Project Aware raises eating disorder awareness

Shakeema Hill

Staff Writer

Some students on campus may not have personal experience with eating disorders, but are still empathetic to those affected by the disorders’ severity.

The month of February is Eating Disorders Awareness Month, and Hudson Valley already has things planned to inform students. Project Aware will be having a table on the first floor of the campus center to provide information about the disorder. Larry Ellis, Wellness Center counselor, feels that getting information out about serious matters works best when it is student-run as opposed to run by educators.

Apart from the table, there will be students walking around the campus center handing out eating disorder information to students. On Feb. 9 at 10 a.m., there will be a presentation about healthy eating choices students can attend to learn more about the disorder.

“I would like all students to be aware of eating disorders from both sides,” said Ellis. Ellis wants students to understand the importance of eating disorders for males, as well as females. “We just want to give more up to date information and get more students involved and aware,” he said.

Carolyne Deitz, a digital media major, was one of many students unaware of February being eating disorder awareness month. “I think eating disorders are still misunderstood by a lot of people,” said Deitz.

“People should know how they can affect those who suffer from [eating disorders], as well as how it affects those who are close with victims,” she said. Deitz believes that education is key for those who are suffering with eating disorders, and recommends having guest speakers to talk about research or telling survivor stories to raise student awareness.

“I don’t know how it feels to have a eating disorder because I have not experienced it,” said human services major Dennis Dominguez. Although he has no personal experience with the disorder, he does understand the severity of it.

“People who have this issue with their body get depressed with the way their body looks,” said Dominguez. “It becomes an unhealthy and hard to break the cycle,” he said.

Amanda Robles, a biological sciences major, thinks the month of awareness will be very positive for students. “We should educate students on the disorder–what signs to look for if an individual is suspected of having this disorder, and the options to help them overcome and get the help they need,” said Robles.