Episode 18: Come As You Are: Creating Belonging Through Student Wellness - with Heather Siaki

College is often portrayed as the best time of life—but for many students it can also be one of the most isolating and stressful seasons they experience. Rising levels of student loneliness, anxiety, and mental health challenges have pushed universities to rethink how they support student wellbeing.In this episode, we sit down with Heather Siaki, a Master’s student in Public Health and the SWELL Course Administrator at Brigham Young University, to explore how the BYU SWELL program is transforming the college experience for nearly 6,000 students each semester.Heather shares how wellness-focused classes—ranging from sports and fitness to meditation and skill-based activities—help students build community, resilience, confidence, and meaningful friendships while navigating the pressures of university life.We also discuss: • The growing loneliness epidemic among college students • How physical activity and social connection improve mental health • Why belonging is one of the most powerful tools for student wellbeing • The role universities can play in supporting holistic wellness—physically, emotionally, socially, and spirituallyIf you’re a student, parent, educator, or university leader, this conversation offers a powerful look at how intentional wellness programs can help students not just survive college—but truly thrive.Disclaimer: This podcast and YouTube channel are for informational and educational purposes only. The hosts and producers are not licensed mental health professionals, and nothing shared here should be taken as medical, therapeutic, or professional advice. Always seek the guidance of a qualified mental health provider with any questions or concerns you may have about your well-being.If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or emergency, please reach out for immediate help. In the U.S., you can dial 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If you’re outside the U.S., please contact your local emergency number or crisis hotline right away.