NUI Galway offers many different supports for its students and actively encourages student collaboration and training. The incredible power and difference students looking out for one another makes can be seen through an amazing training program run by the Chaplains here in NUIG - Seas Suas. This is a student to student awareness and encouragement programme, that aims to encourage students to be aware of each other’s health and well-being through events and training.
Thomas, who has completed the Seas Suas training, was kind enough to answer a few questions around his experience of it for this blog.
Can you tell me a little about yourself, where you’re from, what you study here?
My family is from Donegal and I am studying Medicine.
How would you explain the Seas Suas to somebody that has never heard of it?
Seas Suas is about empowering you with the tools to look after yourself and others. It is about fostering a state of well-being where you recognise your own role in looking after yourself, physically, mentally and practically. Principally, it is also about collective well-being, whereby you are looking out for the people around you and, if you see someone is struggling, being prepared to stand up and act.
What was your favourite thing about taking part in Seas Suas?
Learning how to look after yourself and taking the time to learn how, it made me feel calmer and better able to deal with different situations. It made me feel more connected with myself and better able to connect with others. It was nice to spend some time with like-minded people, make new friends and learn to be better able to help people who might be struggling.
Can you tell me something you learned from it that has benefited you?
The importance of “the little things”, that is the need to make time in your life for yourself and the need to be mindful of small things you can do to improve your well-being, such as eating healthily
What would you say to someone who is interested in taking part in the Seas Suas training, but is a bit apprehensive or nervous?
There is absolutely nothing to be nervous about. No one is singled out or forced to answer a question if they don’t want to and people from every background, course and year in university come and get a lot out of it. Also there’s free food
Finally, could you describe your overall experience of your time in NUI Galway in one sentence?
An amazing, unpredictable and thrilling ride which has taught me a lot about myself and my subject.