Barber-Scotia College Leaders Discuss Revitalization Plan The Importance Of College Students’ Mental Health Routines

by Dakaria Williams, BlackDoctor.org

In today’s world, college students’ mental health routines and all surrounding it are widely practiced in college spaces. Whether listening to music before class, meditation, or writing down your weekly goals regarding mental health, we all need a routine and might even do it without thinking.

by Nyah Peebles, hbcubuzz.com

On Saturday, Barber-Scotia College leaders held a press conference to discuss their efforts to preserve the campus.

The 156-year-old college lost its accreditation nearly 20 years ago, with the campus in need of repair.

“We are determined to build the walls of Barber-Scotia College,” said Board chair Roberta Pinckney.

Barber-Scotia interim president Tracey Flemmings said last October, the board of trustees approved a five-year strategic plan to restore the school to stability and sustainability.

“We are in active discussions with potential donors and partners and are confident that over the next two years the college will orchestrate a turnaround,” Flemmings said.

Last week, the Concord City Council released a statement announcing that the task force created six years ago to revitalize Barber-Scotia College has been dissolved.

Within the statement, the city blamed Barber-Scotia college officials for a lack of participation in the process.

“Despite our efforts and financial commitment, Barber-Scotia College officials refuse to work in partnership with us, and have continuously obstructed the work of the Task Force. We no longer believe it is possible for the Task Force to work effectively in pursuit of a revitalized campus,” the statement read.

According to WBTV, Barber-Scotia officials deny the city’s claims.

During Saturday’s press conference, university officials speculated that the city and county officials seem to be plotting the school’s demise. Flemmings revealed that the college learned of the dissolution of the task force from the media.

Earlier this month, the Cabarrus County tax assessor denied tax exemption status for much of the campus, which includes worn down buildings deemed unsafe by city inspectors.

“We are still willing to work with city and county officials, we are simply asking them to allow us enough time to make repairs, restore our tax exempt status, and cancel our debt as a sign of good faith,” Flemmings added.

“The college is respectfully asking the city to back off and allow this new administration to work its plan,” Flemmings added.

Pinckney remained positive that the college will return to where it once was.

“The new leadership, the board of trustees, the alumni, friends, and supporters are resolved to ensure that Scotia will continue her legacy to teach, educate, and train the next generation of students,” said Pinckney.

When talking to professional Dr. Jai Anderson, he stated, “sleep is the most important mental health routine of all, and good sleep at that.” Anderson spoke of using cell phones and disconnecting before bed also playing a pivotal role in securing the sleep needed every night. Because of these professional statements, the understanding that psychology’s outlook on mental health routines starts before the typical college day, at night, with sleep habits having a positive role on most students.

Consistent Mental Health Routine Or Plan

While sleep can be adequate for mental health, its effects work best when added to a mentally stabilizing routine or plan consistently carried out over time. When talking to Aniyah Sparks, a second-year psychology major at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU), she was asked how a mental health routine impacts her life. In the following, she stated, “making a mental health routine has made me a lot less anxious.

Even something as simple as writing down things I must accomplish for the day helps me handle what the day has in store for me.” Life as a college student can cause anxiety with the overwhelming work and stress caused by a busy schedule.

Still, Anyia uses her routine to organize and calm these fears by writing her schedule out, consistently journaling, and writing down her emotions. “Sometimes I feel like I can’t say it out loud, so, at times, I just have to put it on paper,” she says.

Finding Alternative Mental Health Routines: Transitioning

In Anyia’s eyes, her mental health routine is what keeps her mentally ready for school, but in opposition, speaking with students that do not have as easy of access to their particular routine have found new ways to not only practice their routine but change and bring their routine to the college campus as a whole.

One FAMU student Mykyla Hooper, a second-year pre-occupational therapy major, spoke of her initial routines growing up in high school. “I would go to this after-school program. We would have dancing, singing, plays, and I was that kind of kid that would get involved in all of it.”

For many college students, realizing that they may not have the time to add some of these routines that gave them so much joy as a child can be disheartening. Still, Mykyla refuses to let newly found responsibilities hold her back from her passions.

Transferring her mental health routine from high school to college for Mykyla meant making vlogs for her viewing daily. “I watch my vlogs like an athlete watching tape,” she says. Makayla states that she is somewhat of her own mental coach.

She is satisfied with her progress if she can see where her head is at during whatever challenging moments she gets through them. Mykyla says that it is essential not to give up what you did in high school entirely if it helps you form a strong and positive mental routine. “Of course, we don’t have all of the time in the world but make time for what is important, and you will see the results.”

Mindfulness For Students’ Mental Health Routines

From attending class to a part-time job, studying can be straining for anyone. Dr. Candace Adir stated, “meditation or some type of mindfulness exercise, along with sleep or physical activity daily, could increase one’s overall mood and mental health over time.”

Over the past decade, it’s apparent that the mental health discussion in the black community is increasing in comparison to the past generations. We are in a time where racial injustice and inequality affect the community in sadly similar ways.

Between police brutality and school shootings, this next generation of college students has a new normal that exudes and tests their mental strength and willpower.

The only difference for this generation is that conversations about their mental health are more open than in the past. When examining and trying to exercise the brain’s ability to face daily challenges.

Keeping A Balanced Life

Mental health routines are more than necessary for a balanced college life. No matter what form your routine may take, always cater to your feelings and listen to yourself.

What one person may do may not work for you, but the best thing is always to experiment with your limits and goals, slowly working to where you want to be every day.