Sep 07, 2008
University Health Services and Student Health Advocates for Peer Education are concerned about students' transitions into college. This transition impacts everyone differently at an academic, personal, social and intellectual level.
UHS and SHAPE collaborated with other departments including the Victim Advocacy Center, the Student Programming Council, the Counseling & Psychological Services Center and Career Services, to create The Real World: College Style. The pilot project has been planned since last spring with the purpose of answering any questions imaginable about college life while making it fun for the audience.
Real World will take place at Lakeview North on Sept. 10 at 7 p.m.
Speakers from these departments, as well as FIU students, will be at the event to speak to students about what to expect out of college life. Questions ranging from how to prepare after college, how to practice safe sex, how to deal with peer pressure, how to manage studying time and more will be explored.
"I hope I can learn how to [have] a [fulfilling] college experience without living at the dorms," said freshman Anthony Rodriguez.
Real World will also present attendees with information about internships, clubs and organizations that help build experiences and skills. Students will also be encouraged to ask questions about any concerns they may have and make new friends who have similar aspirations or questions.
Healthy cash is a new initiative by UHS that rewards students for being healthy. Attending other UHS events and programs, signing up for a free HIV test, acupuncture, or a 30-minute massage, will accumulate healthy cash. The cash can then be exchanged to redeem gifts that are on display at the Wellness Center or at the student health Web site.
Students exchanging healthy cash may choose among "I love Boobies" t-shirts, mugs, "I Love FIU" tote bags or even school supplies as prizes.
A deejay will be present and food, t-shirts, glow in the dark bracelets and healthy cash will be given away.
Casandra L. Roache, a Wellness Center employee who is part of Real World and the Healthy Cash program, is surprised to see how many people are not aware about the utilities at FIU.
"It is amazing to see even seniors at FIU that don't even realize they can get a free HIV test. That is why programs and events like these are created. So they can be aware of the tools that they can use here to prepare them for the real world."
For more information on student health, visit studenthealth.fiu.edu.