College Station Students Discuss High-Speed Rail, Mental Health, and Fentanyl Awareness

College Station Students Share Insights on High-Speed Rail, Mental Health, and Substance Awareness

COLLEGE STATION, TX – On September 12, 2023, student reporters from Texas A&M University gathered opinions from students at the Memorial Student Center and Rudder Complex regarding recent national news that impacts their collegiate experience. Key topics included transportation options like the proposed high-speed rail between Dallas and Houston, mental health resources, and awareness of the fentanyl crisis affecting young adults.

A $64 million federal grant awarded to Amtrak aims to propel plans for a high-speed railway connecting Dallas and Houston. When completed, this ambitious project could transport passengers across the 240-mile distance in just 90 minutes, operating at speeds of 205 mph. Several A&M students expressed varying levels of interest in the rail service, particularly with a potential stop in the Brazos Valley.

Accounting sophomore Meredith Shults introduced her enthusiasm for the prospect, indicating she might utilize the rail to visit her family in Dallas. “I probably spend $20 on gas from home to here, and it’s three and a half hours,” Shults shared. Similarly, allied health sophomore Mackenzie Balzen pointed out the economic aspect, saying, “Yeah, I’d use it if the train ticket is cheaper than gas. Gas is expensive.”

However, some students voiced skepticism about the project’s estimated cost of $40 billion. Biomedical sciences junior Cason Cox remarked, “That’s a steep price considering our budget deficit right now. It could be a great alternate option, but there are more pressing issues we need to address.”

In another area of concern, three Aggies commented on mental health resources following a recent announcement about a clinical trial at UTHealth Houston studying psilocybin (psychedelic mushrooms) as a treatment for treatment-resistant depression. A significant 70% of college students report challenges with mental health, but awareness of campus resources appears limited. Only two out of three students interviewed could name specific mental health services offered at A&M.

Psychology senior Katie Underwood, who works in a psychologist’s office, voiced her support for exploring psilocybin as a treatment option. She emphasized the importance of caution. “If [psilocybin] is something that people think can help, then absolutely. I say try it, especially if it is a more natural approach,” she said.

In terms of substance awareness, a troubling trend of fentanyl overdoses has captured the attention of many students. From 2018 to August 2022, nearly 2,874 unintentional deaths linked to fentanyl involved individuals aged 18 to 44, according to state health officials. In response to this crisis, Texas recently enacted a law that holds individuals accountable with murder charges related to fatalities caused by fentanyl distribution.

Students expressed varied knowledge about fentanyl and available resources on campus. Ocean engineering sophomore Noah Amos admitted, “I don’t think there are enough campus resources if I haven’t heard about them.” Meanwhile, business administration freshman Sydney Mulhare mentioned most of her knowledge regarding fentanyl came from high school education. Some students emphasized the need for more effective campus communication on this pressing issue.

Students also voiced concerns over campus safety following a high-profile drunk driving incident that claimed the lives of NHL All-Stars Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau. Business sophomore William Blackburne shared ideas for addressing drunk driving, including enhancing transportation services for students in need. “I think I’ve heard of campuses where, after a certain time, Uber or the rideshare apps are free,” he suggested.

As Texas A&M University continues to grow—with enrollment surpassing 71,000 students—raising awareness and providing access to essential mental health resources and transportation alternatives appear paramount. From the prospects of high-speed rail travel to exploring innovative treatment options for mental health, Aggies are keen to engage in conversations that affect their well-being and safety.