njit student death in newark

Elna Nyongesa's Death Sheds Light on Mental Health Challenges Facing College Students
The campus community at New Jersey Institute of Technology is reeling from the recent loss of graduate student Elna Nyongesa, who died by suicide at age 36. Nyongesa was pursuing a degree in chemical engineering and, by all accounts, showed no outward signs of mental health struggles. Her passing spotlights the hidden crisis facing many college students today.
A Brilliant Mind Concealing Inner Pain
Friends and professors described Elna Nyongesa as remarkably intelligent, driven and enthusiastic about her academic work. She seemed to be thriving in NJIT's rigorous engineering program as she pursued her lifelong dream.
However, Nyongesa privately struggled with anxiety and depression, undisclosed even to close confidantes. Her tragic death shows that students who excel externally may still grapple with inner demons. More must be done to uncover hidden mental health crises.
A Campus Epidemic
While each case is unique, Elna Nyongesa's passing reflects a broader trend of mounting mental health challenges on college campuses today. Counseling centers nationwide are overwhelmed by students struggling with anxiety, isolation, depression and thoughts of self-harm.
The pressures of college life combined with disruptions of the pandemic have exacerbated this crisis. Unfortunately, the stigma around mental illness persists, preventing many students from seeking the help they desperately need.
Taking a Proactive Approach to Student Mental Health
Elna Nyongesa's story should spur colleges to get proactive about student mental health through increasing counseling resources, training faculty to detect warning signs, and reducing the barriers around accessing care. Simply assuming all is well puts lives at risk.
Outreach specifically targeting graduate students, who face enormous academic pressure, is key. We must foster an environment where seeking help for mental health is encouraged, not seen as a failure. This could turn the tide of the campus mental health epidemic.
Remembering Elna's Vibrant Spirit
While nothing can undo the sorrow of losing Elna Nyongesa, NJIT aims to honor her memory as a brilliant, vibrant student by improving mental health resources for all students. Had an open, caring system been in place, this promising young woman may still be with us today.
Through furthering our understanding of student mental health challenges and expanding access to support, we uphold Nyongesa's spirit and prevent future tragedies. That is the duty we owe to all students facing inner battles the rest of the world never sees.
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