The CAPS Ambassadors Program at Purdue University is dedicated to championing mental health awareness and fostering a culture of holistic well-being on campus. Our mission is to empower individuals to prioritize their mental health journey. Through peer support, education, and outreach initiatives, we strive to destigmatize mental health challenges and promote inclusivity, understanding, and self-discovery.
CAPS Ambassadors Executive Board
Lorellei Fletcher
Executive Co-Director | Junior, Brain and Behavioral Sciences
What's one thing that helps you to stay grounded during a busy semester?
I dedicate one afternoon to relaxing. Taking care of yourself is important and helps prevent burnout, so I treat it like my other obligations. I pencil my rest into my schedule and have at least one afternoon per week to engage in hobbies and simply existing after work or classes. I turn off my notifications for work-related apps, and cook a fun meal, draw, or anything else that helps me unwind.
Meghali Dutta
Executive Co-Director | Sophomore, Political Civic and Communication
What's one thing that helps you to stay grounded during a busy semester?
What helps me stay grounded is planning my week and day ahead of time and blocking time for recreational activities. I always make it a point to move my body in a way that releases stress and tension, so dancing and going to the gym are my go to for this. Also, being a reading heavy major, I enjoy reading fiction during my free time to unwind.
Ashika Gogineni
Secretary | Sophomore, Computer Science, Minor in Philosophy
What's one thing that helps you to stay grounded during a busy semester?
Going for walks around campus!
Aarshya Dhiljith
Social Media | Freshman, Computer Science
What's one thing that helps you to stay grounded during a busy semester?
During stressful moments during the semester, I find peace in drawing and bullet journaling. Being able to express myself creatively has always helped me calm my nerves and reset my brain. Bullet journaling can help me get my anxieties and feelings out so that I can think of a solution and move forward. Sketching and drawing allows me to put my mind at rest for a few moments before getting back to a productive state!
Matthew Roberts
Campus Connection Chair | Graduate, Doctor of Pharmacy Program
What's something you've learned about mental health since coming to college?
As a future pharmacist, I recognize that mental health is an important part of patient care and overall well-being. Mental health can influence so many aspects of our lives, yet it is not always given the same attention as physical health. I hope to use my role as a CAPS Ambassador to help reduce stigma and remind students that taking care of their mental health is just as important as taking care of their physical health.