University of Texas Austin - Cactus Yearbook (Austin, TX)

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The clinical white walls, along with the usual impersonal doctor-patient dialogue, were absent here. The atmosphere in this part of the Student Health Center was friendly and informal. Students were able to talk to counselors about health matters with- out fear of disapproval, because the coun- selors were students themselves. The Student Health Center founded the peer instruction program in 1983. By 1988 it had greatly expanded in both participant levels and subject areas covered. The program allowed students interested in teaching to register for a Health Edu- cation class for which they received two hours of credit. These courses involved ex- tensive training to prepare the students for teaching their own classes. The classes covered three major areas: Sexual Health, Alcohol and Drug Education and Nutrition. They were all offered on an outreach basis, where classes were taught in dorms, fraternities, sororities or any other organization seeking knowledge. The peer instructor program was origi- nally created to teach Methods of Contra- ception classes. Because many students were nervous about coming to the Health Center for birth control information, doctors thought participants would benefit from a more personal, informal session with a trained counselor. Unable to spare actual staff members to conduct the seminars, the Health Center de- cided to recruit and train student volunteers. PLAYING IT SAFE Later, the program was expanded and used lectures, films, and discussions to teach gen- eral sexual health education. They later add- ed programs on substance abuse and nutri- tion. Peer instructor programs are the most effective way to reach students, Sherry Bell, Director of Health Education, said. While gaining valuable experience, the students are also increasing the staff a great deal. A second branch of peer instuction was the Campus Alcohol and Drug Education Pro- gram (CADEP). Volunteers in this area held workshops to teach the dangers and warning signs of substance abuse. The most recent addition to the program was the Student Nutrition Advisor Program (SNAP), which focused on weight manage- ment, eating disorders, and nutrition and stress. These peers are here for anyone who sees the need because students can relate to other students so much better than a 40-year- old person in front of a classroom, Lisa Kessler, nutrition specialist, said. The Fall 1988 students were the first to teach classes in this area. It takes a very special person to be a peer instructor, Cynthia Lanier, coordinator of substance abuse prevention, said. It takes a lot to go out and talk to your peers about such sensitive topics. These students are try- ing to be role models for other students to hopefully result in, not abstinence, but re- sponsible choices. Arpana Sathe At the Student Health Center, the best advice doesn ' t always come from the doctors Peer instructor Merillee Goodwin photo by Robert Kirkham Peer Instructors 31

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RAP SESSION: Colleen Copeland, Anitra Lewis and David Dixon attend a peer advising workshop at the Student Health Center. photo by Francis Teixeira. GOOD ADVICE: Robert Poston, biology junior, instructs al- cohol and drug advisors at the workshop. photo by Francis Teixeira. ROUND TABLE DISCUSSION: James Matthews, English senior, displays the proper and safe way to insert spermicidal foam. photo by Robert Kirkham 30 Peer Instructors

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HOME COOKING: Vinita Sidhartha, journalism junior, pre- pares an authentic Indian dish in one of the many cooking classes of- fered through Informal Classes. photo by Ari Pettigrew. MIDDLE EAST MYSTIQUE: Lillian Blanton, Middle Eastern studies se- nior, practices arm motions and the use of finger cymbals in the Union ' s bellydancing class. photo by George Bridges. UP AND OVER: Stacy Young deftly manuevers her horse at the Bear Creek Stables in South Austin. photo by Charles Murray 32 Informal Classes