INTENTIONAL INVOLVEMENT
Byrd has held various mentorship roles on campus and currently serves as the president of the Black Student Union. He has hosted various sound meditations in partnerships with departments across campus to encourage mental health and well-being.
Currently, he is completing an internship sponsored by GardHouse with a Charlote- based mindfulness and leadership organization called Messy Roots. He hopes to acquire mindfulness and yoga teaching certifications in the season to come and is considering furthering his education to become a counselor aſter he graduates in May. As president of the Black Student Union, Byrd works to destigmatize mental health on campus and beyond.
SPARKING CHANGE
“The stigma that I see surrounding mental health in Black and brown communities causes us not to talk about it,” said Byrd. “I feel that the practice of mindfulness is something that communities of
color have not always had access to. I hope to bring that opportunity to my community as a means of dealing with stress and trauma that has not been properly addressed.”
Byrd desires to cultivate spaces where community members can be healed and empowered. During his time as a student, he has drawn much inspiration from Queens University’s focus on well-being.
“At Queens, we actively work towards destigmatizing mental health through initiatives that encourage deliberate dialogue, provide resources, and create a supportive and inclusive atmosphere,” said
Thompson. “Ryan’s advocacy, including his unique approach of incorporating sound bowls, yoga, and mindfulness techniques into mental health discussions, has been crucial in addressing the stigma on campus. These practices not only enhance the well- being of our community but also contribute to reshaping the narrative and promoting a culture of understanding and empathy.”
As Byrd approaches the culmination of his undergraduate journey at Queens University, his story becomes a testament to the transformative power of education, community, and mindfulness. The intentional community Byrd has been immersed in at Queens has not only shaped his present but has also equipped him to create positive change in the future. Queens University, with its proximity to Charlote, has been the canvas on which Ryan has painted a picture of mindful leadership and holistic well-being, leaving an indelible mark on the Royal community.
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