A
s the Jewish Family
Service social worker
at Hillel of Metro
Detroit, I know how important
it is to address
our students’
mental health
and wellness for
their academic
success. This
year, I planned
a series of
events for
HMD students, including a
presentation on safe drinking
around Purim, a volunteer
event packaging spices for the
Detroit Community Kitchen
and a session with therapy
dogs to bring joyfulness. These
events were all designed with
their well-being in mind.
I am excited to share
upcoming summer events with
students, including a pickleball
workshop, a volunteer event
and a trip to the zoo that
incorporates mindfulness with
the animals. Planning mental
health programming has been
incredibly rewarding. I view it
as a way to integrate positive
mental health practices with
fun activities.
During college, I often
wished for a social work
resource at my local Hillel.
Now, I am privileged to be in
that role, helping to guide our
diverse group of students and
working with them to help
them succeed.
Each week, I would rotate
between our six schools,
making myself available to
anyone who needed a friend
or support. These meetings
provided students with help
with issues such as housing
or transportation problems or
help connecting them with the
university counseling center.
Our conversations included
tools to manage anxiety, tips to
reduce nerves while studying
or offering a confidential ear
to vent to.
This year has been very
eventful at Hillel of Metro
Detroit. Antisemitism on
campuses has been at an all-
time high, and students have
been seeking support from me
and our staff. They come for
comfort and guidance and help
in reporting their experiences
to the appropriate authorities.
Reporting campus hate
incidents can be daunting, so I
work with the students to help
them understand that it’s not
their fault and that resources
are available to support them.
I also have private sessions
with students to provide
validation and assistance,
acknowledging that this has
been an incredibly challenging
time for a Jewish student on
campus.
Despite the challenges we’ve
faced this year, I’ve grown to
love my role and am eager
to meet all the incoming
freshman and transfer
students. If you ever feel the
need to talk, don’t hesitate
to drop by our office at the
Wayne State Student Center.
You’ll easily spot me with my
fun, daily-changing socks. We
can chat about anything —
your classes, love life, video
games or the newest Marvel
movie. I’m here to listen and
support you!
I want to take a moment to
express my deep appreciation
for the incredible efforts of the
Hillel of Metro Detroit team.
They have worked tirelessly to
ensure a positive and safe year
for our students on campus.
Their dedication is truly
commendable.
If any incoming students
want to connect, email me at
jake@hillel-detroit.org, and we
can get coffee this summer. @
Jake Rubin is the JFS social worker at
Hillel of Metro Detroit.
Mental Wellness Equals
Academic Success
for college students
by college students
Jake Rubin
Hillel social worker plans fun events with students’ well-being in mind.
A Mental
Health Yoga
event put on
by Jake Rubin.
72 | MAY 23 • 2024