind Franklin University College of Pharmacy
Wellness Week at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science

College Connection

by Shayda Ashraf, PharmD Candidate 2020, Illinois Council of Health System Pharmacists - Historian

Mental health is important to all healthcare professionals and it is imperative to know what can be done in order to ensure mental health “self-care”, as well as the health and safety of patients. As pharmacy students, the pressure of practicals, exams, and presentations weigh heavily on us and the little reminders about the importance of self-care can be extremely beneficial.

As the end of the academic year approaches, finals week is a daunting obstacle for most students. Finals week can be overwhelming for all students and the need for “self-care” is very important during the closing stretch of the quarter. Each year, RFUMS hosts a week of events to help reduce the stress of worried students that roam the halls. This series of events is known as “Wellness Week.” Wellness Week is packed with activities for students to remind them of the importance of self-care. Wellness Week is held the week before finals during the winter quarter, and each day consists of at least five events. Students are able to sign up for days they plan to attend for some specialized events; for others, they are open to anyone and everyone who has a few free minutes to attend. To make it easily accessible, the events during Wellness Week are free for all RFUMS students.

Various free workout classes such as yoga, circuit training, and TRX were offered to help maintain health and reduce stress during exam preparation. The breakfast-for-dinner buffet has been an event the school holds for its students each year. This is an event we all look forward to and appreciate the faculty members and cafe employees who help bring the event together for us. Other events included cooking demonstrations, pottery workshops, painting classes, chair massages, and therapy dogs.

After a week of relaxation and constant reminders to put yourself first in the upcoming week, students feel more at ease when entering finals week. You could see an instant change in the students’ attitude and demeanor; students were certainly refreshed and ready to get through finals week and move on to what the next quarter has to offer. We could not have done it without the help of the staff here at RFUMS, who are always ensuring the students are supported holistically and set up for success in whatever they want to do in the future. ■