Inside Student Life

Meet Amy Falvo, Student Life's new assistant vice president for health and wellness. Amy shares insight into her background, tips for wellness success and how she's adjusting to UB.

I chose to pursue a career in higher education because I’ve always been passionate about learning and helping others realize their potential. I’m inspired by the transformative power of education—it doesn’t just build knowledge, it opens doors, changes perspectives, and fosters growth. Working in higher education allows me to be part of that process every day, supporting students as they discover what they’re capable of and guiding them toward meaningful goals. I also value the collaborative environment of colleges and universities, where people from diverse backgrounds come together to exchange ideas and create positive change.

Wellness is important to me because it reflects how I see people and communities—as whole, interconnected beings whose physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual lives all shape their ability to thrive. I’m drawn to wellness as a concept because it is active and empowering; it’s about the everyday choices, skills, and supports that help people move toward greater balance, resilience, and fulfillment, not just the treatment of problems after they appear. In my work in higher education, wellness gives me a framework to support students as whole people, attending to their stress, belonging, identity, and long‑term growth so they can succeed academically and personally, now and beyond college.

1) Prioritize the basics: sleep, movement, and food

• Aim for a consistent sleep schedule and 7–9 hours most nights.
• Move your body most days in ways you actually enjoy (walks, rec center, intramurals, dancing).
• Don’t skip meals; build simple, balanced plates and stay hydrated throughout the day.

2) Protect your mental and social wellbeing

•  Build in small daily resets: short walks, breathing exercises, journaling, music, or quiet time.
•  Stay connected: join at least one club, job, or community where you feel seen and supported.
•  Notice signs of overwhelm (persistent stress, withdrawal, irritability) and reach out early—to friends, RA, counseling, or a trusted staff member.

3) Create a sustainable routine with boundaries

•  Treat wellness as non‑negotiable “class time” with yourself, not an optional extra if you happen to have time.
•  Use a planner or calendar to map classes, study blocks, work, and rest so your week has structure, not just chaos.
•  Set boundaries with tech, social media, and late‑night commitments so they don’t crowd out sleep and self‑care.

After Florida’s intense heat and humidity year-round, Buffalo’s cooler air—yes, even with the cold winters—is actually a relief. I am not sweating right when I walk out the door.  I also appreciate the seasons and seeing the leaves change, the snow fall, and the lake become a vibrant hang out spot. The thing that stands out to me the most are the people, the “city of good neighbors” really rings true and I have seen it while walking my dog in our new neighborhood, eating at new restaurants, and when meeting student, faculty and staff on campus.