The Power of Gratitude
Thousands of miles separate Liana Marin from the community she called home but her work, research and relationships keep her driven and connected to the campus community.
“I’ve learned fear and anxiety can be contagious in groups but to combat that practicing gratitude can also be contagious.”
When Liana Marin started working as a peer advisor and counselor for the Prospective Student Center and Counseling and Psychological Services at San Diego State University, she was meeting with students face-to-face, working side-by-side with colleagues and living in San Diego. Things look a little different now.
Marin is still working and connecting with students but now it’s done from her family’s home in Honolulu, Hawaii, where she returned following SDSU’s shift to virtual instruction.
As a peer counselor and advisor amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Marin works to ensure students feel connected, heard and supported.
“I’ve always been proud to be a part of the SDSU community because we offer so many resources for mental health and wellness and now we are being even more intentional,” said Marin. “Sometimes this information can be more accessible when it is shared student to student. There is that peer trust and accountability and I want to use my time to do that.”
For a senior project, the psychology major has been conducting interviews in her community focused on pandemic experiences.
“I was interested in how we can stay connected while isolated,” said Marin. “We’re in different physical states but also different mental head spaces. My work has showed me you can feel connection around 10 people or by yourself and the actual physical state you’re in is not always indicative of the connection you feel.”
The interviews have also served as a way for her to check in on her friends and family. Marin says she’s inspired by the way people in her life are managing.
“Anytime I ask someone what they have had to adjust to they talk about what they have lost but then immediately start talking about what they are grateful for, which is interesting because I don’t prompt them to speak to that,” said Marin.
“I’ve learned fear and anxiety can be contagious in groups but to combat that practicing gratitude can also be contagious.”
These findings have not only informed how she communicates with her peers but also how she works through her own emotions.
Marin suggests giving yourself the permission to experience your emotions regardless of what they may be for you.
“Giving yourself grace during this time is important,” said Marin. “Our mental head spaces are unique to each of us so giving yourself permission to process it all and knowing that those emotions are valid will really go a long way.”
