PWA Coach

• Major:
  • Neuroscience
• Why did you become a PWA?
  • I wanted to serve as a peer resource for on-campus residents to discuss their issues with! I want residents to know that Peer Chats with PWA Coaches are completely private and their personal information will not be turned into gossip!
• Other extra-curricular activities you hold while being a PWA:
  • Undergraduate Student Government Association (USGA), Muslim Student Association (MSA), Science and Technology Honors Program Executive Council, Honors Ambassador, Health Policy Ambassador
• Favorite way to practice self-care:
  • My favorite way to practice self-care is to ensure that I maintain a healthy work-life balance. I always make sure that I have some personal time for myself during the week to do something that I like whether it be watching sports or going to the gym!
• Favorite thing about being a PWA:
  • My favorite part about being a PWA is the community! The PWAs and SHRL staff I have met and made friends with have all been amazing and unique people and it truly is a joy to get to know and work with them!
• Something you wish you had known about the PWA position before you started:
  • I wish I would have known about the PWA position is how eye-opening the experience is. I have learned so much about communication, health, wellness, and my community throughout my time in this position!

PWA Coach

• Major:
  • Kinesiology with a concentration in Exercise Science
• Why did you become a PWA?
  • I became a PWA because I wanted to get involved on campus in a way that would be meaningful to myself and other students. I wanted to be able to show residents that there is a group of people on this campus who deeply care for them, and they can come to them when necessary. When I heard about this position and attended an interest meeting, I learned that this role entailed much more than what I anticipated. We would have the opportunity to cultivate an environment that is welcoming and inclusive to everyone while promoting health and wellness in all shapes and forms, and I immediately wanted to be a part of that!
• Other extra-curricular activities you hold while being a PWA:
  • Pre-Physical Therapy Society, Mission to Serve, and BWOMEN
• Favorite way to practice self-care:
  • My favorite way to practice self-care is going to the gym and getting a great workout in, but aside from that, I like to watch crime shows while doing skincare and I love to go for walks!
• Favorite thing about being a PWA:
  • My favorite thing about being a PWA is constantly making friends and meeting new people! Whether you're tabling, working at the desk, doing a peer chat, or whatever the case may be, you're always met with the opportunity to make meaningful connections, and I absolutely love that!
• Something you wish you had known about the PWA position before you started:
  • Something I wish I had known before becoming a PWA is how great of an impact this role would have on me. Through training, meetings, and other activities we do, I have been introduced to so many different perspectives, learned how to handle numerous situations, and learned how to apply the healthy habits we are taught to my personal life. This role has ultimately made me more of a mindful and compassionate person and has changed how I will approach things that may come my way in the future. 

PWA Educator

• Major:
  • Biomedical Engineering
• Why did you become a PWA?
  • My community means a lot to me. At UAB, I wanted to continue contributing to my community by spreading awareness and helping my fellow peers. College can be challenging. However, with the proper guidance and resources, any student can succeed.
• Other extra-curricular activities you hold while being a PWA:
  • I am currently looking forward to joining BMES, ICA, Freshman Forum and a few other clubs. I also plan on volunteering and doing research at UAB.
• Favorite way to practice self-care:
  • When I am stressed or anxious, I like to listen to music, go biking, or even sit outside. I also enjoy browsing the internet to learn more about our world.
• Favorite thing about being a PWA:
  • Getting to know my peers and coworkers!
• Something you wish you had known about the PWA position before you started:
  • Being able to work as a PWA opens up many opportunities for your future. The training, experience, and knowledge you gain will not only help you create a positive change at UAB, but for years to come. Additionally, being a PWA enables you to form long lasting relationships with your peers and coworkers.  

PWA Educator

• Major:
  • Nursing
• Why did you become a PWA?
  • I became a PWA because I wanted to get involved in my community as a freshman. I love helping other people and I saw the PWA position as a perfect way to do that. This position allows me to meet other students and offer them support and resources to help and improve their mental wellness.
• Other extra-curricular activities you hold while being a PWA:
  • Catholic Blazers, HerScience
• Favorite way to practice self-care:
  • I love to devote time to go to the gym. It helps me relax and devote time out of my day to myself!
• Favorite thing about being a PWA:
  • My favorite thing about being a PWA is making bulletin boards. It's a really fun and creative way to express myself while educating my peers!
• Something you wish you had known about the PWA position before you started:
  • Something I wish I knew about the PWA position is how many connections I would make through the position. I've become so close with not only the other PWAs but also RAs, staff, and other students! The people I have met have helped me become so much more comfortable as a student at UAB.