Strengthening Communities, Promoting Well-being (SDG 3): The Power of Human Connection
As part of the ongoing ASEAN Lecture Series at Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna (Mapua MCL), the fourth installment was led by Dr. Mahjalin Araiza B. Diez, the Program Chair of BS Psychology from the College of Health Sciences (CHS). Her lecture, titled “The Power of Human Connection: How Social Bonds Foster Resilience,” was a deep dive into the significance of social connections in promoting mental health and resilience, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3: Good Health and Well-being.
Dr. Diez began her talk by sharing personal anecdotes from the 2020 Taal Volcano eruption, a pivotal moment in her life. As someone who lived through the disaster, she recounted the overwhelming fear and trauma she experienced during those uncertain days. Her narrative not only illustrated the emotional toll that natural disasters can take but also highlighted the incredible resilience that can emerge through human connections and social support.
The speaker highlighted the crucial role of mental health in overall well-being, especially when facing challenges. It explored various coping mechanisms that can empower individuals, particularly students, to manage stress and anxiety effectively. Dr. Diez expressed a deep passion for the concept of human connection, describing it as a cornerstone of resilience. She reinforced this point with a memorable quote: “In an age of algorithms, hashtags, and followers, the value of human connection cannot be overstated.”
The session was a dynamic exchange that encouraged active participation from the audience. After the lecture, students eagerly seized the opportunity to ask questions, sparking a lively Q&A session, with the speaker responding to each inquiry with enthusiasm, providing thoughtful and detailed answers that enhanced the learning.