Graduation season is here! Excitement is in the air as students prepare for the next chapter, but for many, this transition brings a mix of anticipation and anxiety. As students face uncertainty about their future, mental health remains a top concern. In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re joined by Joshua Mayfield, Interim Program Director of the Resilience in Your Student Experience (RISE) Center at UCLA. With a background in pastoral care and counseling, Joshua shares practical insights on supporting student wellness and overcoming imposter syndrome. He also explores the crucial difference between self-care and self-soothing, and shares how you can make sure your habits are truly helping you thrive. Joshua completed his Master of Arts in Theology and Ministry with an emphasis in Pastoral Care and Counseling at Boston College in Massachusetts. He received his Bachelor of Business Administration in Business Marketing at Loyola Marymount University. Born and raised in Long Beach, California, he has always been passionate about people, community, and the ways in which we “do life together”. Seeking more opportunity to serve college students and work in the field of mental health, Joshua gladly accepted a position at RISE where he is so happy to continue community building and walking with college students. To learn more about Joshua and his work, connect with him on IG @risecenterucla or visit his website at RISECenter.ucla.edu.