Emily's story

When Emily Parker ’23 was a first-year student, she experienced a deep and immovable isolation. Her future looked foggy, and as it began slipping away from her, she knew she was in a mental health crisis.

Thanks to her resident assistant in her residence hall, the Counseling Center and Public Safety, Parker found care at home and, upon returning to campus, support at UD.

Parker’s experience of isolation gave way to the surmounting influences of resilience, community and purpose in helping others. She joined and led student groups, including as mental health co-chair for the Student Government Association. 

“A lot of students aren’t exposed to resources on campus until they need them. Because I needed and received them, I shared them with those around me so they can build their resilience and find prevention instead of [an emergency] response,” she said.

Pre-pandemic, college mental health centers saw a great and rising need in students seeking care. According to UD Counseling Center Director Holly Harmon, the demand for services was unsustainable and seen across the country. Since the pandemic, the numbers continue to grow.

Parker continues to share her story and advocate for students’ mental health needs, including in a video to donors as UD raises funds for the new Health and Wellbeing Center. With ample space and greater privacy, the center will allow for expanded counseling care with three staff members, more graduate trainees and additional group counseling rooms. Its home in the RecPlex also offers holistic care through close proximity to fitness classes and Student Health.

Parker understands the value of caring for her whole being. She found strength training and group counseling to be key resources in her healing.

These coping strategies — plus faculty and staff, student organizations, the Dean of Students office, and campus centers and programs — made the difference in her life.

In May, Parker graduated with a second degree from UD, a Master of Arts in Communication. She’s now working with prospective students as an assistant director in UD’s Office of Recruitment and Admission, sharing the opportunities for genuine care and connection on campus.

“I truly owe all of my success to UD’s resources,” said Parker. “I never understood there was a blue sky ahead, and now I’m stepping into the future I never thought would be here.”