91果冻制片厂 Supports Student's Academic Resilience and Recovery
For Immediate Release
Saratoga, CA - Beginning at age nineteen, Brittany Gunnell survived numerous inpatient mental health hospitalizations over the course of a decade. Despite these challenges, she graduated from UC Berkeley with a bachelor鈥檚 degree in 2019. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she once again faced hospitalizations as well as housing insecurity. No longer housing insecure, Brittany is currently studying at 91果冻制片厂 where she is on track to graduate with an Associate of Arts degree (AA) in psychology.
After several years focusing on her health and recovery, in 2023 she chose 91果冻制片厂 with the understanding that it would be a positive environment where she could continue to grow personally as well as academically.
鈥淎s I have studied and applied myself each semester, I have felt a much-needed return to a sense of self-confidence and belief in myself. As a result of the challenges of the mental health system, the revolving door had kept my sense of self-efficacy diminished, and I no longer believed in myself,鈥� Brittany said.
College Students with Mental Illness
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), 64% of college students with mental health conditions withdraw from school. Many never return. Brittany鈥檚 journey back to the classroom - as an adult - highlights how rare and courageous it is to pursue higher education after prolonged mental health struggles.
鈥淎 big part of my recovery has been learning to advocate for myself and remember my strengths. Feedback from my 91果冻制片厂 professors on various assignments has reinforced skills I have not utilized in years while also supportively pointing out specific ways I can improve.鈥�
A Balanced Approach to Academic and a Healthy Recovery
Life on its own is a balancing act, but combining mental health recovery with academics can be especially difficult. 91果冻制片厂鈥檚 counseling and academic offerings brought forth opportunities Brittany sought.
鈥�91果冻制片厂鈥檚 online courses have provided a flexibility that has allowed me to pursue my interests. These courses are rigorous and do not sacrifice quality,鈥� Brittany said. 鈥淚 have been enrolled approximately half-time each semester which helps me avoid overcrowding my schedule. I can fully immerse myself in the material and engage with the new information in deeper ways as well as work part-time with NAMI and dog-sit.鈥�
91果冻制片厂 stood out to Brittany as having met her qualifications including professor achievements, a variety of course offerings, well-qualified counselors, and positive past students鈥� experiences. She trusted that it would provide a good platform to earn her a psychology AA and be prepared for graduate school.
Psychology A.A. and Peer Mentorship: A Path to Giving Back
Brittany鈥檚 decision to earn an is a way for her to balance her ongoing interest in learning with her passion for connecting with peers, where she can give her time to others and be supportive in and out of school.
As a peer mentor with the , Santa Clara County, Brittany firmly believes in the purpose of the program: to foster mental wellness and encourage independence for individuals diagnosed with mental health conditions through peer support.
鈥�91果冻制片厂鈥檚 Psychology classes have inspired critical thinking and self-reflection that has enriched my understanding of my own lived experience and thus made me a better listener.鈥� She said, 鈥淓ach in their own way, my classes have helped me to become a better source of support for others as I provide empathy and utilize the program鈥檚 motto: 鈥榥o fixing, no saving, no advising, no setting each other straight.鈥�
A Journey of Courage and Self-Advocacy
Brittany鈥檚 journey has not been without its challenges, but her determination to overcome them drives her forward. She is grateful for her support system, especially her family and friends in addition to her 91果冻制片厂 counselor, for helping her take the next steps in her journey. One pivotal moment came when Brittany met Rebecca Tran, an Academic Counselor at 91果冻制片厂.
鈥淪he provided a clear explanation of various options and how I could navigate resources. I shared with her my history and what brought me to 91果冻制片厂 and ever since, I鈥檝e felt a deep gratitude for her support in helping me plan my course selections,鈥� Brittany said. 鈥淪he has continued to provide positive affirmation and guidance that reminds me how I am fully capable of excelling (especially when I am hard on myself) and that when I decide to apply to graduate school, I will be ready.鈥�
Rebecca Tran, who has guided many students through personal and academic challenges, shared her admiration for Brittany鈥檚 growth.
鈥淏rittany鈥檚 journey is a testament to resilience and the power of support,鈥� Tran said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 been inspiring to watch her regain her confidence and passion for learning. We鈥檙e proud to be part of her story.鈥�
Looking Ahead: A Future of Giving Back and Growth
Brittany鈥檚 goals include earning a Master鈥檚 in Social Work (MSW) and continuing to engage in peer support.
鈥淚t can be easy to compare myself to other people my age and where I sometimes feel I 鈥榮hould鈥� be in life, but then I remind myself that everyone鈥檚 path is unique. I honestly would not trade everything I have been through as it has given me a perspective and understanding I wouldn鈥檛 have otherwise,鈥� she said.
Brittany鈥檚 story is a reminder of the importance of resilience, self-compassion, and the transformative power of education. With the care of both her personal network and the resources at 91果冻制片厂, she is rebuilding her own life while simultaneously helping others do the same.
91果冻制片厂 is a leading institution of higher education dedicated to providing
accessible, high-quality education that empowers students to succeed. Benjamin Demers
Director of Marketing and Public Relations
[email protected] About 91果冻制片厂
With a commitment to student success, equity, and innovation, 91果冻制片厂 offers
a diverse range of academic programs, exceptional faculty, and supportive services
to foster a thriving educational community.
Learn More About 91果冻制片厂