Unsung Hero: Nancy Dyer

During this grueling time college students go through, it is hard not to wonder if everyone experiences similar issues. Nancy Dyer has helped countless students during her twenty years at the Plymouth State Counseling and Human Relations Center.

With an expertise in Alcohol and Drug Counseling, she sees a frequent link between students gaining independence and drug and alcohol use. "[I] help students before the problem gets too bad, [and] before an addiction actually sets in," said Dyer.

This type of counseling caught Dyer's interest while working in a hospital where she saw a young woman, near death, suffering from years of alcoholism. The death of this woman resonated with her. Dyer decided to become a counselor hoping to prevent more cases like the one she witnessed.

A common theme she sees in students who don't suffer from addiction and substance abuse is how they adapt to living away from home. "Something has changed in their lives, something has shifted...," said Dyer. Being in a different environment and being under the stress of college makes students behave in ways detrimental to their well-being.

 "My challenge right now that I struggle with is marijuana...society, the whole country, the whole world, in fact, is perplexed about marijuana," said Dyer. She discussed the stigma of marijuana, decriminalization, legalization, and the mixed messages present in today's society. She feels that it can be difficult for students to understand if marijuana is causing an issue for them due to all of the controversial and combating points of view.

She has a hard time reaching students and convincing them that they may be harming themselves, mentally, emotionally, or physically, when she feels they may be self-medicating to relieve anxiety, stress, depression, or any other issues that they may have.

"I always feel like there is more to do. I have responsibilities regarding Alcohol and Drug Prevention as well as Alcohol and Drug Counseling," said Dyer. "It is always a struggle to be sure I'm doing as much as I can. How can I do more?"

Her job requires her to be responsible for the awareness and prevention of alcohol and drug use, which can be quite the task on a college campus. "We are constantly trying to figure out what the students will listen to," said Dyer.

Surveys are taken every year, and the answers that students give about their own habits are mild in comparison to their assumptions of what others are doing.  It seems to be, throughout colleges across the country, students think this way. Many young adults will strive to drink in excess to keep up with their cohort. These attempts to keep up with those around you could be disastrous. "[Use] is perpetuated by society," said Dyer.

Her compassion and desire to help young people with substance abuse before it morphs into addiction is enthusiastic and very apparent. "I just really love this population," said Dyer. "I love college students. It is such a hopeful group."