GSTC, PFO relieve Augustinian COVID blues

Joanna Wayne Horneja

With the primary goal of providing mental support to Augustinians amidst the
COVID-19 pandemic crisis, the University Guidance Services and Testing Center in
collaboration with the Peer Facilitators’ Organization launches online support
program Covivors Support: Helping Each Other Beat COVID-19 Blues, April 2.

The said initiative was established in order to create an environment of positivity,

provide reliable information and open an avenue of expression for students during a
global health crisis where mental health could be at risk.

“As guidance counselors, we already anticipated that towards the end of the
academic year, with exams, papers and other requirements due, students are under
stress and will need extra support. These on top of a life threatening disease and a
huge change in everyday life can leave a lot of young people vulnerable. So aside
from following up students that we have already been supporting, we opened our
services to others who may need our help,” stated GSTC Director, Charlotte Leigh.

Common concerns raised by Augustinians included fear and anxiety of the current
global situation, doubt in dealing with such emotions, and anger due to the political
issues in the country, despite being put into a setting where the liberty to express
emotions are limited thusmaking them feel trapped.

“As a Peer Facilitator, I do what I can to make sure that these people feel heard and
accepted, because at the end of the day, all we need is a friend. No one should feel
alone, especially during this time, and it's my job to relieve these feelings of my
fellow Augustinians,” said Peer Facilitator, Mary Pamplona.

Apart from the program, the GSTC also encouraged Augustinian talents by sending
original works such as songs, poetry or art which could be one’s doors for self
expression, and the “Help Our Heroes Program” which was open for donations for
the medical frontliners.

“Communication is important during this time. Always make time for hobbies and
activities that will make you worth your while.Let us support one another because
during this pandemic, we need to stay together,” quoted Micah Angela Vencer, PFO
President.

The online support service is open everyday from 8AM to 9PM through the USA-Peer
Facilitators Organization Official Facebook Page.

“I would like to encourage every Augustinian to stay connected with the people they
are with at home and as much as possible, with friends, mentors and groups that are
encouraging and uplifting. These may be dark times but as Augustinians, we have
the light of our love, our friendship and our God to guide us as we help each other
get through this. Together, we will not only survive, but we will thrive. We are
COVIVORS. More than that, we are COVICTORS,” Leigh added.