Campus Connection

Students harness the power of awe to support mental well-being in La Crosse

Have you ever felt the goosebumps from a powerful choral performance, experienced the joy of a child taking their first steps, or gazed in wonder at a star-filled sky? These moments can evoke a powerful emotional response known as “awe,” a feeling that is not only moving but can also serve as a therapeutic tool to improve mental health. 

"Awe is a powerful emotional experience that can help individuals process feelings, reduce stress, and gain fresh perspectives," explains Tara DeLong, UWL associate teaching professor of Recreational Therapy. 

This spring, students from DeLong’s Recreational Therapy and Mental Health course are applying the concept of awe to improve well-being in the La Crosse community. Partnering with the La Crosse Public Library, they are hosting a series of free, public classes throughout March. Called “Awe 101,” the series of courses is dedicated to exploring how awe can lower stress and improve well-being. Students facilitate activities that allow participants to practice awe, embracing wonder and reflecting on its impact in their daily lives. 

The programs are inspired by the research of UC Berkeley Professor and Author Dacher Keltner, who highlights how awe — whether found in nature, art, or personal experiences — can transform lives.  

At first, Faith Bussiere, a junior in the Dual Degree Recreational Therapy program, felt uneasy walking around the library during the first class on March 4. Meeting the participants, many of whom were strangers, made her feel out of place. But as the class progressed, Bussiere discovered a deeper connection with the participants. 

"This experience was both rewarding and eye-opening," she says. "I met people who were very different from me, but we shared similar beliefs and the passion to take care of our mental health.”  

Bussiere, who plans to become a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist in a mental health setting, reflects on how this project has reinforced her career aspirations. "This has shown me just how important this career field and focus is to me," she says. "It feels great to help others feel good!" 

DeLong notes that engaging with the community is key to helping students develop vital skills in connecting people to resources, fostering relationships, and exploring new leisure opportunities. It also plays a role in addressing the ongoing mental health crisis. 

"This program not only helps students build connections but also contributes to the solution to the mental health crisis by offering opportunities for belonging, connection, and sharing skills that support everyone’s mental well-being,” DeLong says. 

Throughout this community-engaged learning project, students will assist in facilitating discussions, creating educational materials, and marketing the events. In the upcoming sessions, they will also help choose the interventions to be featured, sharing their own experiences with the awe practices they've explored as part of their coursework. 

Alexis Weber, a senior Recreational Therapy major at UWL, says that practicing recreational therapy in a real-world setting allowed her to refine her communication skills, particularly the art of active listening during conversations with new people. As she works toward her career goal of becoming a certified therapeutic recreation specialist for children and adolescents with intellectual and developmental disabilities, these skills will be essential. 

“Letting someone talk and showing that you are actively listening helps them feel more comfortable and open up,” Weber explains. “I also realized how fun it is to talk with new people, find common interests and advocate for our field by explaining the significance of our work and its potential to make a lasting impact.”