CDI’s Knitting Group is helping Scholars form new bonds through artistic expression
CDI Knitting Group participants show their creations
CDI’s work around wellness and mental health has provided Scholars with invaluable assistance and resources to face the numerous challenges they encounter on their journey from high school to college and into the workforce. Individual counseling sessions, family and community-based special events, and guest speakers all play a role in the success of the program. But beginning in 2023 A new item has been added to CDI’s wellness toolkit — a knitting needle!
In January, CDI Wellness Intern Elsa Maltese organized the CDI Knitting Group, where interested Scholars are learning and practicing the centuries-old art and creating unique pieces of art.
“I started the knitting group because it offers a variety of therapeutic benefits,” said Elsa. “For example, knitting can lower blood pressure and heart rate, decrease depression and anxiety, increase the participant’s sense of well-being, and reduce loneliness.”
Given these benefits, the CDI Wellness Team decided to launch the knitting group for the Class of 2024 Scholars, a group that was among the most impacted by the COVID-related lockdowns that closed classrooms and transformed traditional teen socialization norms.
“During the pandemic, the Class of 2024 Scholars engaged in solely remote learning for all of their freshman year and most of their sophomore year, limiting their social interactions and likely increasing depressive symptoms and anxiety.,” Elsa said. “With this knitting group, we wanted to provide a safe space for Scholars to interact and engage with other peers, increase Scholars’ self-efficacy by teaching them a new skill and presenting them an opportunity to mentor another peer, reduce Scholars’ stress and anxiety levels, and provide Scholars with a portable skill they can use going forward.”
The group, which meets weekly, has already proven popular with participants like Class of 2024 Scholar Antonia.
Antonia
Were you interested in knitting before the group?
Yes, I was interested in knitting but found it difficult to start because none of my friends knew how to knit and YouTube instructional videos didn’t show the techniques from enough different angles.
How was your experience with the group?
It was so much fun! I made lots of new friends and got to know them a lot better because of the the knitting group.
Why did you decide to get involved with the group?
Like I said, I was already interested in knitting from the beginning, but since I had extra time before tutoring started at CDI, I decided to join in.
What did you best like about the group?
I love that I finished my first knitted project!
