Kevin Kawakami, M.Ed.

He/Him

Kevin Kawakamiis a Resident Director with UCLA Residential Life who received his Bachelor’s degree as well as his M.Ed. in Student Affairs from UCLA. In his supervisory roles, Kevin is particularly passionate about equipping his team members with skills to support their mental health and wellbeing, as well as supporting his team members in finding their value beyond their identities as a student or employee to the university.

Favorite self-care practice: I find that playing video games or watching scary movies help me best to escape. Playing out scenarios on the screen or in my mind brings me a sense of peace and preparedness. During this time of stay-at-home orders, I’ve also taken up indoor cycling and learning digital illustration.

Fun Fact: I have a bunch of random knowledge about Disneyland and could probably navigate the place with my eyes closed!

What does wellness mean to you?

I’d say that wellness, to me, is a willingness to be vulnerable with ourselves to find what practices provide effective care for our bodies, minds, and emotions.

How would you define resilience?

Speaking to my love of video games, I’d say that resilience is the ability and willingness to continue even when you get “Game Over.” You could feel many emotions at seeing that result. Frustration, sadness, self-doubt, just to name a few. Whether it was a result of unforeseeable circumstances, an error in judgment, or something else entirely, can something new be learned or gained? Maybe a new understanding or discovery about yourself or your world. Maybe a new skill or ability in your repertoire. Maybe a new strategy or way of thinking to approach similar challenges in the future.