The USJ Health Awareness Club, along with other clubs, participated in a project called Global Conversations, which is a student-led Boston College program that connects undergraduates with peers abroad for discussions on topics ranging from COVID to racial justice.

Maria Khoury, President of the Health Awareness Club, shares her experience:

Several members of the Health Awareness Club had the opportunity to participate in a global discussion with Boston College students in March 2021. The COVID pandemic and how it has affected our daily lives was our main topic. Even though our backgrounds and geographical locations were different, our experiences and coping mechanisms were alike. This discussion was similar to a support group, where the bonds formed among members made us stronger and more resilient in the face of adversity. Even when the discussion was over, our bonds remained strong, and we stayed in touch with several members.

This much-needed experience during the lockdown allowed us to broaden our horizons and feel supported during hard times. The positive feedback we received from both groups (BC and USJ) inspired us to reach out and meet other students from all around the world.

Indeed, we held more discussions on the pandemic with members of the Mental Health Awareness Club at the University of British Columbia, as well as students from the Communauté étudiante de santé mondiale at the Université de Montréal.