Vetoed
Brief description of topic/theme
Mental health is a topic that many of us, young and old, can relate to. The stresses of looming life changing events tend to surface doubts that are usually muted through routine. As young adults trying to figure out our path beyond education, this routine involves thinking and over-analyzing the approaching hurdle of graduation. Each step and choice is meticulously combed through to take full advantage of being in college. After all, we are all running on borrowed time in one way or another. Financial debt, limited class sizes, and restrictions to facility access all add to the anxiety. The expectations that each student feels is different per individual, but many of us feel the same pressures.
The UC system offers a Counseling and Psychological Services, or more commonly referred as CAPS, for each university to address this issue; however, as is many UC departments, programs, and services, CAPS is heavily underfunded. This causes long wait times and generalized programs that hinder the effectiveness of the service. Students feel disregarded or unimportant which makes it harder to convince students to reach out. While the mission statements and the promises that are claimed by CAPS state that they are effective, a large percentage of students would say otherwise. Many complain that CAPS does not care; however, this issue is not due to CAPS, but rather the limited funds that restrict the service from helping the necessary students. The focus should be on the legislative decisions that tie the hands of service providers rather than blaming the inadequacy on CAPS themselves.
Brief Description of Project
For this 2-minute video project I interviewed a 2014 UCSD alum, Jasmine, who felt that she was not taken seriously when she contacted CAPS during her time of need. In her open and direct dialogue, she voices the opinion of how many students over the years have felt about CAPS and UCSD's stance on mental well-being. In 2016, Assembly Bill(AB) 2017 proposed to raise the funding for mental health services in UC campuses, but was vetoed by Governor Brown. With that funding, students today may not be mirroring the same concerns Jasmine had during her time in UCSD; however, the same feeling of disregard holds true today.
Mental health is a topic that many of us, young and old, can relate to. The stresses of looming life changing events tend to surface doubts that are usually muted through routine. As young adults trying to figure out our path beyond education, this routine involves thinking and over-analyzing the approaching hurdle of graduation. Each step and choice is meticulously combed through to take full advantage of being in college. After all, we are all running on borrowed time in one way or another. Financial debt, limited class sizes, and restrictions to facility access all add to the anxiety. The expectations that each student feels is different per individual, but many of us feel the same pressures.
The UC system offers a Counseling and Psychological Services, or more commonly referred as CAPS, for each university to address this issue; however, as is many UC departments, programs, and services, CAPS is heavily underfunded. This causes long wait times and generalized programs that hinder the effectiveness of the service. Students feel disregarded or unimportant which makes it harder to convince students to reach out. While the mission statements and the promises that are claimed by CAPS state that they are effective, a large percentage of students would say otherwise. Many complain that CAPS does not care; however, this issue is not due to CAPS, but rather the limited funds that restrict the service from helping the necessary students. The focus should be on the legislative decisions that tie the hands of service providers rather than blaming the inadequacy on CAPS themselves.
Brief Description of Project
For this 2-minute video project I interviewed a 2014 UCSD alum, Jasmine, who felt that she was not taken seriously when she contacted CAPS during her time of need. In her open and direct dialogue, she voices the opinion of how many students over the years have felt about CAPS and UCSD's stance on mental well-being. In 2016, Assembly Bill(AB) 2017 proposed to raise the funding for mental health services in UC campuses, but was vetoed by Governor Brown. With that funding, students today may not be mirroring the same concerns Jasmine had during her time in UCSD; however, the same feeling of disregard holds true today.
I wanted to keep the video genuine, but also show that this seemingly personal anecdote is not unique to one person. Originally I had planned to include another student's recollection of CAPS as a back and forth conversation to visualize this concept. While reviewing footage it was very clear that introducing another voice distracted from Jasmine's story. I wanted to keep this intimate and by having a single voice it felt more personal.
While researching about CAPS I found articles written by students journalists. I found that by juxtaposing a single personal story with statements from multiple students gave weight to that said story. The quotes were from UCSD student run news organizations, the Guardian and the Triton. It was important to use quotes from news sources as it implies the issue is not a stance made from a few student but it is a topic that has been discussed in legitimate mediums. While her sentiment is private, it is a public concern.
While researching about CAPS I found articles written by students journalists. I found that by juxtaposing a single personal story with statements from multiple students gave weight to that said story. The quotes were from UCSD student run news organizations, the Guardian and the Triton. It was important to use quotes from news sources as it implies the issue is not a stance made from a few student but it is a topic that has been discussed in legitimate mediums. While her sentiment is private, it is a public concern.
Trigger Image
The trigger image the is the signage above the door to the Central CAPS offices. I choice this as the image because there isn't a place or object that is correlated with CAPS. The most straight forward image is the signage that leads to the office. The sign is located just south of Urey and York Halls on the bottom floor of Galbraith Hall (next to Revelle Plaza).
The trigger image the is the signage above the door to the Central CAPS offices. I choice this as the image because there isn't a place or object that is correlated with CAPS. The most straight forward image is the signage that leads to the office. The sign is located just south of Urey and York Halls on the bottom floor of Galbraith Hall (next to Revelle Plaza).
