SAINT LOUIS UNIVERSIty
CENTER FOR COUNSELING AND WELLNESS
PROJECT SEQUOIA
ROOTED TOGETHER FOR IMPACT
Training and Mentoring Program
OUR MISSION
Project Sequoia (PS) aims to build and sustain a thriving emotional support community through our monthly or bi-monthly virtual or face-to-face kwentuhan sessions.
These sessions are facilitated by trained Peer Facilitators also referred to as PS Leaders.
WHAT IS THE PS TRAINING AND MENTORING PROGRAM?
A training and mentorship program for willing student volunteers who will be equipped and trained to facilitate virtual or face to face kwentuhan session for students.
OUR
MAJOR
WHY
We strongly believe in the importance of facing challenges together, recognizing the need for genuine connections. We are focusing all our efforts into advocating and supporting the mental health of our peers while finding strength in our faith and reminding ourselves of our vow to serve.
This has brought us to rediscover the power of a caring and supportive community and God’s gift of formidability of spirit. Our main motivation is to share the joy of helping others and obeying Apostle Paul’s admonition to “carry each other’s burden and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2).
LESSONS FROM THE SEQUOIA TREE
"Learn character from trees, values from roots, and change from leaves."
-Tasneem Hameed
Project Sequoia is a coined term for this program since the features and philosophy behind the project are inspired by lessons and insights gleaned from the world’s most massive redwood tree.
Its unique root system teaches us how to be resilient together. Despite its massive size, one would expect its roots to go down deep. However, its roots are relatively shallow.
This is attributed to its root system in which Sequoia trees intertwine their roots with other Sequoias, literally holding themselves up.This system makes the sequoia trees better equipped for enduring adversity.
LESSONS FROM THE SEQUOIA TREE
Giant Sequoias do not just survive amidst fires, they thrive on it. Project Sequoia aims to help our Louisian students rise and thrive above the ashes of any challenge and grow as a wiser and stronger generation.
WHO ARE QUALIFIED TO BE PS LEADERS?
Someone who is willing to...
SHOW UP
GROW UP
LIGHT UP
with
US
Our Launching Video in 2021
Our Growth story in words...
What our PS leaders say...
As a person who is shy and introverted, I am nervous about stepping out of my comfort zone and meeting new people. With the advent of the pandemic, I became increasingly aware of the importance of emotional connection, yet I needed to figure out where to begin. Project Sequoia became an avenue for me to be connected with my fellow Louisians.
I have met amazing people who have helped me warm up and express myself better. The warmth of the welcome I received made me realize that I was not alone and that there are people who are willing to listen. Learning from the experiences of others has been both enlightening and empowering. Our PS mentors and Grove leaders inspire me to better myself so that I can be of better service to my community.
In Project Sequoia, you will be surrounded by enthusiastic and passionate people. There is never a dull moment; you will go home uplifted and inspired. I always anticipate our next kwentuhan sessions. Project Sequoia is a sanctuary for healing, A place where empathy flows freely among kindred spirits.
FAITH ANGELA GRACE GARCIA
PS Leader, Grove Dawn
What our PS leaders say...
I found a home in Project Sequoia. Over the years I've been with PS, I have grown to be more understanding and more open, and I have fallen more in love with helping people who are battling the unseen enemy, which is the stigma of mental health. PS gave me an avenue to fulfill my purpose. I stepped out of my comfort zone when I first joined PS.
By doing so, I learned I still have a bigger space to fill with new learnings and experiences and more people to meet and to listen to their stories. The anxiety and fears I felt before joining were eased by the family I have in PS. My mentors and peers have heard and seen me for who I am and accepted me as I am. I never felt alone in Project Sequoia because I knew they had my back. I will always hold PS close to my heart.
JANINE MALONES
PS Leader, Grove Asteroidea
What our PS leaders say...
Love knows
Love grows
Bigger than before
In your heart there's always more"
- Always More, Barbie as the Island Princess (2007)
Let Project Sequoia show you that love abounds, love overflows, love is boundless...
Everybody is born to care
It's something we were meant to share
Not to keep to ourselves all alone
If we make room for someone new
Doesn't mean that there's less for you
Only means that our circle has grown
ATTY. GABRIELLE GAAB
PS Leader, Grove Polaris
What our PS leaders say...
It took a lot of courage for me to sign up as a PS leader, but I’m glad I did. I met people who made me feel validated and encouraged me.
I was trained to be an active listener and have empathy, while still knowing my boundaries. Project Sequoia has truly been a safe space for me and I’m glad that we can extend this safe space to other students as well.
RICHA LANTAJO
PS Leader, Grove Asteroidea
What happens when I sign up for the training?
You will receive your onboarding kit.
You will be assigned your Grove Mentor.
You will be welcomed into an active community of helpers. (Also termed as our Grove)
You will be given access to the virtual training camp.
How do we go about the training?
Training Sessions are FREE, online and self-paced.
Training Sessions are divided into four topics.
Each session involves one easy to do action step.
The Virtual Training Camp
All training sessions are FREE, available online and can be accessed anytime once you sign up.
Session 1
PS Foundations
(So you won’t get lost)
Session 2
Communicating Empathy
(So you won’t get overwhelmed by your emotions)
Session 3
The art and skill of Active Listening
(So you can be a better listener)
session 4
On Ethics and how to conduct your Kwentuhan sessions
(So you can be an effective helper)
Our Promise
In Project Sequoia, we promise to
Share powerful stories together
Our stories of survival and thriving in every season of our lives can provide us meaningful lessons and wisdom. Your stories matter to us and we look forward to learning from each other.
Build a supportive team,
As you meet your fellow PS leaders and trainees, you will soon discover that you are not alone in this journey. We want our training sessions to be as easy to follow yet meaningful and impactful. We want to equip you with all the support and skills you need. Let's make helping each other easy.
Our Promise
In Project Sequoia, we promise to
Serve and thrive together
In a world where apathy is one of the greatest malady, let's dare to be different in the most creative way. Let's spread empathy and kindness through conversations that matter. Your kwentuhan sessions can go a long way.
Provide you a Safe Space
Here in Project Sequoia, we want to provide you a safe space to breathe emotionally. In order to do so, we promote mutual respect and uphold confidentiality. The SLU Guidance Counselors and Psychologists are also available should you need counseling or help from mental health professionals.
Our Promise
In Project Sequoia, we promise to
Give you an opportunity to grow, lead, and serve
Our training sessions are designed to help you acquire the necessary skills in terms of serving with compassion while leading ourselves and others. Rest assured that we are here to help you transition from your comfort zone to your courage zone.
Want to create lasting impact with us?
JOIN THE MOVEMENT
