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Navigating First Year Through a One Health Lens

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Written by Aseel Khalid Ziada

Edited by Abby Arora and Alice Deng


Starting university is an exciting and nerve-wracking time full of new experiences, challenges, and learning opportunities. For first-year students, it is a time to find a balance between academics, friendships, and personal growth. But have you ever thought of how the One Health concept can play a role in your transition to university? The interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health is not just for researchers or policymakers—it is something we can all embrace, especially as students!


Human Health: Taking Care of Yourself


First-year university life can be stressful, with the demands of adjusting to a new environment and managing coursework. As a result, your mental and physical health may end up taking a backseat. But, staying healthy is essential for academic success and overall happiness.


Think about it—your health affects everything, from how well you focus in lectures to how much energy you have for extracurriculars. Taking a few minutes to get outside can serve as a great mental refresher, and it is relatively easy to do so on Western’s beautiful campus, where there is tons of green space like on UC Hill, that can decrease your stress levels and boost your mood. Additionally, if you feel overwhelmed at times, take this opportunity to use the on-campus mental health support available to students.


It is also important to prioritize physical activity. Something as simple as walking to class (those steps add up!), hitting the gym, or simply moving your body can significantly improve both mental clarity and physical well-being. Remember, taking care of yourself is not optional!


Environmental Health: Small Actions, Big Impact



As students, it’s easy to overlook sustainability in our busy lives. However, small actions can lead to significant changes. Western has recycling bins across campus, making it easier to reduce waste. Additionally, carrying a reusable water bottle or using second-hand textbooks are small but meaningful ways to minimize your environmental footprint.


Moreover, your environment also includes the spaces you live and study in. Keeping your dorm or home clean and organized can boost productivity and reduce stress. Taking moments to connect with nature, even something as simple as sitting under a tree between classes can work wonders for your mental health.


Animal Health: Finding Comfort and Connection


For many students, animals offer comfort and emotional support. Whether it is your pet waiting for you at home or therapy dogs brought to campus during exam season, animals can help you cope with stressful times. Did you know that interacting with animals has been shown to reduce stress and lower blood pressure? If you are missing your pet, keep an eye out for events like dog therapy sessions organized by Western!



Western’s campus is also home to a surprising variety of wildlife. From the (slightly intimidating) campus geese to squirrels darting up trees, these creatures remind us of the importance of coexisting with animals responsibly. Remember to respect their space as they are an essential part of our campus ecosystem.


One Health in Academics: Making Connections


As a first-year Health Sciences student, I have seen the One Health concept come to life in my courses. In biology, we have explored topics such as how human activities influence ecosystems and how zoonotic diseases like HIV emerge. These lessons highlight how human, animal, and environmental health are deeply intertwined.


Furthermore, joining the One Health Club as a first-year representative has been an amazing experience! It is exciting to see classroom theories being applied to real-world challenges like antimicrobial resistance and climate change. For instance, understanding how bacteria develop resistance to antibiotics underscores the importance of using medicine responsibly. As students, we are already part of finding solutions to these big global challenges.


Looking Ahead: Building a One Health Future


By adopting a One Health mindset into your daily life, you are not just excelling in your studies, but also in shaping a future that values sustainability. Whether it is joining One Health club, exploring research opportunities, or simply making thoughtful choices, every action contributes to a larger impact.


So, as you navigate the highs and lows of university, remember: everything is connected. Embracing the One Health concept transforms challenges into opportunities and helps you thrive in ways that benefit yourself, your community, and the world around you. 


Welcome to your first year — let’s make it count, One Health style!

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