Student health services with staff dedicated to ensuring a fulfilling college experience can be spotted on thousands of United States college campuses, including Wright College.
The Wellness Center’s most recent psychologist, Dr. Joseph Mustari, has had a vital role at Wright by catering to students’ needs. Mustari grew up on the southside of Chicago and after attending college, he began working at the DuPage County Mental Health Department. “I got some hands-on experience at their residential program and worked in group homes,” said Mustari.
The next step was graduate school. Mustari attended the Illinois School of Professional Psychology in Chicago where he received his Doctorate. Mustari eventually became a professor at Wright and taught General and Abnormal Psychology for three years.
He is still actively involved in the school community. The Wellness Center’s previous director resigned, so the only available services would have been pamphlets and referrals. Mustari didn’t want the Wellness Center to halt its services because “there would be no follow through or connection,” so Mustari became the Wellness Center’s new director. The simple act of listening to someone’s dilemma is important.
A 2016 nation-wide research project conducted by the National College Health Association found the following: 25.5% of college students felt very lonely, 16.5% felt so depressed it was difficult to function, 6.3% seriously considered suicide, 1% attempted suicide.
Attempted suicide rates in higher education continue to rise steadily. This is a heavy topic, but it must be addressed if it is to be prevented. Students’ mental health is just as important in determining success as their physical health. The Wellness Center is available to every student at Wright and if you’re having a difficult time or you just need to talk, students are always welcome.
Mustari has had a positive impact. “It's challenging work, but it's also very rewarding. When you work with someone there's reflection and there's a process of change within oneself too,”
When asked about rising suicide rates, Mustari said, "It's extremely alarming. Some people may think I don't have a direction, I don't know what to do, I don't know what to get into. The more disconnections we have, the more vulnerable and insecure we tend to feel.” People aren’t always aware that help is available.
On November 13, Katherine Chapman will become the Wellness Center’s new Manager. The Wellness Center is open on Mondays through Thursdays from 9am to 5pm and Fridays from 9am to 12pm.
Thanks to Professor Mustari’s admirable actions, students were not denied the option for human interaction while Wright was searching for a new manager.