Build a Cougar: Suicide Prevention Awareness

By Josephine Carrillo | Published September 29, 2022

To recognize Suicide Prevention Awareness month, Kean Programing for unique and lively Student Experience (Pulse), hosted their annual  “Building Hope” event in the Miron Student Center Atrium. 

The event held on Sept. 12, has students lined up 30 minutes before the event started to participate in building their very own mini cougar, which just so happens to be the university’s mascot. 

This year, Kean Pulse joined forces with the “Be The1To” campaign, which encourages all students to take action and “Be the 1 to help save a life”. Their page informs students step by step on how to help someone in crisis and spread the message that everyone can help save a life. 

Tatiana del Valle, senior and Kean Pulse staff member said, “I believe people are still scared to be open about their feelings so I think it is important to have these types of events, to encourage people, and send the message that it is okay to talk about your feelings and it is okay to check up on your friends regularly.”

The event was not only to build bears but it also featured an exhibit.  The exhibit was based on three different stations. The first station consisted of giving pamphlets to all students with all the information they need on the matter and how to take action when in need of help or when someone they know may need it. 

The second station had flyers explaining and spreading #BeThe1To message, and students were also given white shirts for their little cougars. Last but not least, the third station was for students to put up colorful posts, spread love, and share meaningful messages to their classmates.

The five main steps that one should take in order to help someone in need are, asking questions; and being open about your concern;  Being there, whether you’re physically present or through a phone call; keep them safe and try to keep them away from scenarios where they could harm themselves; help them contact professionals and lastly follow up. 

“These types of events are helpful because many people have mental health issues, but don’t talk about them and just suffer alone, in silence,” Mayra Gonzalez, a sophomore majoring in education said. “In these types of events, we learn about resources that are set in place to get the help we need and reassure those in need that they are not alone.”

Hannah Tull,  Kean Pulse manager said, “Seeing how almost every student left compliments for each other in order to make them smile and support them made me so emotional. People connecting with others, and socializing with others, is so important to have events like this for students.”

While walking around the atrium, you could see students in groups, stuffing their cougars together, playing around with each other and smiling. 

“Just knowing that I can provide experiences, and resources for whatever they need, is one of the most rewarding and satisfying feelings one can feel,” Tull said.“It was definitely a great outcome, people had a great time.” 

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