Brittani Besterman

President of the Student Wellness Coalition

 

I decided to become a member of the Student Wellness Coalition during my second year at IUPUI.  The Student Wellness Coalition, or SWELL, is a student organization that works hard to educate the students of IUPUI about the many aspects of wellness and health.  SWELL often works alongside Student Health and IUPUI Counseling and Psychological Services for big projects or presentions such as STD testing, the Alcohol Summit, Stress Buster week, health fairs, and many more.  SWELL's biggest accomplishments include the Great American Smoke Out and Walking Wednesdays.  The Great American Smoke Out is a annual event that encourages those on the IUPUI campus to quit smoking, even if it's only for one day.  SWELL passes out smoking cessation information and bubbles so partcipants can "blow bubbles, not smoke."  Walking Wednesdays is an event where we encourage students to take the stairs instead of the elevator or escelator.  As a reward, we give out pedometers or stress balls to those who participate.

 

Beginning in 2013, I was elected as the president of SWELL.  As president, I am in charge of organizing and leading monthly meetings, creating and organizing campus-wide events, educating students about health and wellness, and working with my peers to help the organization more forward successfully.  I work closely with Nancy Barton, the faculty advisor and lecturer at IUPUI.  We work together to educate the students and create fun and informational experiences for those interested in health and wellness.

 

Throughout my time as president of SWELL, I have learned a lot about working with my peers, leading a group, organizing and student organization, and health education.  I've really enjoyed working to create a healthier environment on campus for present and future students.