Drexel University’s chapter shines as our latest Chapter of the Month for their proactive and creative approach to mental wellness and fostering community! Their recently launched “Motivation Monday” series on Instagram delivers regular encouragement and mental health tips, fostering a supportive digital community. PLUS, their thoughtful December holiday mental health event addressed the unique challenges of the season, from loneliness to financial strain, demonstrating a deep understanding of their peers’ needs. Their dedication to innovative and thoughtful mental health initiatives makes them a true standout. Learn all about how Drexel University’s chapter is transforming their campus in our March Chapter of the Month spotlight!
Tell us about your school & chapter!
We are honored to share a bit about our chapter and school here. Drexel University is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and is home of the Dragons. Our campus is academically focused and follows a rigorous quarter system instead of traditional semesters, meaning our terms are 10 weeks long. Students also have the opportunity to participate in the co-op program, which are 6-month work experiences built into the curriculum. We find that the demands of classes and co-op make our mission to advocate for mental health especially important.
Our chapter members are a variety of majors from marketing to mechanical engineering. Each member has their own strengths and while working together we use our collective experience to make our chapter more successful and inclusive. We host a variety of events on campus, including social events, self-care activities, and educational programs. Collaborating with other organizations is something we enjoy most. We have hosted events with the Drexel Counseling Center, the Greater Philadelphia Chapter of American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the Drexel Graduate Music Therapy Program, and more.
-Julia, Event Coordinator
Share something your chapter has done recently that you’re proud of! It can be big or small.
Our chapter has accomplished two recent initiatives that we’re especially proud of! First, we’ve placed a stronger emphasis on social media and building a community on Instagram. Our goal was not only to promote upcoming events but also to create a space where we could share important campus resources, inspirational and motivational content, and insights from our board members. Recently, we posted about common fears in our 20s, a topic we could all relate to. That post inspired us to turn the discussion into an event.
Second, we’ve actively sought more collaboration opportunities with other campus organizations. Building on the theme of our social media post, we partnered with Women’s Empowerment to host a writing workshop titled “Fears & Manifestation: Embracing Growth in Our 20s.” This event encouraged meaningful reflection and connection among students. We’re incredibly proud of these initiatives and excited to continue growing our organization, fostering a welcoming space for students, and creating impactful experiences.
-Valeria, Co-President
Do you have a favorite chapter memory?
My favorite memory would be the AFSP (American Foundation for Suicide Prevention) walk I did my freshman year, as well as our UNO game we held for our recent writing workshop on fears. The walk, in the remnants of a tropical storm, was the first time at Drexel I truly felt included. I met people who truly cared about mental health while walking for a cause I deeply cared about. With the UNO game, we discussed fears we overcame, current fears, and what we were manifesting. It simultaneously allowed for open conversation while having a relaxing time playing a game. I walked out of that game feeling relieved, knowing there were people who had similar experiences to me and that I am in a club where our members keep an open mind and heart to others, even if they ended up stacking three +2 cards against me. The care and community our chapter creates is what makes these memories so special.
-Anthony, Co-President
What’s a small action everyone can take today to support mental health on campus?
A simple but powerful action everyone can take today to support mental health on campus is reaching out to someone—whether it’s a quick text, a chat between classes, or inviting someone for coffee. Checking in with friends, classmates, or even strangers can make a huge difference. Many people might be silently struggling, and showing that you’re there to listen creates a sense of connection and support. It’s important to remember that we never truly know what someone else may be going through. This is why small acts of kindness—like a smile, a compliment, or simply asking how someone’s doing—can have a big impact.
-Alli, Advocacy Committee Co-Chair
What advice would you give to someone thinking about joining or starting a Chapter?
The advice I would give to someone thinking about joining or starting a chapter is to make and engage your connections! If you feel nervous about joining a chapter, consider joining with a friend. If you feel worried about starting a chapter, talking to a faculty member or peers who are members of other clubs could help ease your worries. Whatever you are concerned about, there is someone out there who can show you that you are not alone.
Joining or starting a chapter can be overwhelming and confusing, but it is also exciting and worth it! You get to meet and build relationships with amazing people, make wonderful memories, and improve your campus’ culture of care!
-Natalie, Advocacy Committee Member
What’s a mental health mantra or piece of advice your chapter lives by?
Recently, the mantra that has been on our mind is “less is more.” We have found that the events and initiatives that gain the most engagement encourage students to come as they are and be themselves, hopefully while making connections along the way. Most of the time these are simpler events that take less planning compared to other events we have had. A recent event that embodied this was our Maker Space: Open Art Studio event, where we gathered a wide variety of art supplies, and students were able to drop in between classes to create anything they could think of. Students painted, sculpted with clay, colored, and did some scratch art designs.
The phrase “less is more” also encourages us to take stock of the things that we
spend our time and energy on, and reflect. Many of us, especially as students, are
stretched thin between various commitments. Sometimes taking even one thing off
your plate allows you to enjoy the things you take part in a little bit more.
-Julia, Event Coordinator
