Meet Monique Alires, a Webewell Co-Facilitator!
Q. What is your educational/professional background, and what are your plans for the future?
I am working on my Bachelors in Social Work right now, and then in a few months, I plan to apply for the Masters of Social Work program at the University of Utah. I plan to obtain my LCSW and then work towards a law degree. I have had lots of experience mentoring students during my college career. Through these experiences, I have gained a great sense of urgency to help all students improve their overall sense of well-being.
Q. How did you become a student facilitator?
I was introduced to Webewell, formally Well-being Elevated in the Fall of 2022. Instantly, I was intrigued and decided to join as a participant. As a participant, I gained some vital skills that I had not developed or thought of. With that said, I now feel more aware and conscious of how I can elevate my own personal well-being. At the end of my session as a participant, I stayed on the zoom call and expressed my interest in the program. Alex was very kind, and let me join the team ever since!
Q. Describe your values, how did Webewell help you grow?
I value relationships, courage, and exploration. Through Webewell, I have learned how my values can help me grow emotionally. To illustrate, one of the sessions we facilitate is on relationships. This group focuses on the importance of relationships and teaches us how to have meaningful conversations within a relationship. As I have learned, we can improve our listening skills by practicing some of the techniques taught in the Webewell groups to strengthen relationships. Then with strengthened relationships, we set ourselves up for success! I've also learned a great support system leads to great success!
Q. What Motivates you?
When I see students apply the skills we teach in the Webewell sessions, I become motivated to keep finding ways to improve their well-being! Also after viewing the data, and noticing the improved mental health numbers, I get the motivation to keep going. I know I am making a difference in a student's life, and that is what keeps me motivated. I see the change in their mental health!
Q. What helps you focus and helps you manage your stress?
I stay focused when I am fixated on my goals, and remember where I am going. Also, I remember that my job is not finished yet. I still have more to accomplish, and I am just barely climbing up this hill. I manage the stress that comes along with pursuing your goals by taking time to do breath work. Meditation helps me manage stress as well. Long car rides, conversations with friends, and reading can also help lower my stress. If I have enough in the budget, a vacation also helps me manage stress! I would say, make sure to practice being present, and the stress will definitely be manageable!
Q. Who are you when you aren’t at work or school?
I enjoy being outdoors, such as hiking, camping, and anything that involves being outside. For my music, I'd say my music is all over the place, I will listen to hip-hop, rap, country, Latin, R&B, and Indie. However, my top two genres are hip-hop and pop. As far as family, I have a very large family. I have four brothers and two sisters. I grew up in Salt Lake City, Utah. I have always been in Salt Lake City, but I love to travel. I may end up in another city, who knows! We will see as time passes!
Q. Is there anything you would like to share about Webewell?
Webewell is a great program, filled with great people and I encourage everyone to engage in our program if you have the time!