Hornets Huddle for Body Positivity

The University of Lynchburg offers resources focused on overall student wellness through HornetCare, and Health and Wellness. There appears to be a lack of specific, visible initiatives directly promoting body positivity on campus. 

In an era dominated by filtered images and cultural pressures, the University of Lynchburg is looking at new approaches to foster a culture of body positivity among students. Recognizing the impact of negative body image on mental health and overall well-being, the institution is exploring new initiatives to promote self-acceptance and challenge unrealistic beauty standards.

HornetCare operates on the mindset that if something is brought to their attention and it is something that the campus wants, they are willing to collaborate with student organizations to promote and bring awareness to such topics like body positivity. Undergraduate intern Kailey, Dorcsis manages social media by updating the student body on important health issues and being a reliable resource for the students.

Tiffany Boydoh, assistant director of Counseling Services, said that “we want to accept all body types, all shapes and sizes, all ages, and all ethnicities.” 

The existing resources focus on physical and mental health, but does not directly address a positive and accepting attitude towards diverse body types and sizes. Without dedicated campaigns, workshops, or student groups centered on body positivity, students may miss out on opportunities to challenge societal beauty standards and cultivate a stronger sense of self-acceptance regarding their bodies. 

Senior, Keayara Joseph said, “during my four years at Lynchburg there has not been a lot of body avocation.” 

Freshman, Lorelei Mayberry said, “that she does not know anyone who follows HornetCare on social media.” 

The University of Lynchburg HornetCare provides a safe space for discussion and offer tools for selt-love can be beneficial in navigating the pressures and societal messages often expressed through social media.

To learn more about future intitives supporting body positivity or to collaborate with HornetCare visit their website https://www.lynchburg.edu/student-life/student-support/hornetcare/hornetcare-faq/ or their Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hornetcare?igsh=MTUzNzF3cXkzeTJvYg==