Mekai Brown

“Learning that multiple others are going through what you are going through is both unifying and comforting.”

Mercer University
Major: Chemistry
Minor: Spanish and Math

What drew you to your major?

Ever since I was a little girl, I have loved science and math. I searched for a major that combined my interests and still provided me with the recommended courses for me to get into dental school. 

What was your biggest takeaway from the RADical Health program?

We are not alone in our stress and our struggles. As a peer Guide, I really focused my RADical Health sessions on allowing the group to take a brief moment to think introspectively and letting them to talk together in random pairs.

I found this quite successful, as even students who did not like to talk much really seemed to lean into the exercise we completed. Learning that multiple others are going through what you are going through is both unifying and comforting.

Which specific skills or tools from RADical Health have you applied in your daily life?

Active listening has truly been the most helpful skill for me because in the past I found myself only listening in order to prepare what I was going to contribute.

Now, I remember what people say and I am able to be a better friend because it’s clear that I truly care about what is being said. This skill comes in handy when I am talking to someone new or talking to an authority figure because it calms my nerves, giving me something to focus on.

Can you share a specific situation where skills from RADical Health helped you manage stress or overcome a challenge?

I was working on a rather large assignment that I honestly put off until the last minute. When it came time to submit the assignment, I couldn’t find the file. My hands started trembling and my mind was moving a mile a minute. The deadline passed and I didn’t get it submitted in time (which is completely unlike me).

Here’s where my RADical Health skills started to kick in. I instantly started to calm my breathing while looking for the file in a slightly slower manner. After my assignment was finally submitted, I called my girlfriend who was able to further calm me down. Finally, I went on a walk around campus while listening to some of my favorite music.

Before I did RADical Health, I probably would have just beat myself up about the assignment. I truly believe the positive stress management skills I’ve learned throughout RADical Health will help me for the rest of my life.

How has RADical Health influenced how you connect with others on campus?

RADical Health has made it easier for me to connect with others because I now put in more effort into conversations. I feel like I can now be the friend that can actually comfort my other friends. 

What have you learned about yourself through this experience?

I have a lot more on my plate than I thought I did, so it is important to declare priorities and manage my stress. I didn’t realize the negative ways I was handling stress, like procrastinating and blocking others out. Now I have shifted to more positive methods like calling my loved ones or going on a walk.

What advice would you give to your freshman self?

Make sure that the life you are living aligns with your priorities. For me, that could meaning planning ahead for dental school as well as being kinder to my freshman year roommate.

How do you think what you’ve learned will help you in future academic or professional settings?

I can finally effectively communicate my emotions rather than just push them away. I now recognize that I have a larger support network that I can rely on in times of need.

As someone who wants to practice dentistry in the future, I want to be able to provide a caring experience that changes a person’s view of dentistry. With my RADical Health skill of creating a safe space, I truly believe that I can institute a practice where any patient feels comfortable being honest and real with me.