Refreshr is a campaign committed to helping college students overcome mental illness and connect with each other. The initiative is centered around a one-way video sharing platform where students are able to send an uplifting message to another student. This campaign was started by two UConn juniors who realized that connectivity on college campuses would look a lot different in the fall. To that point, college is already stressful enough and the added challenges to students that COVID-19 has brought increases stress. With masks on and many students doing remote classes, it is hard to create personal connections and feel like part of the UConn nation. The mission of Refreshr is to inspire college students to value each other's mental well-being by spreading uplifting messages of support and encouragement through videos.
The idea for Refresher surfaced while co-founders Alex Kim and Jamison Cote were enrolled in "The Entrepreneurial Journey" course taught by Professor David Noble. Their initiative was further influenced by their mentor’s, Noah Friedman, 6ftcloser project which anyone is able to send a thank you video to a frontline worker. With the help of the Werth Institute and Student Health and Wellness, Alex and Jamison are able to launch Refreshr to enhance the college experience. In these uncertain times, everyone needs a Refreshr!
Send a video at https://www.refreshr.org/! They also have an instagram page, @refreshrcampaign, where they encourage students to help each other and spread positivity.
For more information, contact: Jamison Cote at refreshr.campaign@gmail.com