"Since returning to Penn from a gap year, I had a lot of anxiety after being out of school for a long time. I was unsure of how I was going to cope with the stress I knew I was soon to encounter. Luckily, during my first year I was able to attend a few CogWell meetings and surround myself with a tight-knit community that emphasized the importance of self care. After the first meeting, I was nervous about opening up to people who I’ve met just once. By the second meeting I had to refrain myself from sharing too much because they made the space so inviting. Not only does that show the true nature of CogWell, but how welcoming arms and a safe space can change the trajectory of your life."