The Quality of Life Project: A Platform to Learn About People as They Are
By: Alyssa Dalton
If you haven’t been following The Quality of Life Project (QOL) on Instagram, it’s time to click that “follow” button. This project has a mission to celebrate “life in vibrant color”, and founder Grant Carter has done just that. The social media account consists of profiles of Villanova students that Grant has interviewed. However, these interviews can be read as more of a narrative and less of a Q&A. The project started back in December and has since featured over 60 students. The stories often focus on individual reflection, a way for people to look back on their lives and see what they have overcome and how they got to where they are now. These personal stories connect us as a community, not just by our accomplishments, but through our struggles.
I recently sat down with Grant as he interviewed me for May’s Mental Health Awareness Month and discussed how he came up with the idea for QOL and where he sees it heading. He explained, He explained, “I wanted to create a place for Villanova - and myself - to read about people as they are not as they are assumed to be”. Grant has a calming presence that makes you feel as if you’ve known him for years. It’s no wonder why his interviewees feel so comfortable opening up with him.
Our Mental Health Editor, Jane Ross, also worked with Grant for this week’s features. After speaking with Grant, she explained, “the Quality of Life Project is such a valuable contribution to our Villanova community. While we pride ourselves on our strong sense of community, it’s crucial to highlight the individual experiences of all students at Villanova so that we can better address our room for growth, especially when it comes to mental health. I am so grateful that I could share my story with Grant and I am excited to see how QOL project continues to flourish.” The evident success of QOL demonstrates that Jane is not alone in her sentiments - with over 1,000 followers on Instagram, this project clearly addresses a need in the Villanova community. With an anticipated web launch on June 3, 2019, it is clear that this project only has more room to grow.
QOL has brought so many people together and helped foster a true sense of community by sharing the stories of our friends and classmates. While our achievements in the classroom have given Villanova the opportunity to become a nationally ranked and recognized institution, it is projects like QOL and students like Grant Carter, that give Villanova students something to be even more proud of: a community of change makers. Individuals who see a need on campus and take it upon themselves to be a part of the solution. I admire Grant and all those who have taken the time to share their personal stories in hopes of creating a connection that sparks conversation and change.
This National Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re proud to be partnering with QOL to highlight the important conversations our community is having. Be Well Nova is a group that is devoted to promoting a life of balance for both mind and body, and having other on-campus organizations that believe in that message is key to cultivating a culture of transparency. For everyone who has shared their story and continues to do so, we thank you.
