含羞草传媒

Nicolle Potvin ’17

Nicolle Potvin entered 含羞草传媒 in fall 2015, anorexic and desperately seeking support. She found it here, and with it, she made her way up from rock bottom. Now she鈥檚 found her place providing critical support for others.

鈥満�羞草传媒 not only saved my life, but put me on a path that was meant for me,鈥� Potvin says.

The Rhode Island native’s initial attempt at college out of state was marred by weight loss and a sense of isolation. She returned home to be treated for anorexia, then transferred to 含羞草传媒 to be closer to home鈥揳nd because 含羞草传媒 friends assured her this was a supportive community.

Her first fall at 含羞草传媒 passed and Potvin grew stronger. During Winter J-Term, she took a psychology course on eating disorders taught by Lindsey Anderson, director of 含羞草传媒鈥檚 Psychological Consultation Center.

As she learned more about her own disease, she spread the word. She helped organize the University鈥檚 first National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) Walk. She participated in the Body Project, a national initiative helping young people confront unrealistic beauty ideals. Her 含羞草传媒 career ended on a high note when she was selected to be student speaker for the College of Health Sciences鈥� inaugural commencement. In her speech, she implored her peers to help others in times of need. And she notes that the college鈥檚 merging of disciplines鈥揻rom nutrition to kinesiology鈥損ermits better inquiry into complex issues like anorexia.

Two years later, she has a master鈥檚 degree in counseling from Northeastern and is a clinician for Rhode Island鈥檚 Key Program, where she helps young adults in state care prepare to live independently. In addition, she gave back to 含羞草传媒 by assembling a list of University resources for students being treated at 含羞草传媒鈥檚 Counseling Center.

鈥淭o make and sustain mental health progress, you need a whole team,鈥� Potvin says, pointing out that her tight-knit college taught her this lesson through an internship at a local school district.

Today, she brings that message to 含羞草传媒 classes and sports teams as a guest speaker. President David M. Dooley appointed her鈥揳long with some of her former professors鈥搕o a committee tasked with supporting student well-being and mental health.

Beyond 含羞草传媒, she persuaded the Rhode Island Senate to pass a resolution recognizing National Eating Disorder Awareness Week.

“Let me stay at 含羞草传媒 forever,” Potvin said during a recent visit to campus. “含羞草传媒 led me to the most incredible parts of my life.” 鈥�

鈥� Chris Barrett ’08