|
Peabody Office of Student Engagement & Well-Being
| |
| A monthly newsletter with inspiration for self-care, engagement, and reflection
| |
|
Working the Compass
the invitation: On purpose and finding your "just right"
Meaghan Mundy | Assistant Dean - Peabody Office of Student Engagement and Well-Being
True story.
I once knew a girl who attended three different undergraduate institutions. Her story (herstory) was a bit like Goldilocks and the three bears. The first college – a small, private liberal arts college in the north, was tooooo small. The second school – a huge (45,000 students!), public land-grant institution in the norther north felt impersonal and faceless. The third university, where she landed and nested for thirty years and counting? A medium-sized, private research I university in the southeast. Who knew? (She certainly didn’t.)
Goldilocks - and my friend - were trying their darndest to find the right fit. The “just right” spot where they could realize their purpose. There is even a name for it now: the “Goldilocks principle”. Where we discover what is just right and find our way forward on a middle path somewhere between two extremes.
There’s a life lesson for all of us here. Finding that “just right” spot doesn’t happen because we wish it would. It happens as we navigate our lives and we love and we lose and we make choices and we get stuck and (hopefully, thankfully) unstuck. As we learn and we grow.
That Goldilocks girl first majored in studio art (she was good at art). Then she majored in nutrition and exercise science (she had an eating disorder). Then she found a major called Human and Organizational Development (she could learn about herself and others as whole humans within various systems – and how to positively impact individuals and the systems for the common good). And the major and the school felt – finally, and after much searching and seeking and stretching and growing – just right.
There is pressure on college students to know. Exactly what major or program is right for you. What you want to do when you “grow up”. What job you are seeking. Who you are. Who you are supposed to become. Some of you might be coming back to school after some time away; others may be caring for children or parents while also juggling school. It is a lot of pressure. And expectation. And assumption.
Here's the thing: many students are developmentally in a space where they are exploring, figuring things out, making mistakes, missing the mark, dusting off and trying again from another tack. And I’m here to say, this is normal. That you might not know exactly. That sometimes you feel lost or directionless. That it is stressful to think about a future you might not be able to visualize (yet). All of this is part of why you are here. And it is Ooooo.Kkkkkkk.
Some developmental theorists use a helix model to illustrate the complexity of growth and development; and also, the circling back around to some issues from a new vantage point and navigating with your new knowing. This doesn’t happen because we want it to. It happens because we have experiences, we engage with our surroundings, we make mistakes, we learn new ways of being and doing, and we grow.
Your life and your journey are yours. To shape and to make choices for. Sometimes we make really good choices and sometimes we make choices that teach us more of what we need to know. If we aren’t open to what the choice has to teach us, we might find it shows up again in another form along that helix that is our life. Maybe in a class or in a relationship or in a feeling you just can’t shake.
The invitation is to try again. To apply what you are learning in your life and in the classroom to who you are becoming. By integrating and aligning the lessons you are learning in all the parts of your life, you will find your “just right”. A space and a place where your passion, mission, vocation, and profession come together and you are able to live your purpose.
| |
At Peabody, we are here for you on your journey – wherever you are on your helix and in your individual development. We want to support you and challenge you and help you become more of who you are meant to be. So that you can live out the Peabody difference in your life and our world and craft your unique purpose into the inimitable gift that it is.
And that Goldilocks girl? Come by and talk with her. She is your Assistant Dean for Student Engagement and Well-Being. She is the faculty member in Human and Organizational Development who is teaching the foundational course she took 32 years ago as a transfer student. She is living her purpose; she’s still learning and growing. And committed to your holistic learning and development too as we embrace 2022.
Welcome.
| |
Healthy Moveshow making a promise can move you forward in 2022 and beyond
Created by Alex Sheen, because I said I would is a social movement and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the betterment of humanity through promises made and kept. Inspired by his late father's ability to keep his promises and be a person of his word, the foundation of Alex's organization is promise cards. These cards help remind people of the importance of our commitments. Simply write a promise on a "because I said so" card and use it as a symbol of your honor.
You can share your promise with someone else or make a promise to yourself as 2022 gets underway. It might simply be one word you would like to remind yourself of or hold yourself accountable to in the weeks and months ahead; or it might take the shape of a specific promise to yourself or someone else. By writing and acknowledging what you say you will do, you plant a powerful seed for living into your promise.
We invite you to come pick up blank promise cards at the Office of Student Engagement and Well-Being!
Or request 10 cards for free here.
Alex Sheen is considered one of the world’s foremost experts on accountability and commitment and is a five-time TEDxTalk speaker, author, podcast host, and an internationally-recognized humanitarian. His work has been featured on the TODAY Show, Good Morning America, the Steve Harvey Show, CNN, Fox News and many other programs.
Because I said I would programs bridge the gap between intention and action through:
- Character Education
- Volunteerism
- Awareness Campaigns
| |
Image courtesy of Love and Lemons
| |
| | |
Food for ThoughtButternut squash soup
As winter weather continues here in Nashville, curling up with some warm soup might be just what you need. Butternut squash is a naturally creamy winter vegatable and it is very flavorful when roasted. Try the simple recipe below and enjoy this seasonal favorite!
INGREDIENTS
- 1 large butternut squash (about 3 pounds), halved vertically* and seeds removed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus more for drizzling
- ½ cup chopped shallot (about 1 large shallot bulb)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 garlic cloves, pressed or minced
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 3 to 4 cups (24 to 32 ounces) vegetable broth, as needed
- 1 to 2 tablespoons butter (or butter substitute), to taste
INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Place the butternut squash on the pan and drizzle each half with just enough olive oil to lightly coat the squash on the inside (about ½ teaspoon each). Rub the oil over the inside of the squash and sprinkle it with salt and pepper.
- Turn the squash face down and roast until it is tender and completely cooked through, about 40 to 50 minutes (don’t worry if the skin or flesh browns—that’s good for flavor). Set the squash aside until it’s cool enough to handle, about 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, in a large soup pot, warm 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped shallot and 1 teaspoon salt. Cook, stirring often, until the shallot has softened and is starting to turn golden on the edges, about 3-4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute, stirring frequently. Transfer the contents to your blender.
- Use a large spoon to scoop the butternut squash flesh into your blender. Discard the tough skin. Add the maple syrup, nutmeg and a few twists of freshly ground black pepper to the blender. Pour in 3 cups vegetable broth, being careful not to fill the container past the maximum fill line (you can work in batches if necessary, and stir in any remaining broth later).
- Securely fasten the lid. Blend on high being careful to avoid hot steam escaping from the lid. Stop once your soup is ultra creamy and warmed through.
- If you would like to thin out your soup a bit more, stir in the remaining cup of broth. Add 1-2 tablespoons butter or olive oil, to taste, and blend well. Taste and stir in more salt and pepper, if necessary.
- If your soup is piping hot from the blending process, you can pour it into serving bowls. If not, pour it back into your soup pot and warm the soup over medium heat, stirring often, until it’s nice and steamy. Then serve and enjoy!
Source: https://cookieandkate.com/roasted-butternut-squash-soup/
| |
Upcoming Eventsways to engage in JANUARY!
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. CT |
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.
THE SPIRIT OF OUR WORK: A BOOK TALK WITH Dr. CYNTHIA DILLARD
Monday, January 24 | 12:00 – 1:00 p.m CT | Virtual event.
Sponsored by Peabody Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, come learn more about Dr. Cynthia Dillard's newest book, The Spirit of Our Work: Black Women Teachers (Re)member - An exploration of how engaging identity and cultural heritage can transform teaching and learning for Black women educators in the name of justice and freedom in the classroom. RSVP here.
Peabody Reasearch Spotlight
Monday, January 24 | 4:00 – 5:00 p.m CT | Virtual event.
The Peabody Research Spotlight (PRS) series is designed to showcase research conducted by faculty and Ph.D. students at Peabody College, and to facilitate and strengthen interdisciplinary collaborations. The series is open to prospective Peabody Ph.D. students as well. The session will feature Peabody College research-practice partnerships. Each faculty member will provide a brief overview of their research-practice partnership work. RSVP here.
Faculty members for January's PRS` include:
- Sarah Suiter - Human and Organizational Development
- Marcy Singer-Gabella - Teaching and Learning
- Laura Booker - Leadership, Policy, and Organizations
- Jennifer Ledford - Special Education
FACULTY AND STAFF CIRCLES OF TRUST
Begins Wednesday, January 26 | 8:30-9:45 a.m. CT | 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.
The 3-session spring series of Circle of Trust® will take place in the Peabody Fireside Reading room on Wednesdays from 8:30-9:45 a.m., January 26, February 23, and March 23. Interested faculty and staff can register here.
Make Your Own Magic Workshop with Raheleh Filsoofi
Thusday, January 27 | 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. CT | In-person. 130 Ceramics at E. Bronson Ingram Studio Arts Center
Join us to “make your own magic” with Professor Raheleh Filsoofi, a featured artist in the exhibition Sympathetic Magic: Objects of Faith, Healing, and Transformation. Professor Filsoofi will share her process for creating her art and offer participants an opportunity to gain experience working with clay through a small hands-on project. No art experience required; limited spots available (20 participants max). RSVP by emailing gallery@vanderbilt.edu.
This event is co-sponsored by the Cohen Art Gallery, the Peabody Office of Student Engagement and Well-Being, and the Peabody Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.
Wellness coaching
VUMC dietetic interns are offering free wellness coaching to help you set goals, unearth your strengths and motivations, and develop sustainable healthy behaviors and attitudes. The coaching commitment is for eight weeks with 1-on-1 sessions lasting 30 – 45 minutes. Sessions can be in-person or virtual and will be scheduled at a mutually convenient time.
There are 8 slots this semester and sessions will take place between February-April. Registration deadline is Sunday, January 30 by 11:59 p.m. Register here.
This event is a partnership between VUMC dietic interns and Peabody Office of Student Engagement and Well-Being.
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, January 21 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.
Iris Book Discussion
Januray 27, 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. CT | Zoom
Join the Peabody Office of Student Engagement & Well-Being, the Peabody Library, and the Peabody Office of Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion for our Peabody Iris Book Discussion. All books have been distributed to registrants however anyone is welcome to join the discussion and learn more about one of the books - whether you have read or not! The three books are:
The Light of Luna Park by Addison Armstrong (a Peabody Special Educaiton Alum!) From Paycheck to Purpose - The Clear Path to Work You Love by Ken Coleman So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo
Zoom link: https://vanderbilt.zoom.us/j/93215915349
*Note: If you already signed-up for the discussion and have your book, you are all set. We look forward to seeing you on the 27th!
| |
The Silver LiningJanuary 2022 fresh eyes!
What are you seeing as 2022 gets underway? 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!
| |
How Deacon rolls by Libby Mundy
| |
Cooking dinner with a friend by Yueqi Wang
| |
Cardinals out to lunch by Sharon Shields
| |
Snow day snuggles by Eliza Blades
| |
Peabody in the fall throwback by Karen Perez
| |
Snowy mountain solitude by Jieyi Ding
| | | |
|
Karen Perez - Human Development Counseling, 1st year | |
| | |
where do you call home? feel most at home?
Home to me are the places and spaces where I feel safe, where I have a history, and where I feel I can be myself. Often for me this also has to do with the people that are around me. Colorado is where I grew up, I spent 7 years in the Bay Area in California, and Nashville has also started feeling like home.
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU "GROW UP"?
I am in the Human Development Counseling program in the school track so when I “grow up” I want to be a school counselor. Currently I want to work with high schoolers, but I am open to that changing as I complete my internships.
IF YOUR LIFE WAS A BOOK, WHAT IS THE TITLE OF THIS CHAPTER?
One of my favorite books is For Brown Girls with Sharp Edges and Tender Hearts, a Love Letter to Women of Color by Prisca Dorcas Mojica Rodríguez. This beautiful and powerful book made me feel so seen and validated, and is so much about loving yourself, being unapologetically yourself, taking up space, healing, growth, and being a part of and building community. These are all things that feel important to me right now which is why I’d pick this book title as the chapter of my life right now.
FAVORITE "FIND" IN NASHVILLE SO FAR?
I’m really grateful for the friendships I’ve found and developed at Vanderbilt so far. These friendships bring me so much joy and support and have really made Nashville become a place I’m so happy to be in.
A FAVORITE "THING" YOU BROUGHT WITH YOU TO NASHVILLE:
I brought with me cards that have been given to me over the years from important people in my life. I have them displayed on my desk and they are reminders of the people I love and that love me, and that regardless of the distance between us, we are always going to be there for each other.
CONTRIBUTIONS YOU HOPE TO MAKE IN THE OFFICE OF STUDENT ENGAGEMENT AND WELL-BEING:
Community building. Community is so important to me, and not having that when I first moved to Nashville was really challenging. I’m excited to think about and create programming that will help other students connect with each other and hopefully build positive relationships.
The OSEW staff would like to welcome Karen as a new graduate assistant in our office - we are so happy to have you as part of the OSEW team!
| |
Contribute to Well@Peabody
| |
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!
| |
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Events
| |
To commemorate Martin Luther King, Jr’s life and legacy, Vanderbilt created the MLK Commemorative Series in 1985.
The university community gathers together on this national holiday for a series of programs that include (or have included): participation in the city-wide march, community service, and educational forums and lectures. In honoring King, Vanderbilt University affirms its own commitment to the goals of peace and racial justice to which King dedicated his life.
In case you missed any of the scheduled events, please see this link for recordings as well as information about rescheduled events due to the delayed start of the spring semester.
| |
Campus recreation and wellness Center open!
| |
The Campus Recreation and Wellness Center is open and ready to support students with their wellness needs. Currently, reservations are required. Visit the Campus Rec website for hours and up-to-date policies and protocols and to make a reservation.
Please note spaces that will be accessible as the semester begins include:
- first floor fitness room
- first floor racquetball courts
- conference room
- lounge area e.g. table tennis, billiards pool access, etc.
Areas on the second floor will phase reopen no later than January 18.
Reservations can be made 48 hours in advance and will be for 55 minutes.
Participants will be able to make one reservation per day and can arrive 5 minutes before their reservation to check-in and must wait until given permission to enter. Participants must leave promptly when their reservation is complete.
| |
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.
Need help immediately? Find the UCC's crisis resources here.
| |
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.
| |
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.
| |
Support for faculty and staff
| |
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.
| |
Follow US on Social media
| |
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!
| |
We hope this newsletter serves as inspiration for self-care, engagement, and reflection. View past issues.
| |
|
Well-Being Weekly newsletter is brought to you by:
| |
| 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
| |
| | |
|
|
|
|