In the age of the cell phone, it’s rare to have a conversation where both parties are completely engaged. While this can be an alienating feeling, an effort is being made to create a more connected culture by organizations like CogWell, which aims to bring active listening to campus.
CogWell is an organization that offers programs designed to equip college students with effective communication skills. Its workshops show students how to proactively manage daily mental health challenges and build meaningful connections. As a result, campus environments become more supportive and inclusive for everyone.
Active listening is a communication skill that requires a conscious effort to understand what someone is saying. This calls for undivided attention, free from distractions and the use of nonverbal cues such as nodding, maintaining eye contact and using supportive body language. It also includes refraining from interrupting, but asking thoughtful questions to clarify and deepen the understanding of what is being shared.
Through CogWell interactive workshops, students practice communicating their own feelings while also learning how to respond thoughtfully to someone opening up. Students participate in icebreakers and role-play scenarios, allowing them to become more confident in being a person someone can confide in.
Active listening is very important in today’s era of passive engagement. Many people are guilty of prioritizing what they will say next rather than truly listening. This can lead to poor communication and be detrimental to the relationship between communicators. Dr. Melissa Rice, the director of programming at CogWell, shares a deep relationship with this program and its mission. When she was struggling with mental health issues, a friend supported her and validated her feelings, jumpstarting her passion for this project and her eagerness to share it.
“Sometimes, all we want to do is feel heard and validated and these skills allow that,” Rice said. “They also allow for those receiving the skills to recognize who they can go to when they may need support.”
Founded in 2005, CogWell was created to provide greater support for students dealing with mental health challenges. Its initial program was held at the University of Pennsylvania. Over the past year, it has expanded to other institutions, including the University of Pittsburgh, the University of Texas, Haverford College and more.
Rice brought her workshop to Villanova’s campus in 2022, starting with the varsity softball team. After participating, infielder Brooklyn Ostrowski grew an instant connection with Rice and CogWell’s mission.
“After my first workshop, I realized the importance of active listening,” Ostrowski said. “I always want to be the person that my family and friends can come to when they need someone to listen. I want to leave a positive impact on everyone I encounter. Sometimes, all it takes to make a person smile is just listening to them.”
As a member of Every Mind Matters, a Villanova student-athlete organization focused on mental health advocacy, Ostrowski recognized the value of bringing CogWell to Villanova athletics. After a year of being the CogWell Representative on the Every Mind Matters leadership team, Ostrowski wanted to open up the opportunity to the entire student body. Now, any student at Villanova can attend these workshops and join the club.
Many students who have attended the workshops realize the impact of truly being heard and understood. These students walk away with skills that they can carry with them beyond the program and after graduation. Senior Elaina Wagner attested to this.
“I try to apply active listening in my daily life by giving my full attention to others during conversations, making sure I understand their feelings and perspectives before responding,” Wagner said. “Outside of the program, I do this with friends and family by being patient, asking thoughtful questions and trying my best to show that I genuinely care about what they are saying.”
CogWell’s workshops teach students to develop skills that shape how they interact with others in their daily lives, helping them to become more supportive and empathetic in their relationships. Many college students feel alone in their struggles and unsure of where to turn for support. Learning how to become an active listener can bridge that gap. Through CogWell’s on-campus club, students have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in their community, as well as in their own lives and the lives of those they love.
