Month: February 2021

Cultivating Courage in 2021

| Michaela Martin

“Courage is one of the most vulnerable things we can do. It often requires a sense of faith, in not knowing the outcome, yet striving forward anyway.” – Maya Angelou 

What thoughts come to mind when you think about cultivating courage? How do you envision courage happening in your life in 2021? What current fears or hesitations are keeping you from acting courageously?  

While we may often equate courage to an extravagant goal or achievement, courage can look like many things.  

Courage can look like:  

  • Trying something new for the first time 
  • Seeking mentorship 
  • Speaking up for yourself 
  • Committing to a long-term goal 
  • Changing your major 
  • Setting boundaries for yourself 
  • Developing new relationships 
  • Applying for a new job or internship 

As you continue to navigate what courage may look like for you in 2021, know that you don’t have to do it alone. Asking for help early and often is one of the most vulnerable and courageous things you can do. If you’re not sure where to seek support from, you can always use Buckeye PAL as your starting point! 

The Buckeye Peer Access Line (PAL), is a non-crisis peer-to-peer support line that provides a space for students to engage in brief phone conversations to discuss a challenge they are experiencing and to receive helpful resources that can assist them. Buckeye PAL operates Mon.- Fri. From 8 pm to 12 am when classes are in session. Buckeye PAL does not operate during university holidays.  

This semester, Buckeye PAL will also be offering group sessions! 

How Are You REALLY Doing? A Conversation with PAL volunteers.  

Join the Buckeye PAL volunteers of the Student Life Student Wellness Center for a bi-weekly conversation on common challenges college students face. During this session, you will have the opportunity to hear from Buckeye PAL volunteers about their experiences, learn about recommended university resources, and express your own challenges and concerns in supported small groups. 

How Are You REALLY Doing? A Mindfulness Practice.  

Join the Buckeye PAL volunteers of the Student Life Student Wellness Center for a bi-weekly wellness practice. Each session will include meditation, mindful movement and reflection. Be sure to wear comfortable clothes and bring a journal for note-taking. 

Check out our website for the latest updates and to register for an upcoming session.  

“Having courage does not meant that we are unafraid. Having courage and showing courage means that face our fears. We are able to say, ‘I have fallen but I will get up’”. – Maya Angelou  

We look forward to supporting you along your journey! 

Ivory Levert,  Buckeye Peer Access Line, Program Manager 

Navigating Birth Control options doesn’t have to be Chaos

| Michaela Martin

For a person with a uterus, there are many methods of birth control to choose from. These types of birth control can be hormonal or non-hormonal. You have options! In this post, I am going to break down the major differences between some of those options. 

Short-Acting Contraceptives  

Condoms:
Condoms are an easy and accessible non-hormonal method of birth control and STI (sexually transmitted infection) prevention. They don’t require a doctor visit or a prescription. Condoms are up to 98% effective in preventing pregnancy with “perfect use.” With typical use, that number drops to around 85% effectiveness. If you are a student living near or on campus, consider joining the Condom Club to purchase cheaper condoms. If you do not live near campus, the Ohio HIV/STI Hotline might be a great option to turn to; see the Resources section below to learn more! 

The Pill:
There are SO many types of birth control pills today. With so many formulations of hormones, you should end up finding what is right for your body after trying a few with a prescription. The pill works by suppressing ovulation and increasing cervical mucus, which both make it harder for you to get pregnant. With typical use (taking a pill each day), birth control is 91% effective. This means that around 9 in 100 people will get pregnant each year on the pill. The pill does not prevent against STIs; it becomes more effective if you combine it with a barrier method of protection (i.e., an external or internal condom, dental dam, finger cot, or latex glove). 

 

The Ring:
The ring is an insertable hormonal contraceptive that requires a prescription. You insert the ring vaginally, almost like a tampon. The ring sits right next to your cervix when worn correctly and needs to be removed every three weeks. The typical use of the ring results in a 91% protection rate from pregnancy. This birth control method does not protect you against STIs (so be sure to use a barrier method with it).  

 

The Patch:
The patch is a hormonal birth control option that attaches to your skin like a band aid. It also requires a prescription. You can place the patch anywhere on your body except for your breasts. It is worn for one week, and then replaced with another patch. The typical use of the contraceptive patch results in around 91% protection from pregnancy and does not protect you from STIs.  

 

The Shot:
The shot is a hormonal birth control method that must be administered by a healthcare provider every three months (or a total of four times each year).  It is just like getting the flu shot in your arm.  The typical use of the shot results in around 99% protection from pregnancy but does not protect against STIs. 

 

Long- Acting Contraceptives 

The IUD:
The IUD, or intrauterine device, has both hormonal and non-hormonal options for protection against pregnancy. These devices can offer protection anywhere from three to 12 years after they are inserted into the uterus by your provider. An IUD is 99% effective against pregnancy. These devices do not offer protection against STIs (so remember to use a barrier method with it if needed). 

The Implant:
The implant is a small hormonal plastic bar that is inserted into your upper arm by a provider. This form of birth control offers protection for up to three years. The implant is 99% effective against pregnancy. This device also does not offer protection against STIs. 

Remember that birth control doesn’t need to be chaotic. Visit the resources below to learn more about your options and decide on the best method for you! 

Resources: 

 

Grace Axelson, Safer Sex Wellness Ambassador 

#BeKind

| Michaela Martin

Being Kind has many benefits to your overall health and well-being. Did you know, kindness increases: energy, happiness, lifespan, pleasure and serotonin and decreases: pain, anxiety, stress, depression and blood pressure.  

We could all benefit from a little extra kindness right now. Take 5 minutes and send a message of gratitude to a friend, call a loved one, or engage in an activity that gives you to joy to be kind to yourself.  

Is expressing your creative side something you enjoy? Help spread kindness at Ohio State by submitting artwork that could be featured in outdoor spaces around campus.  

The Office of Student Life and Kind Columbus are hosting a contest for Ohio State students, faculty, staff, alumni and Columbus community members to submit artwork that could be featured in outdoor spaces around campus. These Instagrammable Walls will help promote kindness, positivity and mental health support on campus and in the Columbus community. In addition to seeing their artwork displayed around campus, winners of the #BeKind Instagram Wall Contest will also receive $500 to donate to a non-profit organization from the Columbus Foundation’s Giving Store of their choice. 

The #BeKind Instagram Wall Contest is open throughout February 2021. To lean more and submit artwork please visit the Kindness Website.