Name: Rachel Sholder
Grade: Junior
Major: Mathematics Major with a Probability and Statistics Concentration, an Actuarial Science Minor, and a Psychology Minor
Position on Peer Health Advisers Exec: Marketing Chair
Organizations involved in around campus: I am currently serving as the Vice President Member Development of Alpha Gamma Delta. I work in the Mathematics Department as a Grader. I also work in the Office of Health Advancement & Prevention Strategies. I am starting a third job working with Taran Cardone to promote the Lehigh University Student Life Curriculum, bLUeprint. I am also in the National Society of Leadership and Success, on Career Advisory Board, a Sorority Liaison to the Women’s Center, and on Student Board of Directors of Dining Services.
Favorite TV shows: Gossip Girl, Dexter, American Horror Story
How did you get involved with Peer Health Advisers?
In high school, I was a PAL Leader (Peers as Leaders/Listeners). In PAL, we gave presentations to freshmen on a variety of topics ranging from values and beliefs to alcohol and drugs. When I heard of the Peer Health Adviser Program, it seemed very similar and definitely something I wanted to be a part of. I applied to be a Peer Health Adviser during the fall semester of my sophomore year. I then went through training during the spring semester with all of the other accepted students. After going through training, I knew it was a program I wanted to put even more time into, so I decided to run for Marketing Chair. As Marketing Chair, I am responsible for our social media presence, our group’s outreach, and promoting events. Feel free to follow us on twitter (twitter.com/PeerHealthLU) and like our Facebook page (facebook.com/PeerHealthLU).
Who are the Peer Health Advisers?
Right now, there are a little over 20 of us. We are all undergraduate students who want to promote a healthier and safer university environment through peer-to-peer interactions. We are definitely a diverse group with a range of academic majors and campus involvement. This program is actually pretty new. All of us went through in-depth training during the Spring 2014 semester. The training was designed to provide us with the knowledge and skills to provide peer-to-peer support and advice. Also, we became certified Red Watch Band members, meaning we have gone through bystander intervention training.
What do Peer Health Advisers do?
Peer Health Advisers offer peer-to-peer interactive health programs for students on campus. Right now, we have four signature programs on healthy sleep, sexual health and the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases, the dangers of prescription drug abuse and misuse, and alcohol safety and education. These programs can be presented to absolutely anyone, whether you are a student organization, a fraternity, a sorority, an athletic team, a residence hall, etc. All you have to do is request a program online here: http://studentaffairs.lehigh.edu/content/program-request-form-1.
Why should people get involved with Peer Health Advisers? How can they get involved?
People should get involved if they want to help us with our vision of promoting healthy behaviors and lifestyles, preventing campus health and safety problems, and protecting and improving student health.
We are actually just finishing up our interview process for Spring 2015 Peer Health Advisers. We are on a schedule where our applications go live when the school year begins, students are interviewed and accepted to the program during the fall semester, and then students undergo training during the spring semester. We are all super excited to welcome the new Peer Health Advisers to our group!
What is one thing you want Lehigh Students to be aware of in regards to health this season?
Lehigh students should get their flu shots! College students are at an increased risk for catching the flu from contact through dorms, classrooms, public transportation, and sporting events. I have already been pretty sick this semester and it has definitely been an impediment to my academic performance.
What do you do as a student worker in the Office of Health Advancement & Prevention Strategies?
The Peer Health Advisers are the “student arm” of the Health Advancement & Prevention Strategies Office. Some things that I work on in the office pertain directly to being a Peer Health Adviser. However, by working in the office, I get to go above and beyond my duties as a Peer Health Adviser. For example, some of you might recognize me from the August/September inSTALLment (lol). Now that I am working in the office, I get to help design and create the inSTALLments which is pretty exciting.
Are Peer Health Advisers holding any upcoming events?
Peer Health Advisers will be co-sponsoring World Diabetes Day on Friday, November 14th with Alpha Gamma Delta. There will be many events held throughout the day to raise awareness of diabetes.