Time seemed to fly by as participants shared their favorite hobbies for destressing and their little ways of unwinding. Smiles and looks of surprise followed as everyone discovered each other’s unique interests and got to know one another. Everett fostered a welcoming, judgement-free atmosphere, allowing everyone to feel relaxed enough to open up about their challenges.
The project was initiated as a collaboration between ISSA and IMP. Anushka Rawat, President of ISSA and founder of the project, explained the motive behind it.
“When I arrived in Budapest at 18, fresh out of high school, I had no guidebook on how to survive medical school. No one to tell me how to handle failure and the first semester finals hit hard. I didn’t know then that failure is a normal part of being a medical student. Being away from family made it even more difficult; loneliness at that age can feel overwhelming. As I navigated those challenges, I realized how vital mental wellbeing and support are in an environment like ours. I reached out to psychologists but often felt a gap. Understandably, they couldn’t fully relate to what it’s like to be an international student or to grow up in an Indian household where talking about failure is still uncommon out of fear of disappointing your family. Being a member of the International Semmelweis Student Association (ISSA), I also felt a deep responsibility to try to make a real change — to care holistically for our students’ wellbeing. The essence of our organization has always been to ensure that every student under our care feels supported in every aspect, both academically and personally. That’s when I realized that Semmelweis needed a safe space — a place where like-minded students with shared experiences could come together, support each other, and remind one another that they’re not alone. That others have been through this too, and have come out stronger.”
Key players to the actualization of the motive, the group leaders were selected by the IMP. Already helping the university community as senior mentors, three students – Everett Mintsoulis, Adesola Esther Odunowo, and Sungwoon (Peter) Kim – volunteered to extend that support to those struggling.
“I want to help create that sense of camaraderie, where everyone feels seen, supported, and reminded that they belong” shared one of the leaders. “I’ve always been passionate about mental health issues,” another adds. “I’ve had my own challenges too, but I’m deeply grateful to have overcome them with the support of others”. “I truly believe that shared experiences and mutual support can transform how we learn, cope, and eventually how we succeed.”
Regarding their goal with the peer-led counselling, they hope to “facilitate an exchange in a manner that is more organic and social than what might be offered in more formal settings. After all, ‘students helping students’ is a concept already deeply ingrained in this community.”
The Peer-Led Mental Well-Being Group plans to hold sessions on a weekly basis throughout the semester and exam period for students to come in and discuss their concerns whenever they need.
Applications for attendees are open indefinitely and can be submitted via the following link.