Enlighten U

Tinker, Eastern Michigan University’s new on-campus facility dog, is the star of this month’s “Enlighten U” student mental health podcast. Joined on set by Lolita and Melissa, along with resident mental health expert Aesha Mustafa, Ph.D., and university archivist and library department head Alexis Braun Marks, Tinker brings the cuteness. Tune in for a talk on animal certification, what facility animals are used for, and a ball of dog-loving fun.

"Enlighten U," Eastern Michigan University’s mental health podcast for students, returns for its second season with an episode on a feeling many of us know all too well: fear of failure. Guests Jahnavi Rambus, an EMU senior majoring in communication, media & theatre arts and minoring in public relations, and resident mental health expert Aesha Mustafa, Ph.D., sit down with "Enlighten U" co-hosts, Lolita and Melissa, to discuss what fear of failure looks like, how it impacts students, and how to overcome it to live our best, fearless lives.

This month on “Enlighten U,” Eastern Michigan University’s mental health podcast for students, guests Raina LaGrand, LMSW, MPH, CYT, and Laleh Walker talk about all things self-care. LaGrand, owner of Root to Rise Somatics in Ypsilanti, details her practice, the importance of self-care, and the role connectedness plays in our well being. Walker, a sophomore majoring in public relations at EMU, discusses her experience with self-care as a busy college student and how she plans to do more of it during her self-proclaimed “chill girl summer.” This episode will be your go-to guide to being good to yourself all summer and beyond.

Episode 9 of “Enlighten U” exposes the reality of higher food prices, the challenges of securing nutritional foods, and food insecurity among college students. Hear first hand experiences, insightful discussions, and practical solutions as EMU alum Casey Lamont and EMU assistant professor of leadership and counseling, Aesha Mustafa, Ph.D, address hunger and lack on college campuses.

Episode 8 of “Enlighten U” explores ADHD and how the neurodevelopmental disorder affects students navigating college. Watch as EMU graduate student Bri Burns shares her diagnosis and coping strategies. Also, learn more about the disorder and expert advice from Aesha Mustafa, Ph.D., an EMU leadership and counseling assistant professor. Mustafa is also co-owner of Integrative Empowerment Group, a downtown Ypsilanti center dedicated to counseling, healing, and wellness.

This episode of “Enlighten U” explores two intersecting mental health topics: social media harm and collegiate athletics. Watch as EMU junior public relations major and cheerleader Elena Davis personally shares her experiences with both topics -- and learn expert advice from Aesha Mustafa, Ph.D., an EMU leadership and counseling assistant professor who works to promote self-care and self-love through therapy. Mustafa is the co-owner of Integrative Empowerment Group, a downtown Ypsilanti center dedicated to counseling, healing, and wellness.

This episode of Enlighten U focuses on the importance of compassionate classrooms and how they are being cultivated at Eastern Michigan University. Watch as EMU graduate student Emerson Storlie personally shares his insight -- and learn expert advice from Ron Flowers, Ed.D, an EMU leadership and counseling professor who recently was awarded a $50,000 grant to spearhead the effort.

Enlighten U hosts expose the negative effects of overcommitment and burnout on college students' mental health. Join us as Eastern Michigan University MBA student Justin Walters shares his personal experiences, and hear expert mental advice from EMU counseling professor and licensed counselor, Perry Francis, Ed.D.

Enlighten U hosts explore how financial struggles affect students' mental health as they navigate college. Join us as Eastern Michigan University graduate student Lamarr Mitchell talks candidly about his financial journey – and hear the expert financial advice offered by Veronica Brandon, supervisor of Washtenaw County’s Financial Empowerment Center.

Enlighten U hosts explore the challenges of alcoholism and how it affects students on college campuses. Join us as Eastern Michigan University alumnus Chrissie Zavicar talks candidly about her personal struggles with alcohol abuse in college – and hear the expert advice offered by mental health expert, Brenna Breshears, Ph.D.