EPILOGUE
As I reflect on the process of creating this project, I am simultaneously mourning the end of my college years. The time I have left as a Michigan student has rapidly dwindled. While I simultaneously feel more than ready to leave Ann Arbor, I’m also facing a daily dose of existential dread whenever I’m reminded of the harsh reality which follows graduation: that adulthood has really arrived.. and isn't going anywhere. To make matters worse, it seems I become increasingly unsure about my next steps with each passing day. However, one thing I know for certain is that while my profound love for Wallows has continued to evolve over my four years at college, it will never disappear.
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Since returning from my semester abroad, I saw the band live an additional three times, and it never got old. Not only am I looking forward to adding to my Wallows live show total (thirteen) with the trio’s upcoming tour, I also can’t wait for the band’s new album, Model, to serve as the soundtrack to this new chapter of my life as a college graduate. At 22, I’m now the same age Preston and Minnette were when Nothing Happens was released. (If you didn't catch on by now, the title of this project, Everything Happens, is an homage to the band’s first LP). When I look back at how far the two- along with Lemasters, who is a year older- have come, even just from a fan’s perspective, this makes me even more excited for my own future; especially given that this is the happiest and most stable I've ever felt mentally.
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In the meantime, I’ve tried to take time each day and appreciate the little things. I remind myself how badly I will one day miss these fleeting moments I’ve become accustomed to. I cherish every Thursday night pregame I spend meticulously choosing songs for my roommates to scream the words to before we go to Ricks, our beloved college bar. On Bachelor Mondays, I etch a recording of each one of my roommates’ laughter in my mind. Now that spring has arrived, I’m able to sit on the porch of my rickety house and play Wallows’ new singles, “Your Apartment” and “Calling After Me”, as I memorize the vibrant colors each Michigan sunset brings. When I walk through the law quad, I remember the night I visited the picturesque landscape for the first time with my father during my junior year of high school. I recall the feeling of hope that filled my core, and remind myself how badly I wanted what I will soon have: a complete four years at the University of Michigan.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Hi! First, thank you so much for taking the time to explore my Capstone project. To briefly introduce myself, my name is Spencyr Aronson and I am a senior at the University of Michigan from Atlanta, Georgia. I am currently pursuing a degree in Communication and Media Studies at the School of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA). I also am minoring in Writing through the Sweetland Writing Center, which is how this project came about.
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Along with my love for music, I’ve always found solace when I express myself through writing. For this reason, I’m so glad that I chose to pursue the writing minor during my sophomore year. It has undoubtedly become one of my favorite aspects of the years I spent in Ann Arbor.
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When I’m not listening to Wallows, I enjoy Bleachers, Taylor Swift, Gracie Abrams, COIN, Kristiane, Arctic Monkeys, The Beatles, Del Water Gap and The 1975. Outside of music and writing, I love sports (specifically the Los Angeles Rams), fashion, animals (especially dogs), film photography, exploring new restaurants, traveling and spending quality time with my friends and family. My plans for the future are still up in the air, but I foresee myself moving to either New York or Los Angeles and working in the entertainment industry.
RESOURCES
UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN STUDENT RESOURCES FOR MENTAL HEALTH
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U-M Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS), offers free, confidential services for U-M students including:
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Short-term counseling for individual students or couples
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For urgent concerns, walk-in services and 24-hour phone support (call 734-764-8312)
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Telehealth sessions through Uwill, which offers a diverse range of providers and scheduling options
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Workshops and groups for support and learning new coping skills.
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Mental health peer support online through Togetherall & on-campus with fellow U-M students who are peer counselors at CAPS
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Assessment of substance abuse patterns (ASAP) and eating patterns
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Online screening for common mental health concerns
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Community Providers Database is a searchable listing of off-campus mental health care providers
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MiTalk ("My Talk") is a website for U-M students with mental health resources such as online screenings for depression and anxiety, skill-building tools, and recorded workshops, lectures and relaxation exercises.
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CampusMindWorks supports U-M students who have been diagnosed with an ongoing mental health disorder. This site provides information and resources, including a searchable database to help students manage their illness and get the most out of their college experience.
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U-M Center for the Child and Family 500 E. Washington St., Suite 100 Ann Arbor, MI 48104 734-764-9466. Comprehensive range of mental health services for children and families in the community including learning disabilities, social skills, child evaluations and assessments, IQ testing. ADHD evaluations, emotional and behavioral concerns, parenting, grief and loss, relationship issues for marriage and couples.
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U-M University Health Service 734-764-8320, provides medication management of common mental health concerns.
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UHS Clinical Social Workers can provide additional recommendations and referrals.
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U-M Psychological Clinic 500 E. Washington St., Suite 100 Ann Arbor, MI 48104 734-764-347, offers assessment, counseling and treatment for adults at U-M and in the community. Helps with a wide range of issues including anxiety, depression, couples issues, and problems with work and study. They are a Blue Care Network provider, including U-M Premier Care and GradCare.
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U-M Division of Public Safety and Security can do "wellness checks" for students. Consider calling if you are concerned about a student's well-being. For emergencies call 911; for non-emergencies call 734-763-1131.
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Wellness Coaching can help students if they're feeling stuck or want to work through barriers to achieving overall wellness.
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For students with the domestic and international student health insurance plans and GradCare, there are some additional behavioral health services:
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AbleTo, an 8-week cognitive behavioral virtual therapy program for anxiety and depression
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Blue Cross Online Visits for mental health and substance use concerns
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NATIONAL RESOURCES
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National Crisis Text Line offers free 24/7 support at your fingertips. Text HOME to 741741 and "a live, trained Crisis Counselor receives the text and responds, all from our secure online platform. The volunteer Crisis Counselor will help you move from a hot moment to a cool moment."
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Anxiety and Depression Association of America
240-485-1001
Committed to improving the lives of the people who suffer from anxiety disorders through promotion of early diagnosis, treatment and cure.
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Facebook aims to help prevent suicide. If you spot a suicidal thought on a friend's page, you can report it to Facebook by clicking a link next to the comment. Facebook then sends an email to the person who posted the suicidal comment, encouraging them to call the hotline or click on a link to begin a confidential chat.
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National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
800-950-NAMI (6264)
Dedicated to the eradication of mental illnesses and to the improvement of the quality of life of all whose lives are affected by these diseases.
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National Mental Health Consumer's Self-Help Clearinghouse
800-553-4539 or 215-751-1810
Helps connect individuals to self-help and advocacy resources, and offers expertise to self-help groups and other peer-run services for mental health consumers.
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National Institute of Mental Health
301-443-4513 or 866-615-6464 (toll-free)