December Rising Star: LaShan Archie, LCSW, LCSW-S, LICSW

Uwill’s Monthly Rising Star is a new program that acknowledges one counselor every month who has “shined bright” in support of Uwill in their first year at Uwill. Congratulations, LaShan Archie, LCSW, LCSW-S, LICSW. Since joining the Uwill team, LaShan has completed over 100 sessions across Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, Oregon, and Texas.

Check out our interview with LaShan as she discusses how younger generations are more engaged with their mental health, what brought her to Uwill, and tips for students facing seasonal affective disorder.

What excites you the most about working with Uwill?
Working with college students in a mental health capacity is rewarding because I’m allowed to engage with individuals during one of the most formative times of their lives, a transition from childhood to independence. For many students, this is the first time they’re making their own decisions about their identity, values, and health. I’m not just helping someone manage symptoms. I’m helping them build a foundation for the rest of their lives.

Could you illustrate the importance of a student being able to access a platform like Uwill?
By supporting a student’s mental health I’m directly impacting their ability toward graduation and their contribution to society.

What aspect of your work do you enjoy the most?
The fact that this particular generation, the millennials, the generation Z, and the alphas, they discuss openly their mental health concerns with limited shame and they’re eager to learn the why behind their feelings and willing to engage. They’re present in sessions with their emotions. They allow me to be a part of their mental health treatment. Selfishly, if I’m being honest, I wish there was a Uwill back when I was in school. There was a stigma related to your emotions and dealing with any form of mental health concerns. We didn’t actively seek support. But today, I am so happy to work with these students because they are very vocal about what their needs are.

What was it that first attracted you to working with Uwill?
I’ve worked with students previously in the Uwill platform and it was an opportunity to allow me to assist students in their first potential heartbreak, their first failures, potentially in their first time being away from home. The first time exploring their gender and sexual identities openly. And again, I remember navigating my first and Uwill has allowed me to think back to that initial college experience away from home and how I navigated that transition.

Would you recommend working with Uwill to a colleague?
Absolutely and I have! There is enjoyment in sharing perspective in the creation of sound plans and goals. I toot Uwill’s horn all the time to my colleagues, to anyone that is thinking about pivoting a bit because this is very rewarding for me.

What advice would you have for students who may be struggling with seasonal affective disorder?
It’s a tough balance with the demands of school, with finals, and the social pressures in classes. When there’s less daylight, your internal clock experiences difficulty with the adjustment. Seasonal affective disorder is not just the winter blues. It’s a shift in your routine. I always suggest taking advantage of the morning sunlight by opening the blinds. going on a 15-minute walk, if not longer for some vitamin D. Exercise if you can, get proper sleep to offset any mood episodes, and adjust their dietary regimen. Be consistent with their daily routines, their scheduling, and finally, look forward to spring. Set some goals.

To learn more about becoming a counselor with Uwill, click on the link below.

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