By: Caden Choi
The heart of Orange Lutheran beats with passion, perspiration, and ambition. Whether arduously preparing for a fall sports game, musical performance, or exam, students often find themselves in a place of constant vigor. The school’s learning commons, student union, and counseling office provide a calm oasis amidst a boisterous day. But OLu sees the need for a quiet space beyond what is currently offered to students. And so does another organization.
Rady Children’s Health Orange County, formerly known as CHOC Hospital, is catalyzing OLu’s student safe space. Thanks to a generous donation from a Rady-affiliated donor, wellness centers are being installed in countless OC schools. Orange Lutheran will become the first private school in OC with a wellness center of its kind. The center, estimated to open in the fall semester, will be a quiet, comfortable space for students to regulate emotions throughout the day. The space will be open all hours of the school day and will be located in the current OLO (OLu Online) office adjacent to the counseling center. The space will be designed for all students in need of a calming space to de-stress rather than a socializing environment. Faculty plan on implementing a digital check-in system that will monitor the length of a student’s stay to ensure equal access to the center. The check-in screen will display a monitor that allows students to express their current emotions.
Kimberly Herbel, a longtime OLu counselor, reflects on the center’s everyday role, stating that “this is going to be a great place because students don’t always need to talk. They just need a minute and a safe space.” She also believes that “as a school culture, Orange Lutheran has done a great job with staff and teachers being on the same page with students.” This close-knit community allows educators to check in with students and even recommend them to the wellness center. Ms. Herbel reflects that “we’ve gotten into a good rhythm of not having stigma surrounding counseling. So I hope that translates in the same way with the wellness center.” The center is no place for judgement; it’s the new go-to space during tense times.
The center is currently underway, with both students and faculty helping it come to life. During late August, Ms. Herbel hosted a focus group of student leadership team presidents to organize the future of the center. During the session, students proposed ideas surrounding their vision for the wellness center. They proposed many details. from cozy decor, pastel colors, and promotion ideas for the new space. OLu Rooted co-president Leila Palacios believes in the transformative experience of the wellness center. She plans on regularly visiting the center and utilizing it as a space to unwind. She notes that the center is a place that “allows students to be seen by the right people and not judged by the wrong people.”
It’s time for OLu students to find a safe, warm haven in school. Look out for the wellness center located in the current OLO office this fall!
Wellness Center before Transformation:
Photo Credits: Caden Choi