History of the Work in Progress Campaign
In spring 2018, John Tucci approached the Health Promotion and Wellness office wanting to make a difference on the issue of mental health. He disclosed that he was going to counseling and it was really helpful. He said that if he knew that others were going to counseling, he might have gone a lot earlier. His idea was to find an outlet for students to share their own struggles, how they are overcoming them, and help people realize that everyone, even those you look up to, are works in progress. That fall we had our first roll out of posters and the campaign has been growing ever since.
Some of the participants in the Work in Progress campaign have also provided their emails. Please feel free to reach out if their stories resonate with you. They know going through these challenges alone can be difficult and would love to provide any support they can.
Name: Calvin Chmura
Major/Position on Campus: Middle Child Education with concentrations in Science and Social Studies
Year in School: Senior
I struggle with Depression and Anxiety.
I handle this challenge by praying, going to counseling, and spending time with friends.
Why did you want to participate in the WIP Campaign and/or why is it important to you?: It is so important for those who struggle with their mental health that they are never alone and there are people like them that care about their wellbeing. It is so important for everyone to know that they are not the only ones that are having these experiences, and I want to be an advocate for other people like myself who sometimes need that reminder.
Email: cchmura20@jcu.edu
Name: John Anthony Ambrose
Major/Position on Campus: Double Alum (BA in Political Science 2015, MA in Nonprofit Administration 2020)
Former Records and Operations Coordinator- Office of the Registrar
I struggle with Depression and Anxiety.
I handle this challenge by making an effort to live presently and be mindful of the present moment. Learning to prioritize self-care and taking the time to put myself first when it is necessary. Recognizing that I am not alone, that there are things that I can do to cope, and that there are others willing to support me in my struggle. There is always room for improvement. I am constantly a work in progress.
Why did you want to participate in the WIP Campaign and/or why is it important to you? I want others who may struggle in a similar way to know that they are not alone and that there is hope.
Email: johnanthonyambrose@gmail.com
Name: Caitlyn McQuaide
Major/Position on Campus: Marketing Major
Year in School (if applicable): Senior
I struggle with anxiety & feelings of self-doubt.
I handle this challenge by practicing mindfulness and attending counseling sessions.
Why did you want to participate in the WIP Campaign and/or why is it important to you? I wanted to participate because I have been working on being more vulnerable and the WIP Campaign is a good way to allow me to open up about my personal struggles and how I deal with them. Additionally, I participated to remind others that they are not alone in the challenges they face.
Email: cmcquaide20@jcu.edu
Name: Anneke Carlo
Major/Position on Campus: Exercise Science
Year in School (if applicable): Senior
I am struggling with caring for a sick loved one at home while being away from home. It is hard knowing that someone very close to me is sick and I am not there.
I handle this challenge by surrounding myself with people who listen to me and give me great advice! I also try to take time for myself so that I don't get overwhelmed and stressed out with whatever comes my way.
Why did you want to participate in the WIP Campaign and/or why is it important to you?
I wanted to participate in the WIP Campaign because we are all going through something. Everyone is dealing with something and you might not be able to tell because of how they present themselves on the outside. With the WIP Campaign, it shows that we are all in this together. By participating, I hope that people realize that it is okay to feel the way they do and that they never have to struggle alone. We are all works in progress.
Email: acarlo20@jcu.edu
Name: Sydnia De Franco
Position on Campus: Director, Arrupe Scholars Program
I struggle with anxiety and depression.
I handle this challenge by purposefully making time to do things I love with people I love.
Why did you want to participate in the WIP Campaign and/or why is it important to you?
I wanted to participate in the WIP campaign because I want students to know that there are adults on campus who can relate to them and want to support them as they work through their mental health issues. I also think that unfortunately there are still stigmas surrounding mental health issues, and being open about what people are facing is very important. Knowing that your mental health goes hand in hand with your physical health is key. Your brain needs love & care too!
Email: stcheurekdjian@jcu.edu
Name: Erin Ahern
Major: Psychology and Sociology/Criminology Double Major with a Stats Minor
Year in School: Junior
I struggle with anxiety and questions of self worth.
I handle this challenge by taking time everyday to do things I love. I’ve been writing poetry as a method of journaling and teaching myself piano. I also love to get my feelings out at the gym!
Why did you want to participate in the WIP Campaign and/or why is it important to you?
The WIP Campaign is important to me because we all struggle with something, especially during our college years. Before coming to college, we are constantly told that it will be the 'best 4 years of our lives!' While college can offer some amazing opportunities, it may be the most stressful 4 years of your life, the most confusing 4 years of your life, the most lonely 4 years of our lives, etc. I feel that there is such a stigma around struggling that people feel like they are doing something wrong if they are not enjoying every single moment of college and living the best 4 years of their lives. The WIP campaign brings to light that people do still struggle during college and it is OKAY.
Email: eahern21@jcu.edu
Name: John Tucci
Alum: Graduated 2019, Creator of Campaign
I struggle with depression and anxiety.
I handle this challenge by attending counseling sessions as well as talking to and spending time with my friends.
Why did you want to participate in the WIP Campaign and/or why is it important to you?
This campaign is important to me because it brings people together under a very simple premise - we as people all have our own challenges, we all handle them differently - and at the end of the day, we are all a work in progress.