This paper discusses a research project that investigates the college first year experience at Salem from the intersection of Health Humanities and Writing Program Administration and offers suggestions about how it could be improved upon with three main areas of focus: academics, lifestyle, and health and wellbeing. The presentation will discuss how I discovered this potential area of study through my work at the Writing Center, how a survey was developed using goals and research into successful survey crafting, and ends with suggestions for improving first year experience at Salem through the lens of Health Humanities based on the data collected from the survey and sources about the benefits of writing in several areas such as improved critical thinking, improved ability to write in other genres, and physical, mental, and emotional benefits.
Helena Bowman is a double major in Health Humanities and English and Writing Studies with a concentration in Creative Writing and is a double minor in History and Art History. After growing up in King, North Carolina, they attended Forsyth Technical Community College for two years before transferring to Salem. Helena plans to pursue a masters degree, is considering a PhD, and also has a desire to continue making positive change for other students in the future.