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Friday, June 19, 2026
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Finding Support, Building Community
June 18, 2026
Hello everyone, my name is Khaldwn El-Fares. I am one of the co-chairs for the Social Work Heals committee and an executive member of the Lehman Young Democratic Socialists of America. As someone involved in both organizations, I would like to share some helpful information for current and new students at Lehman, both on and off campus.
SWHEALS is a joint group of social work faculty and students that provides support for Social Work majors and offers a space for students to voice themselves. In addition to SWHEALS, the Lehman YDSA club has been collaborating with Bronx Community Defense to educate students on civic engagement initiatives for the community. If you are interested in learning more, you can visit our Lightning Connections club page for our contact details.
Beyond student organizations, it is also important to know about the resources available to support your well-being. Counseling is available on campus for free, among the many resources available to you should you need them.
If you find yourself overwhelmed, here are some techniques you can try. The hardest thing sometimes is realizing you are going through a stressful moment. Pause and do some deep breathing to collect yourself. Assess the situation, and if possible, remove yourself from it; it's often the easiest thing to do. If not, and anxiety is feeling unmanageable, here’s a simple 3-2-1 grounding exercise: look at 3 different things, listen for 2 things, and touch 1 thing. It can be difficult to keep all of this in mind in the moment, and one of the best things you can do is be the friend who knows how to help guide someone through an overwhelming situation.
Finally, if you find yourself interested in a career dedicated to helping others, the Social Work Bachelor's Program is accepting applicants for the fall semester. With its new department space in Davis Hall, including a computer lab, lounge, and accessible faculty, it is easier than ever to connect with peers who are understanding and supportive.