From Positive Experiences to New Opportunities – Meet Kayla Day

Positive word-of-mouth can go a long way. For CBU student Kayla Day, hearing positive things about CBU from trusted friends made her want to explore the University for herself. 

Kayla always assumed she would stay in Cape Breton for her university education, but she wasn’t ready to close the door on other opportunities that might come knocking. But, after hearing about the positive experiences that close friends were having at CBU, she had to learn more. After meeting with representatives at information tables and open houses, hearing about CBU’s Social Sciences courses and seeing the diversity and welcoming nature of the campus, she knew it was the place for her.

Currently in her Bachelor of Arts Community Studies with a major in Psychology, Kayla says her favorite memories at CBU so far have been the many opportunities to get involved on campus, events she’s gotten to attend, making professional connections and creating new friendships. “I consider myself a shier, quiet person but getting involved on campus was a great breakthrough for me regarding my social anxiety,” she says.

These positive experiences have pushed Kayla to explore even more opportunities on campus, including taking on a role as a Peer Mental Health Coordinator. On top of her passion to help others and gain more knowledge through real-world experience, Kayla became interested in the position due to her career goal of working in the mental health industry. “Actually being able to promote mental wellness at CBU, attend and host workshops and help facilitate weekly peer support groups on campus are some of the tasks I greatly enjoy,” says Kayla. “Knowing I can be a support to students in various ways, whether by directing them to proper resources regarding their health or helping them feel supported, is a very special opportunity I am grateful to have.”

Kayla feels the key to her role as a Peer Mental Health Coordinator is to simply be present for students so they know they will always have someone to talk to. If a student requires more attention, the Nancy Dingwall Health and Counselling Centre (NDHCC) offers free counselling services in addition to online services available to students such as Healthy Minds and keep.meSAFE.

It was Kayla’s time working with the NDHCC that gave her the hands-on experience she felt was necessary to tackle this role. “I have a good understanding of mental health through my studies and experiences at work,” says Kayla. “This has prepared me to be a valuable asset to students.”

With Bell Let’s Talk Day fast approaching, Kayla emphasizes the importance of CBU’s participation and the value it brings to students, like herself. “As someone who has dealt with her own mental health struggles, I believe CBU’s participation in this initiative can help students feel like they’re not alone in their struggles,” says Kayla. “It may also inspire them to reach out for the support they need. Seeing your university support mental health initiatives can really help in reducing the stigma.”

Kayla hopes to continue encouraging students to reach out to a Peer Mental Health Coordinator during their time at CBU. “By connecting with a Peer Mental Health Coordinator, you can get answers to any of your questions about mental health resources on campus,” says Kayla. “Things like how to book appointments at the Health Centre, learn about events such as peer support and just being able to know that you are being listened to and supported.”

For more information on mental health services at CBU, visit cbu.ca/mental-health.