University of Utah Has a ‘Cry Closet’ for Stressed-Out Students

April 26, 2018 Academics, Awww, Education

University of Utah student and visual artist Nemo Miller, created a “cry closet” in the school’s library where students can relieve their stress with a 10 minute private sob.

According to the rules posted, the closet is described as a “safe place for stressed-out students.” For privacy’s sake the room is only meant to be used by one person at a time.

The closet — referred to on social media, using the hashtag #cryclosetuofu, is surrounded with padded walls and floor, as well as a few stuffed animals. The life of a student is filled with stress and anxiety; oftentimes during #FinalsSzn these feelings are heightened. The fact that this was built by a student and was not an additional cost to the student body or the school raises the question of whether something like this is needed at every university.

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Danielle Germain
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Danielle Germain (she/her/hers) is originally from Long Island, New York. She is a rising junior at The American University, majoring in Broadcast Journalism, and minoring in Political Science. She partakes in various activities on campus. Danielle is a Teacher's Assistant, the Vice President of Programming for Caribbean Circle, The Social Media Director and Web Manager for The Blackprint, Programming Coordinator for Founder's Week Committee, Senior Communications Strategist for AUSG Center for Advocacy and Student Equity or CASE, Secretary of the Junior Class Council and a Club Consultant for American University Club Council. After learning more about herself freshman year, Danielle became deeply interested in pushing diversity and inclusion forward. Since then, Danielle has started The Purpose, a bible study for students of color at AU. By creating a safe space on campus, she hopes that the voices of those who feel underrepresented are heard and also valued. In her free time, Danielle enjoys going to brunch and watching Gossip Girl. This past summer, Danielle served as the Corporate Communications Intern for Macy's Inc. Danielle has a passion for politics and a love for writing, and one day hopes to become a political commentator for CNN. She can be reached at dg0060a@student.american.edu.

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