Senior Emily Young thought she knew exactly what to expect coming to college, but coming to the University of Delaware from a small town where she knew everyone was an unexpected curveball. Young connected early on with staff in her Human Services program, people she said she thought were deeply invested in her success and helped her secure invaluable work opportunities. Still, making new friendships in a new place as an adult was a test for which she felt unprepared. Despite her initial reservations, Young took advantage of the UD Center for Counseling and Student Development (CCSD), an on-campus center dedicated to supporting students through various stages of development.

“I felt like I had a person that genuinely cared,” she shared in an interview with the Division of Student Life about her UD experience. “I think if I did not have that during my first year, I would not be here about to graduate.”

Q: What memorable experiences have helped to define your life at UD?

Young: Freshman year was definitely a defining point in my time at UD. Because UD threw me a curveball, I had the opportunity to figure out who I really was. Joining my sorority, Gamma Sigma Sigma, really helped me through this time. I found my best friends and got to pursue my passion for service. Connecting with new students and sharing my story as a Peer Mentor and a Blue Hen Ambassador also helped me to find my place here at UD.

Q: How has UD supported you in becoming a thriving Blue Hen?

Young: It took me longer than others to find my niche, and to connect with the Blue Hen pride that is so evident on and off campus among students and alumni. I decided to go to the campus counseling center to find an impartial party to talk to about this transition in my life. Whether I was feeling homesick, having a bad week and wanting to talk about it, or having a good week and wanting to share my successes, it really made me feel better. Counseling allowed me to evaluate things and take control of my college experience.

Q: What’s your advice for students who may be interested in following a similar path?

Young: At first, I did not want to go to the CCSD. I thought that if people found out I was seeking counseling, they’d make fun of me or think it was weird. So at first I would give others an excuse, and tell them I was just going for a walk or I had class. Eventually, I told my friends where I was going and why, and that’s how I realized the friends I had made so far were going to be my friends for the rest of college. Having a person to talk to not only gave me a person to talk to, but it also gave me routine to my week. It was a set appointment every week that made me feeling like I was doing something and being productive. I always say you should definitely try something, especially if it scares you because either way it gives you opportunity to grow.

Meet CCSD on May 9

Students are invited to come out for a wellness festival on Thursday, May 9 at Trabant University Center. FreshCheckDay will be held on Trabant Patio, or inside Trabant in case of rain, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. This mental health check-in will include interactive booths, free food, prizes and more for all students with representatives from: the Collegiate Recovery Community and others within Student Wellness and Health Promotion; Residence Life and Housing; University Student Centers; and the Center for Counseling and Student Development.

About the Center for Counseling and Student Development (CCSD)

CCSD is located on the second floor of Perkins Student Center, above West Lounge in room 261. Walk-in service is available on weekdays from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., and 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. Students can learn more about what to expect from a trip to the counseling center at the CCSD website.

Programs and services are intended to help with reducing psychological symptoms, coping with life events and developmental tasks, improving interpersonal skills and relationships and increasing self-knowledge and resilience. CCSD staff are committed to equity and respect for individual and cultural differences. Services are covered by the Student Health Fee that all full-time students pay.

Division of Student Life

The Division of Student Life includes the Office of the Dean of Students, Center for Black Culture, Center for Counseling and Student Development, Fraternity and Sorority Leadership and Learning, Office of Student Conduct, Orientation and Transition Programs, Residence Life and Housing, Student Diversity and Inclusion, Student Health Services, Student Services for Athletes, Student Wellness and Health Promotion, UD Career Center, and the University Student Centers. For more information about Student Life, visit the website.