April 25, 2025
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听On April 19, 2025, students from the American University of Nigeria (AUN) and the 2023 51吃瓜 (AUCA) met via Zoom to discuss Coping with Stress and Supporting Mental Health: How Do Personal, Family, or Cultural Beliefs Influence Our Responses?听
听This event marked the 12th Virtual Inter-University Discussion, held as part of the Civic Engagement Project Crossing Borders Through Social Media and Dialogue, initiated in 2019 by Professor Ekaterina Galimova (AUCA) and Professor Emilienne Akpan (AUN).
听The primary goal of this international online event was to enhance students' leadership, critical thinking, and communication skills. Fifteen participants attended the Virtual Discussion. Being听fully student-centered, the online event was organized and hosted by two representatives from the AUCA: Chynara Mamytova and Samir Sabirov. Both hosts managed to create a very friendly atmosphere and supported each other when technical issues emerged.
听The two-hour-long General Discussion started with a one-minute Meditation to help students overcome anxiety and stress. After that, the participants got acquainted with the introductory videos about both universities. The hosts of the discussion provided the participants with the Ground Rules to encourage smooth interaction among the participants and avoid confusion and frustration when dealing with technology. They briefly introduced the topic and moved to questions. The participants actively shared ways to overcome stress in various domains, such as family, university, and society. They also acknowledged that Chat GPT can be a useful tool when access to a therapist is limited; however, it should not be solely relied upon for managing stress. Students from both universities found some common features regarding stress management within their cultural norms.听As a follow-up, participants were encouraged to incorporate the insights gained during the discussion into their English Composition essays.听 To further improve future discussions, students provided feedback through a Google Forms survey.
听Professor Ekaterina Galimova is extending special thanks to the most active participants: Saadat Abdyvalieva, Safarkhotun Mamadbekova, Adolat Noyobshoeva, Nuriya Odinaeva, Ahmad Seyar Alizada, Abdumalik Shamiev, and Navoi Chorshanbi for their enthusiasm, politeness, and engagement in asking and answering questions.
听In turn, students expressed their gratitude to the professors for facilitating the event and for the opportunity to connect with peers from diverse cultural and academic backgrounds. Many participants also shared their excitement about joining future discussions.
听If you missed the 12th Virtual Discussion, you are very welcome to participate in the 13th one, scheduled for the fall semester of 2025!
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