Our Student-Led Workshop Series continues to shine a light on the powerful conversations happening within the Chez Veterans Center community. Recently, Grace Best, a sophomore Social Work student led an engaging session called Stress, Burnout, and the Transition Brain. This workshop explored how stress impacts both Veterans and students, and how small changes in perspective—and daily habits—can make a big difference.
One of the most meaningful moments came after the session, when the student had a conversation with Jason about how the military often encourages “change and adaptation,” yet doesn’t always equip service members with the tools to do so effectively. That discussion sparked a realization: stress and burnout are constant parts of life, but understanding them—and learning simple strategies to manage them—can dramatically improve well-being for veterans, active-duty members, and their families alike.
Through preparing for and leading the workshop, Grace discovered just how adaptable the human brain can be. “I wasn’t aware that you could actually train your brain to better handle stressful situations,” they reflected. “It was awesome to learn tools that can help both veterans and students navigate challenges.”
In researching the topic, the student began applying what they learned in their own life—finding calm through art, prioritizing rest, and even taking a new route home from class as a small way to practice flexibility. Grace also found that open dialogue was just as valuable as the research itself. Hearing others share their stories helped spark new ideas and reinforce that managing stress isn’t a solitary effort—it’s something we can learn together.
This workshop emphasized the importance of talking openly about stress and burnout—topics that often go unspoken in both student and veteran circles. Conversations like this help break the isolation that can come with high expectations and transitions, reminding everyone that it’s okay to ask for help and make mental health a priority.
By supporting workshops like Stress, Burnout, and the Transition Brain, the Chez Veterans Center continues to empower military-connected students to recognize their strengths, build resilience, and find balance in the face of life’s many transitions.
This post is part of our Student-Led Workshop Series at the Chez Veterans Center, highlighting student voices and the impact of peer-led learning in our community.