RA, counselor offer relationship advice

by Janelle Krug
Staff Writer

Stu-Han residents recently engaged in a little “Girl Talk,” in the Stu-Han lounge during a program that addressed the issues of relationships led by the University of La Verne’s counseling center.

College is a time when relationships change, as they can be much different than relationships in high school. The focus of the event was to raise awareness that in college people need to stay true to themselves and take care of themselves.

“Be whole-health people to have more fulfilling relationships,” said Kirstyn Chun, a counselor from the University of La Verne counseling center.

“(In) relationships people get frustrated with themselves but there are opportunities to go back, a process people can continue to work on for the rest of their lives.”

Girl Talk was a program thought up by Stu-Han Resident Assistant Desiree Quintero, who wanted the residents to know more about services offered by the ULV counseling center.

She also said that there where many women who were struggling with stress, emotions and relationships.

A program like this could help, she said.

“Girl Talk” focused mainly on romantic relationships. First there were quick introductions so all the girls felt comfortable speaking with each other.

Then everyone wrote down on a piece of paper their personal fears about being in a relationship.

A common fear among the group seemed to be forgetting the world around you and losing your friends while you are in a relationship.

Then, as a group, the women made up a Bill of Rights of Relationships. Some of the answers where silly such as “I have the right to listen to pop music” or “see a chick flick” and others where more serious such as “I have the right to be in an argument and not get hit or called names” and “to feel good about my body.”

The evening ended with role playing. Chun showed the girls three different ways to tell someone “no:” aggressive, passive and assertive.

The assertive way is getting your point across but doing it in a way that is not hurtful or mean, Chun said.

“I was pleased with the group we had tonight,” she said.

For more information about the counseling center call Ext. 4831.