The Student InterCouncil's News for March/ April 2004
Events ... Views ... Editorial Policy
News Headlines
Jacqueline Chen Named Recipient of First Toshi Nikaidoh Leadership and Service Award
SHIS Wins the "Pint-a-Day" Contest
Red Team Wins the Health Care Team Competition
United to Serve - Sign up for the Systemwide Outreach Project
Jacqueline Chen Named Recipient of First Toshi Nikaidoh Leadership and Service Award
The Student InterCouncil is pleased to announce Jacqueline Chen as the first recipient of the Toshi Nikaidoh Leadership and Service Award. Out of the UTHSC-Houston student population, she was selected based on her commitment to service, to leadership, and to the community. In addition to being a medical student, Jacqueline has participated in HOMES Clinic and Baptist Student Ministry. As APAMSA President she organized the first bone marrow drive and has promoted health fairs and immunization clinics within the community. She has spent time in Mexico and East Asia caring for patients and teaching English to health care workers. She has touched the lives of many and will continue to do so in the future. Jacqueline will be presented with her award and $500 scholarship at the Student InterCouncil’s Dean’s Reception on April 29, 2004.
In addition, two students were chosen to receive Honorable Mention in the Toshi Nikaidoh Leadership and Service Award. Ann Blaine, of the Dental Branch, and Terry Johnson, of the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, show dedication to service, to leadership, and to the community. They are to be commended as well.
Hitoshi Christopher Nikaidoh, MD served as Student InterCouncil President from 2000-2001. “Toshi” as he was known, embodied leadership and service, both inside and outside the UT-Houston community. Toshi strived to bring better healthcare to the poor and disadvantaged. He had a kindness and compassion for all humankind and touched the lives of all that knew him. Toshi was a 2003 graduate of The University of Texas Medical School, chosen by his classmates as the recipient of the Gold-headed Cane Award for humanism and service. The Student InterCouncil wishes to honor his memory with the Toshi Nikaidoh Leadership and Service Award
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Congratulations to the School of Health Information Sciences!
The SHIS is the winner of the SIC sponsored "Pint-a-Day" contest in conjunction with the M.D. Anderson Blood Bank, with a participation rate of 11.5%. The SHIS will receive a $100 check from the SIC to use for a social activity of their choosing. The contest saw 24 students show up to donate blood or platelets in the month of February. Thanks to all who participated, and remember, just because the contest is over is no reason to stop donating blood and/or platelets!
Red Team Wins the Health Care Team Competition
Each year, the healthcare team competition is conducted and designed to emphasize an interdisciplinary approach to healthcare. This year, the competition was held on February 24, 2004 at the dental branch. The two interdisciplinary teams were composed of students from the six schools of The University of Texas Houston Health Science Center (UTHSC-H), The University of Houston Graduate School of Social Work, College of Pharmacy, and Health Law and Policy Institute.
Each team solved a case prepared by the faculty. Faculty members from different schools in the medical center served as judges. All team members received monetary awards and a medallion commemorating their participation. Members of the winning team receive engraved trophies.
This year's competition winner was the Red team
Congratulations to the winners!
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Mark Your Calendars for the System-wide Outreach Day!
On April 24th, during National Volunteer Week, the UT System Schools will participate in a volunteer initiative called "United To Serve." Here at the Health Science Center, students, faculty and staff will have the opportunity to volunteer two hours of their time at one of the area hospitals, or at other events in and around the Medical Center. The event will kick-off with a free breakfast, where volunteers can pick up a United To Serve t-shirt, meet other volunteers and enjoy some music. To sign up, go the United To Serve website and fill out a volunteer form. Hope to see you there!
Spring Mixer has been scheduled for April 15, 2004 at the Rec Center
Spend a fun filled evening at the spring mixer on Thursday, April 15 4:30-7:30 p.m., at the Rec center grounds. The theme for this year is a 'casino night' featuring faculty and staff dealers. Enjoy food, dancing, beer, music and a chance to win some exciting door prizes. Don't forget to bring your student ID. The mixer will also host the silent auction benefiting student scholarships. Bid sheets are available at the Rec center. Don't forget to do your taxes before you head over!
Dealing with Loss
Loss
is one of those topics we don't like to think about. But losses are an
integral part of life. Although the ways people deal with loss was first
studied in relation to death and dying, there are many kinds of losses
that turn out to have similar reactions.
The death of loved one, friend or colleague is an obvious loss. Less obvious,
perhaps, is the break up of an important relationship. Divorce involves
a loss, even if the person wanted it. With the recent slump in the economy,
many people have experienced a loss of financial security. Even having
to give up a dream can be a loss.
Losses elicit a predictable response we call grieving. Although each person
goes though this process at his or her own pace, several typical elements
tend to occur in people who are grieving.
The first reaction to a loss is often denial or disbelief, a feeling that,
"This can't be happening." Another is an attempt to regain control
by a kind of "bargaining," as though if you did everything just
right, this would not happen, or it wouldn't hurt very much.
Anger is a third element, and one that can be especially disconcerting.
Some people believe they are bad if they feel anger. Anger may also be
distressing in situations in which it may not seem realistic. "How
can I be angry that someone died? It wasn't their fault." Nonetheless,
it is one of the feelings that accompany loss.
Another predictable feeling after a loss is depression. There may be times the person feels things will never be okay again, even though this is not the case. It would be nice if these various aspects of dealing with loss could occur in neat, orderly fashion, and would not reoccur. Unfortunately, it doesn't work that way.
You may find yourself lurching from one feeling to another,
or you may feel fine for a while, only to be sideswiped again by feelings
you thought were behind you. Also, if the loss was sudden, unexpected,
or extreme in some way, the reaction is likely to be more intense for
a time.
It helps to remember that this grieving process is normal. You will work
through it in your own way and time before reaching a state of acceptance
and calm. If you feel it is taking too long, or you just would like some
support though the process, we at Student Counseling would be happy to
help you. We are all experienced in helping people though the grieving
process. Just call 713-500-3113 for an appointment.
Joyce L. Hawley, Ph.D.
Student Counseling Service