Combining themes from health care and lessons learned in the two decades since 9/11, the latest issue of TCU Magazine offers timely insight as the world continues to adapt to a new normal and increased awareness of mental health issues.
“The fall issue looks at new trends in health care from multiple angles. This of course
is a space where TCU is taking a lot of leadership — whether that’s in terms of our
alumni transforming health care in DFW or the TCU and UNTHSC School of Medicine,”
said Caroline Collier, editor.
The cover story is about the innovative ways the university supports student mental health.
“This is very much an evolving area, and TCU — under the direction of Dr. Eric Wood as director of Counseling & Mental Health — has really emerged as one of the national leaders in how to do this and why we do this,” Collier said. “A lot of colleges take the stance that students’ mental health is their own concern and not related to the educational environment. But if you’re not thriving internally, it’s hard to reach your full potential externally.”
The story explores the breadth and depth of the ways TCU supports the mental health of students, such as the establishment of crisis response teams, one-on-one therapy, connective support groups, equine therapy, letters of encouragement and much more.
“Eric Wood deserves a lot of credit for creating this culture of acceptance that people go through hard things, but they can learn to navigate and transcend those, which is inspiring,” Collier said. “Everybody on this planet would be smart to take some time to think about their own mental health — assess what’s changed, what needs to change and reestablish a new normal in this pandemic era.”
Written by Assistant Editor Trisha Spence, the cover story also shares glimpses into the journeys of several current Horned Frogs.
“I feel honored that students trusted me with their stories, with their life perspectives. We have some really brave and courageous students at TCU. These students know themselves well enough to recognize when they need help and to take the next steps to be healthier people,” Spence said. “I hope readers take away a new perspective on mental health and all that caring for your mental health includes, as well as a new perspective on the generation of students currently attending TCU.”
The fall issue also includes the second installment of a four-year series following six students from the TCU and UNTHSC School of Medicine. During the first year, the medical students spent a lot of time in the classroom. For year two — where the new story picks up — they spent most of their educational time in hospital settings, where their experiences ranged from delivering babies to telling families that a loved one was dying.
“The TCU and UNTHSC School of Medicine is unique in how it gives students tangible, real experiences this early in their education. This is the year where they are morphing into their professional selves,” Collier said. “While they are still learning the fundamentals of medicine, they feel very confident in their communication skills already, which is another distinctive aspect of this medical school — from day one they teach the students to be empathic communicators and to always approach the patient’s humanity first.”
Another feature marks the 20th anniversary of 9/11. A current Horned Frog student and a young alumna, who both lost fathers on that day, share memories and perspectives. On Sept. 8 at noon, TCU Magazine and the TCU Alumni Association will host a live panel with NBC 5 Today co-anchor Deborah Ferguson ’87 and Ron Pitcock, interim dean of the John V. Roach Honors College, and special guests to address how to discuss and remember 9/11. Catch it on TCU’s YouTube and Facebook pages.
Other stories to look for in the fall 2021 issue:
Veteran voices: A new book from TCU Press — Voices of America: Veterans and Military Families Tell Their Own Stories — describes military life from World War II to present day through the stories of TCU students, faculty, staff, alumni and families.
Lessons from heroes: Filmmaker Sara Hirsh Bordo ’98 has discovered many impactful life lessons in her work piecing together the stories of unsung heroes and empowerment. Four years in the making, her We Go Higher film is about healing and hope — as told by 9/11 kids. The experience taught her about the power of community and that there is much to learn from even our youngest community members.
Career path to Google: After growing up in the Middle East and India, Sneha Popley ’10 first set foot on TCU’s campus on move-in day as a 17-year-old freshman. She interned at Facebook before grad school and began her career as a backend software engineer for a travel startup in Silicon Valley — and then Google called. Now every day is a mini adventure for the Google product manager.
Faculty roundtable: Faculty members respond with ingenuity when asked: If you could create a vaccine for anything, what would it be and why?
QB Q&A: TCU quarterback Max Duggan, a junior from Iowa, talks about why he came to TCU, along with goals and hurdles ahead as he leads the Horned Frogs offense.
Soccer champs: TCU Magazine intern Oscar Saravia, a senior from El Salvador who loves soccer, details the success of Coach Eric Bell and the TCU soccer program, which in 2020-2021 saw its first Big 12 championship and a national Elite Eight appearance.
Big data and maps: Kyle Walker, associate professor of geography, invented two open source tools that enable people to create their own interactive maps as well as integrate census data into those maps — illustrating U.S. demographic trends.
Blackness and masculinity: A new book by Brandon Manning, assistant professor of English, explores how Black men are portrayed in satire. Comedian Dave Chappelle and former President Barack Obama are among those highlighted in the book.