Ryan Gimson knows that sometimes people struggle. He wants to make sure that students on UM-Dearborn’s campus have the resources they need to get help and not just survive, but thrive.

“Ryan has spearheaded the Mental Health and Wellness Committee of Student Government, which has been responsible for several wonderful programs related to mental health and suicide awareness, as well as two proposals that focus on the needs of both Counseling Services and Disability Services,” shared Sara Byczek, director of counseling and disability services. Through his role as Student Government senator, Gimson was able to have a louder voice when working with the university’s administration.

Gimson also is a peer mentor on campus, facilitating weekly support groups. “Being a peer mentor is one of my favorite endeavors on campus,” he said. “As a peer mentor, I get to work directly with students in small groups and work through college. It’s the most rewarding experience.”

As for his future plans, there’s so much he wants to do. Gimson wants to work with children and young adults who are survivors of trauma and abuse, using theater and the performing arts to help with the healing process.

“I want to have my own practice double as a black box theater, where individuals can utilize the theater to cope with their trauma in a healthy and constructive way,” he said, adding that he hopes that by combining the arts with group therapy, individuals will be able to work through their trauma.