issue 22/ vol 45 Douglas College announces 2019 Honorary Fellow » Dr. Robert Thirsk’s recognition emphasizes significance of space exploration Naomi Ambrose Staff Writer na recent Douglas College press release, Dr. Robert Thirsk—an astronaut, physician, educator, and space healthcare leader—was announced as Douglas College’s 2019 Honorary Fellow awardee. According to Douglas College's website, “Douglas College awards an Honorary Fellow designation to recognize outstanding achievement or distinguished service by an individual on a community, provincial, national, or international scale [...] One or more Honorary Fellow designations may be conferred at the February and June convocation ceremonies.” The press release also highlighted some of Thirsk’s achievements. His accomplishments include his inaugural space mission in 1996, where he spent 17 days aboard the space shuttle Columbia. During this mission Thirsk and six international crewmates conducted many experiments in life and materials science. In 2009, Thirsk made a sixth-month space expedition aboard the International Space Station for the purposes of multidisciplinary research and complex robotic operations. He was the first Canadian to undertake a space expedition of this length and holds the record for the longest number of days spent in space for a Canadian Space Agency astronaut, at 205 days. His other awards and honors include the NASA Distinguished Public Service Medal, the Yuri Gagarin Medal, and the Order of British Columbia and Officer of the Order of Canada. Some of Thirsk’s educational contributions were also mentioned. “(Dr Thirsk] has, along with education specialists, developed space-related study materials for K-12 school students that have allowed millions of young Canadians to experience the thrill of scientific discovery,” stated the press release. Thirsk’s honorary recognition highlights the value of astronomy and space exploration. According to Will Gunton, a Douglas College astronomy professor, “in the process of trying to news // no. 5 understand the Universe, we can answer many questions about our more direct world. “A lot of technology that we use in our daily lives had its start in astronomy research and space exploration (everything from the technology used in most modern cameras to satellite communication and memory foam on your bed),’ said Gunton in an email interview with the Other Press. Apart from showcasing the societal value of astronomy and space exploration, Wellness Recovery Action Plan » Douglas College workshops offer personal wellness strategies Photo of Mary Ellen Copeland via MentalHealthRecovery.com Tania Arora Staff Reporter (ea Ihe 20th century has kept everyone on their toes. Although we try to keep updated with everything ranging from technology to politics to finances, we tend to forget the crucial part—our own personal welfare. In light of this, Douglas College will be offering free personal wellness workshops for students. The event constitutes of six online workshops that will focus on creating self-awareness of one’s personal well- being. This project is sponsored by Douglas College and is a research study that includes the application of a Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) program, with the goal of studying the outcomes of the program if implemented in a post- secondary setting. The sessions will be conducted every Tuesday from 6:30 to 8:30 pm and Saturday from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm over a period of three weeks starting from March 5. Listed in the National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices, WRAP is a process of prevention and wellness. The program is designed for people struggling with mental illness and mental health struggles. According to its website, WRAP was created in 1997 by “a group of people who were searching for ways to overcome their own mental health issues.” The program has found success worldwide and is being implemented in many healthcare systems. Photo of Robert Thirsk via Wikimedia Commons Thirsk’s accomplishments also remind us of the astronomical explorations we can do right here on Earth. “Astronomy is one of the most accessible sciences. Anybody can head outside on a dark night, look up at the sky, and ‘do astronomy,” said Gunton. “A night sky filled with stars has a unique ability to inspire a sense of awe at our natural world, and to spark any number of questions about our place in the world, and how it works.” Mary Ellen Copeland, PhD and author of the original Wellness Recovery Action Plan, is quoted on the website as saying, “When the group developed WRAP, I was so impressed that I went home and wrote one for myself. As I began to live WRAP, my life changed dramatically. Over time I felt better and better and better. WRAP is a way of life for me—a great life.” According to WRAP, effective recovery is based upon five key concepts: hope, personal responsibility, education, self-advocacy, and support. The program offers a range of tools which people may use to develop their own WRAP. such as contacting friends, exercise, relaxation, and more. Anushka Basantani, a student at Douglas College, said in an interview with the Other Press, “I personally feel that out of all the body parts, it is the brain which we use the most. Everything in our surrounding affects us mentally. Hence, it requires repairs. For my wellness I always [try to spend time] amongst my friends. I have certain group of people around me whom I go to in case of anything not going well in my life. I go to vent everything out. Saying it out loud, knowing someone is listening, relaxes me. [...] It obviously doesn’t solve the problem I have, if any, but definitely refreshes my mind to think better” The workshops will take place until March 23. Students can talk to their counsellor to get signed up or contact Regina Casey at caseyr@douglascollege.ca for more information or to register.