Health student leaders challenge campus to do 1% better every day

Photos by Ralph Freso

One small step a day to improve healthy habits can go a long way.

It's why Grand Canyon University health student leaders are challenging students to do 1% better every day when it comes to self-care.

Sophomore biology major and health student leader Kylie Carpenter is leading by example by doing cardiovascular exercises and taking a nightly jog.

“I’m not just shoving it into people's faces, I'm doing it too," she said. "I'm also taking this information and then applying it to my life."

Juggling academics, jobs, athletics, extracurricular activities and community means a college student's health easily can be neglected.

“A lot of times, a student's personal life is put on the back burner,” said campus health student leader Sophia Talero, a senior nursing major who has found a love for educating others on the importance of health. “That’s where GCU health leaders step in,” she said.

They provide support, resources and guidance in prioritizing one's well-being.

In January 2024, the Canyon Health and Wellness Clinic brought on four health student leaders to bring awareness to the clinic, which provides services students may not know about, such as X-rays, labs, prescriptions and immunizations. Additionally, the clinic offers walk-in services.

“We want to provide a bridge between the GCU students and the campus health clinic to make resources more available for them,” Talero said.

To kick off their health awareness initiative, student health leaders passed out water bottles to stress the importance of hydration.

“Drinking water and a good night's sleep can go a long way,” said Connie Colbert, director of health services.

Talero and Carpenter said that hydration and a good night's sleep are the most pressing issue for GCU students.

Carpenter recommends students study outside of their rooms to trick their mind and body into associating the bedroom for sleeping so they'll become tired when they enter the room.

It will help students fall asleep earlier, allowing them to have a fresh mind for their exam the next morning.

Colbert hopes to grow the clinic's public awareness team over the next few months. The health center wants to organize annual events that promote health while partnering with the public health administration, blood drives, drug awareness events, activities that promote staying active, and educating students on how to eat healthy on campus.

Like the campus' life leaders, who focus on spirituality, health student leaders receive a scholarship for their commitment. They write health-related articles, post on social media, attend events and respond to emails.

The position is a great way for students who are in academically rigorous degree programs to get a chance to get into the field they're studying and earn a salary without a huge time commitment.

“I want to be able to promote health practices, not only for my career but for my friends, and the bonus is I can apply that in my career for the health of the general public,” Carpenter said.

For Talero, her experience walking alongside patients, assessing their needs, meeting them where they are at, and educating students where their knowledge falls short will equip her for her future – she hopes to become an intensive care unit nurse. She and the other health student leaders are gaining valuable career experience but also are learning how to support their peers by encouraging them to take better care of themselves.

“A small change can make a big difference in your life,” Carpenter said.

Grand Canyon University student writer Leandra Lepp can be reached at [email protected]

***

Related content:

GCU News: Pandemic perseverance: 5 Lopes who led the way

GCU News: Students emphasize health and religion at research symposium

GCU News: GCU expands accelerated nursing program to St. Louis