Many students struggle with anxieties related to school and their social lives. Photo courtesy of eSchool News.

  The Wellness Center was added to the San Luis Obispo High School campus in 2023 and has been used by many students since. There are many programs within the Wellness Center, such as grief counseling and assistance in emotional regulation, as well as open seats for talking about addiction to drugs or alcohol. It is a very versatile space. This, however, begs the question: over the span of its existence, do SLOHS students who participate in this space think it’s doing its job well enough? 

  “Every time I get called in there or walk into the Wellness Center, I instantly feel safe and protected,” said sophomore Peyton Bonn. 

  The center is a quiet and well-kept space, exuding comfort and safety. There are multiple activities inside to ease a stressed mind, including puzzles and various papers hung on the walls to assist in guided breathing or meditation. The staff within the room, support counselors Austin Miller and Amanda Greenfield, are kind and compassionate people who will go out of their way to sit down with students to try and understand the happenings in their lives. 

   “The Wellness Center provides a safe space from any personal issues one might have,” said sophomore Mariann Doring.

   Overall, the center is highly revered by students who’ve made use of it! There is definitely room for improvement, though.

   “Maybe no option to personalize the reason for the visit. When signing in… sometimes it is a little personal,” said Doring.

   When entering the room, there’s a Chromebook used to sign in for the sake of attendance. After logging grade level and reason for visit, it’s encouraged to enter a more descriptive level of reasoning. As Doring mentions, it can feel too personal for the student, especially if the student in question is unable or unwilling to express the feelings being experienced. 

   Along with student interviews, Expressions also interviewed Austin Miller to gain a different perspective on the center and its progress. 

   “By the end of December, we had over 270 students who had used the Wellness Center for some reason… A major aim of the Wellness Center is to be a trusted resource on campus and I think we are getting closer to that mark every month,” said Miller. 

   Make sure to take a gander down to the Wellness Center if you’re feeling out of it, Tigers! The center is open to all at any time.

   Image source: A Teacher’s Guide to Supporting Students with Anxiety