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Peabody Office of Student Engagement & Well-Being
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| A monthly newsletter with inspiration for self-care, engagement, and reflection
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Working the Compass
Bringing it home
Sharon L. Shields | Sr. Associate Dean, Peabody College and Interim Director of the Susan Gray School
“I feel our nation’s turning away from love…moving into a wilderness of spirit so intense we may never find our way home again. I write of love to bear witness both to the danger in this movement, and to call for a return to love.” bell hooks
The world seems extraordinarily hard right now. There is unrest in neighborhoods, climate change impact continues to rage throughout the world, countries find themselves on the precipice of war, civil divisions threaten to divide us all, and the pandemic has worn on much longer than we could have imagined. All of this and more feels like the spirit of humanity is in a wilderness. We question and doubt if there will ever be a better time. Many of us feel we have lost our way and we will never find home.
Yet the young children I work with show me home and what a return to love looks like every day. As Senior Associate Dean at Peabody College, I was asked to serve as the interim Director for our Susan Gray School, a historic and first-of-its-kind inclusive pre-school. It has been my privilege and honor to learn and to lead in this space. It has taught me so much. Yet perhaps the deepest and most important lessons come from the children and what they bring to the world everyday: joy, awe, a love of life, hope, wonder. Every day is truly a new day, an opportunity to see the world as fresh and full of possibility.
In thinking of the quote by bell hooks, I dare to think that within each one of us there was once a child. A child that had not known how our spirits can go through the wilderness and feel like we never will find home. We brought to this world the daily possibility of what it means to love.
I hope that as we begin anew this semester, and as we enter the celebration of Black History Month, we take to heart the words of bell hooks. That we – like the young children I am blessed to engage with every day - become guides to home for those who might currently feel the world as a wilderness. That humanity inevitably and always finds its way back to love.
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Food for ThoughtLunar New Year Dumplings
Lunar New Year marks a celebration of togetherness of family and hope for a prosperous year. In honor of Lunar New Year and the year of the tiger, Peabody Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) student organization hosted a Dumpling Making Workshop that was a true delight with many in attendance and lots of meaningful stories and information shared.
APIDA has kindly shared one of their go-to dumpling recipes with the Well@Peabody and we are grateful for their contribution! If you are interested in getting involved with APIDA, email or follow them on instagram @vu.apida.
For the ingredients, many fillings and cooking options, please see the recipe here!
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| Local Nashville Markets to Check Out!
Find the ingredients you are looking for and support a local market at the same time. Through our partnership with the VUMC Dietetic Internship program (see Nutrition 101 below), our intern friends compiled this list of local Nashville markets. These provide a great starting point and we know there are many others in and around Nashville too. We invite you to share your recommendations with us. Either email us or take a picture and tag us on Instagram @PeabodyOSEW!
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Healthy Movesrelax and reset yoga with Jo-Jo and the Bcc
Sponsored by the Bishop Johnson Black Cultureal Center, join certified yoga instructor Jo-Jo Jackson for a weekly virtual yoga class throughout the school year to help nourish the body and the spirit. Every Thursday at 6:00 pm via Zoom. Learn more here!
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Upcoming Eventsways to engage in february!
Office of Student Engagement and Well-Being Office Hours - By appointment | PeabodyOSE@vanderbilt.edu
- Feel free to visit us in the Administration Building, suite 216; hours are 9am-4pm.
Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Office HoursMEDITATION MONDAYS
Every Monday | 12:30-12:55 p.m. | Virtual
Co-Sponsored by the Peabody Office of Student Engagement & Well-Being and Center for Student Wellbeing, we invite all faculty, staff,and students to a 20-25-minute virtual guided meditation every Monday during the lunch hour. Pop in, no need to even turn your camera on - just an invitiation to listen, breathe, and (re-)center! Zoom link.
Secrets to Resilience: SKY Campus Happiness Breath and Meditation Workshop
February 4 | 11:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m. | Via Zoom
This interactive session with trained SKY Campus Happiness instructors will feature an introduction to stress and tendencies of the mind, breathwork, and a guided meditation. This event is sponsored by Peabody Office of Student Engagement and Well-Being and SKY Campus Happiness. Registration Required.
COMPASS CHECK-INS
Beginning February 9 | 1:00-2:00 p.m. | Wyatt 050-03 | February 9 and 23 | March 16 and 30 | April 13 and 27
COMPASS Check-ins are Circles of Mindful Presence, Awareness, Support and Strength, a safe and welcoming space to process the many challenges occurring in our world. There will be opportunities to reflect, breathe deeply, get centered, and align our heads and our hearts. We will use many tools and techniques: reflection prompts, poetry, free writing, small group discussion, storytelling, strengths awareness and development, and resource sharing, to name a few.
Co-sponsored by the Peabody Offices of Student Engagement and Well-Being and Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, feel free to come as you need to and when you can. RSVP here.
Faculty Peabody Learning Community (PLC)
Beginning February 10 | 12:00-1:00 p.m. | Via Zoom | February 10 | March 17 | April 7
The purpose of the faculty EDI Peabody Learning Community (PLC) is to hold space for challenging conversations about teaching and learning with a specific focus on equity, diversity, and inclusion. PLC members will have opportunities to share their experiences in a collaborative, structured, and facilitated environment designed to cultivate honest and rigorous reflection. RSVP Here.
Peabody Research Conversation with Dr. Maury Nation
February 11 | 12:00-1:00 p.m. | Via Zoom
Professor Maury Nation, Bob Innes Chair and Professor of Human and Organizational Development, will discuss his research on the topic of the relations between urban schools and urban communities and how urban social problems affect student outcomes.
Dr. Nation’s research focuses on the prevention of violence among school-aged children, understanding community and neighborhood qualities/characteristics that promote youth development and developing programs and practices that promote positive school climate and equity for students of color. Registration Required.
Narrative Circles for Graduate and Professional Students
Beginning February 15 | 7:00-9:00 p.m. | One Magnolia Circle 241 | February 15 | March 1 | March 29 | April 12
For Peabody professional & graduate students, the Narrative Circles approach is distinguished by principles and practices of narrative theory intended to create a shared exploration where each individual's multi-storied self is affirmed. A welcoming and safe space is created for affirmation and connection across lines of difference so that we learn to take a values-based approach to how we exist and interact with each other. The workshops also provide an opportunity for professional development and anyone participating in 3 or more sessions will receive a certificate. Dinner will be provided. RSVP Here.
nUTRITION 101. The Blue Zones Power 9: Identifying and Applying Top Lifestyle Habits of the World’s Healthiest, Longest-Lived People
February 16 | 12:00-12:45 p.m. | Via Zoom
The majority of new year’s resolutions focus on lifestyle behaviors but translating behaviors into habits can be a challenge. By February, around 80% of new year’s resolutions are abandoned and many people are left unsure of how to move forward on their health journey. Using the world’s healthiest and longest-living people as guides, this session will illuminate top lifestyle behaviors and explore ways to shift these behaviors into habits. RSVP Here.
"Independent Study" 1:1 sessions available too! If you have multiple questions about any nutrition topic or would like an individual nutrition and wellness session, sign-up for a brief (20 minute) 1:1 session to receive more personalized nutrition information. Sessions are available in-person or virtually based on your preference. Sign up by Friday, February 11 by 11:59 p.m. RSVP Here.
Co-sponsored by Peabody Office of Student Engagement and Well-Being and the VUMC Dietetic Internship Program
RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS DAY: PEABODY ROCKS! February 17 | 2:30-4:30 p.m. | Peabody Library
In celebration of Random Acts of Kindness Day - and because we love being crafty with you - we are painting rocks with cute and kind symbols and messages. Feel free to keep your creation as our act of kindness to you OR place it somewhere around campus where others can find it and be inspired! Co-sponsored by the Peabody Library and the Office of Student Engagement and Well-Being, we hope to see you there! RSVP Here.
FACULTY AND STAFF CIRCLES OF TRUST
February 23 | 8:30-9:45 a.m. | Peabody Library Fireside Reading Room
Based on The Center for Courage and Renewal’s Circle of Trust approach, this program provides a foundation for courageous conversations that afford Peabody faculty and staff the opportunity to be more effective and authentic educators, colleagues, and individuals. Spaces are createed for reflection, deep listening, and meaningful conversations where you learn to trust your own wisdom and align your inner life with your outer work in the world.
Circles of Trust® take place in the Peabody Fireside Reading room on Wednesdays from 8:30-9:45 a.m., February 23 and March 23. Interested faculty and staff can register here.
Common Grounds
Random Coffee/Tea Pairing Program
Common Grounds Coffee/Tea Pairing Program provides the Peabody community with the opportunity to connect through random coffee/tea pairings. This is an easy, no-pressure way to make a new connection in the Peabody community. And, if you get busy, just let us know and you can join back in (or not) at any time!
How it works: 1) Sign up by Friday, February 18 by 11:59 p.m. 2) Receive a random partner the following week. 3) Reach out to your partner and plan a convenient time to connect over coffee or tea via Zoom or in-person with a socially distanced meeting. 4) Receive a new pairing each month.
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The Silver LiningWhat makes us happy as we welcome february!
What beauty are you noticing? We invite you to both take in and share something that has caught your attention, caused you to pause, or put a smile on your face. We need more of this in our full and sometimes messy, lovely lives! Please feel free to share a photo for inclusion in our next Well@Peabody newsletter, tag our office on Instagram @PeabodyOSEW with the hashtag #PeabodySilverLining or email us. Happy snapping!
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Friends found on a Sunday drive by Meaghan Mundy
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Happiness on a plate by Eliza Blades
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Deer at Percy Warner Park by Sharon Shields
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Cameron Stokes, First Year Master's in Public Policy student and President of Peabody Coalition of Black Graduates (PCBG)
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where do you call home? feel most at home?
Virginia is my home. I grew up in the Hampton Roads region of Virginia, warmly known as “the 757.” I attended undergrad in Central Virginia and after I graduated I went to work in Southside Virginia. While I love opportunities to explore, Virginia will always be where my heart is.
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU "GROW UP"?
My dream is to one day become the US Secretary of Education. I was able to get some experience working in a school and noticed that there is often a disconnect between policymakers and the everyday operations of a school. My hope is to use what I am learning in the MPP program to aid in eliminating the disconnects.
FAVORITE "FIND" IN NASHVILLE SO FAR?
The first thing that comes to mind is hot chicken, but I would ultimately have to say the National Museum of African American Music located Downtown. The museum is an amazing reminder of the impact and influence African Americans have had on every genre of American music.
A FAVORITE "THING" YOU BROUGHT WITH YOU TO NASHVILLE: My grandma gave me a dog tag with a message on it saying how proud I made her. She recently passed away so it has become my motivation to keep pushing and achieve all of my dreams.
To learn more about Peabody Coalition of Black Graduates, feel free to reach out to Cam. We are grateful for his leadership and community-building efforts ❤️
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Vanderbilt has arranged for students to have free access to Headspace – an award-winning, research-backed digital tool for mindful living with over 1,200+ hours of themed meditations, sleep content, mindful movement exercises, and focus music. With over 75+ research collaborations and 26 published studies as the mindfulness digital intervention of choice, Headspace has been shown to reduce stress, improve focus, increase resilience and happiness. Enroll in Vanderbilt’s program here.
Watch this short Headspace video to learn more!
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According to author Gary Chapman, there are five love languages. Our "love language" describes how we receive and express love in any relationship. The five love languages are:
- words of affirmation
- quality time
- physical touch
- acts of service
- receiving gifts
Take the quiz to find out how you understand love and show up in your relationships!
To take a deeper dive, check out the book. You might feel like a love-centered pro in no time!
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The UCC, part of the Student Care Network, offers in-person individual counseling, group therapy, and workshops.
The University Counseling Center (UCC) is available to all full-time Vanderbilt students. To learn more about eligibility and UCC services, please visit their website.
Group therapy and workshops are also available for many affinity groups and as safe spaces for students with diverse needs. If support from like-minded students feels like something that would be helpful to you, we encourage you to check out the many wonderful options!
Need help immediately? Find the UCC's crisis resources here.
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Contribute to Well@Peabody
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The Office of Student Engagement and Well-Being would love to hear from you and provide the opportunity for our community voices to contribute to Well@Peabody!
Do you have a recipe or healthy move you would like to share? A topic or activity around well-being, belonging, self-care, or reflection you'd like to illuminate? What interesting podcasts are you listening to? Peabody community events you'd like us to highlight? Silver Lining photo you'd like us to showcase?
We invite you to submit your ideas with us through this short form - we would love to have you engage with us here!
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VandySafe App The app is administered by Vanderbilt University Public Safety, and allows users to contact VUPD via phone call or real-time chat, trigger a mobile Bluelight that shares your location instantly with VUPD, initiate a “Virtual Walkhome” where VUPD can monitor your walk home and much more.
VandyRide We encourage everyone traveling to and from our locations in the evenings to consider using the VandyRide service, which operates from 6:00pm until 3:00am daily. Via the VandyRide interactive map and associated DoubleMap app, VandyRide’s location along its route is now viewable on your computer or mobile phone, and you can even set up text message alerts to let you know when a Van will be arriving to your stop.
Walking Escorts
All traveling to and from our locations can request a walking escort, at any time, by calling the VUPS Communications Center at (615) 322-2745.
Learn about more campus safety resources here.
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Faculty, staff, fellow students, community members, and family members can report concerns pertaining to the personal, physical, or emotional well-being of a student using the Student of Concern Form. Forms can be submitted anonymously and help struggling students get the support and resources they need.
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Support for faculty and staff
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If you are a faculty or staff member in need of additional support, please contact the Employee Assistance Program at Work-Life Connections.
If you are interested in a faculty/staff affinity group, please reach out to Linzie Treadway, Project Manager for the Office for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.
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Follow US on Social media
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Need a way to keep up with all the great Office of Student Engagement and Well-Being programming and happenings?
Give us a follow on our Instagram @peabodyosew and look for us on Facebook!
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We hope this newsletter serves as inspiration for self-care, engagement, and reflection. View past issues.
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Well-Being Weekly newsletter is brought to you by:
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| Meaghan Mundy Assistant Dean, Student Engagement and Well-Being
| | Karen Perez Graduate Assistant, 1st year, Human Development Counseling
| | Eliza Blades Assistant Director, Office of Student Engagement and Well-Being
| | Harsh Agarwal
Graduate Assistant, 1st year, Human Development Studies
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