May 2022 | Issue 38

Peabody Office of Student Engagement & Well-Being

A monthly newsletter with inspiration for self-care, engagement, and reflection

WORKING THE COMPASS

What Will You Post?

Meaghan E. Mundy | Assistant Dean, Peabody Office of Student Engagement and Well-Being

This time of year holds such promise. Beauty abounds. Graduation is a week away. Classes have just ended. Summer plans beckon. An internship. A new job. Travel. Time with loved ones. Weddings. Reunions. So many exciting possibilities! So many frameable moments. Milestones to capture. Memories to make. A sea of smiling faces, shining and happy.

A whole-hearted “Yes!” to all of that. We see you. We honor you. We are happy for your achievements and accomplishments. We are excited about your plans. We feel you and agree: sharing our frameable moments allows others to glimpse our worlds and to celebrate with us - to see our happiness, our success.

There will be photo opps galore so by all means, snap those pics. Get that perfect selfie. Capture the moment. Post and share widely. As we all know, Insta “likes” are not hard to come by in our image-saturated, filters-at-our-fingertips world. And as the daughter of a life-long photographer, I totally get it. I, like you, cherish those memories, images, and accomplishments we capture in black and white and color (filtered or not). Indeed, sharing our lives and celebrations widely with those near and far has never been simpler. Or more complicated.

Because along with those perfect images, out beyond the edges and deep within and around each individual, are myriad feelings and experiences that accompany us daily as we journey through our lives:

I feel happy now. I feel sad when I hear about a friend who is struggling. I am encouraged when I did well on an assignment. I am disappointed when the person I am interested in ghosts me. I am energized by a talk with a high school friend. I am overwhelmed by my workload. I should work out. I don’t want to go out tonight. My friends all want me to go out tonight. I have FOMO (fear of missing out). If I am being totally honest, I have JOMO (joy of missing out).

What of the space for that which does not fit in a 3 inch x 7 inch screen or an 8 x 10 frame; or that might not so neatly match the image we want others to see; or that does not reflect the process that went into the one-second image we are working so hard for others to buy into? Now, more than ever, it seems critical that we find a way of honoring all the parts of our lives and the spaces beyond the photo’s edges. That we create a space and an appreciation for the moments, chapters, images and lessons that are unframeable.

And what might that be? It is different for each of us. But maybe it looks something like this:

The sense of completion walking out of your last exam or turning in that final paper
The deep sadness of a relationship that has run its course
The groundedness from a good workout
The struggles with perfectionism that might plague you
The synchronicity when all the pieces come together as if by magic
The bottomless grief of an unexpected loss of a loved one
The excitement of a new chapter
The trepidation about your next steps
The familiar smell of a favorite person or place
The connection you feel to someone who sees ALL of you and loves you because of it

Those unframeable moments? They are where our most life-changing and life-giving lessons unfold and take root. We all have these unframeable moments that likely make up a huge chunk of our lives. And they often hold more of who we are than any image we share on social media. Yet, we often let those images dictate how we feel. Our self-worth. Our body image. If we are doing enough. Or too much. If we measure up (typically, to some unrealistic expectation that keeps us feeling small . . .).

Don’t get me wrong, frameable moments are lovely. Absolutely frame your diploma. Put your photos from the family reunion on Facebook so older relatives can enjoy them. Upload favorite meals and vistas from your family vacation or road trip on Instagram. Post on Tik Tok your graduation video in front of Wyatt. Take a selfie with your Peabody friends and share it on WeChat. Don your bright colors and head to Peabody Gala; post it on your story. Hashtag away!

Then, write yourself a letter. Start it like this: I knew you when _________________. And end it with, I love you all the more for__________________. Maybe you throw in an affirmation: You got this! You are never alone! You are perfectly imperfect and that’s the truth! This or something better is headed your way right this very minute! Remind yourself of who you are and who you are becoming. Maybe you find a favorite photo from childhood that takes you back to your authentic self. Then, tuck that letter and childhood picture somewhere safe. Where you might stumble upon it five or ten years from now. And think, “Yes!”, I remember my exquisite brilliance. And, my naivete. My optimism. And my fear. My breath-taking anxiety. And my no-holds-barred passion. I am all of that. And so much more.

Nope, the letter need not go in a frame. You will find it when you need it. And it will remind you of one of life’s most important truths. Some of our very best moments and lessons can be beautifully captured, not by our cameras, but by our hearts.

Because at your essence, you my friend, truly are unframeable.

STUDENT VOICES

Joanna Clark

Our featured student, Joanna Clark, is graduating with her doctorate in the Higher Education Leadership and Policy program in the department of Leadership, Policy and Organizations. Joanna served as chair of the Peabody Honor Council for the last three years and was an exceptional leader, organizer, and thought partner during her tenure. Joanna, we are proud of your many accomplishments and grateful for the contributions you have made to Peabody in your time here!

A favorite class or professor and what you most appreciated: Matthew Shaw's Education Law course was phenomenal. He is such a brilliant thinker and professor that he had me considering getting a JD after finishing my Ed.D. We talk so much in the Higher Education Leadership and Policy program about the impacts the law has on education, especially in Chris Loss' course, and Matthew really put all of that into rich legal perspective.

An unexpected direction you went and what you learned from it:
I quit my job as part of Vanderbilt's Process and Solution Implementations team in October 2021 to give education consulting a try. I'm glad to have had the opportunity to look at university technology and systems through a new lens. I think the perspective will be invaluable as I decide next steps in my career.

What is your why and how did your time at Peabody help you live more fully into it?
I like to think of myself as an "improver" (a word I just made up), especially at work, and I've been able to take theories and practical lessons I've learned in this program straight into the workplace. PDSA cycles, fishbone diagrams, the garbage can model, loosely coupled systems, and many other topics have all come up in conversation. It's so satisfying every time I'm able to discuss or apply something I've learned from Peabody at work.

Words of wisdom to share:
Rediscover (or find!) your internal motivation for doing your program. Don't rely on grades or feedback to determine how well you're doing as a student. Wring everything you can out of your program for your own edification.

With graduation on the horizon, what’s next?
I'm going to reclaim a lot of time for hobbies. Sewing, Peloton, stained glass making, bookbinding and papermaking, photography, and video games await!

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Supercharged Smoothies

Summer is right around the corner and a tasty smoothie is perfect for a refreshing energy boost to get us through the day! Try one of these filling and satisfying ideas from the The Blue Zones Kitchen: 100 Recipes to Live to 100. Simply combine all of the ingredients in a blender or food processor until smooth and enjoy!

Evedyday Icy Smoothie

1 frozen very ripe banana cut into 1-inch pieces
1/2 cup of frozen blueberries or strawberries
Small handful frozen broccoli
1/2 cup vanilla almond milk
1 tablespoon almond butter
1/2 cup ice
2 teaspoons honey

Energy Smoothie

1 banana
1 cup frozen peaches
1 cup nondairy vanilla yogurt
1/2 cup vanilla almond milk
1 tablespoon chia seeds
Pinch of ground cayenne to boost metabolism (optional)

Frozen Mango Lassi

1/4 cup coconut cream
3/4 cup coconut milk
1 cup frozen mango
1/2 cup ice
Honey
Fresh mint leaves (optional for garnish)

Tropical Green Smoothie

2 cups spinach
1 ripe banana
1/2 cup frozen pineapple
1/2 cup frozen mango
3 dates, pitted
1 tablespoon almond butter

Cantaloupe Berry Cooler

1 cup cubed cantaloupe
1/2 cup frozen strawberries
1/2 cup frozen blueberries
1 tablespoon honey
1 cup ice

Don't have one of the ingredients listed? Substitute away! Any milk will do - oat, soy, cashew, coconut, almond. No broccoli? Throw in a handful of spinach or kale. No honey? Do a tablespoon or two of maple syrup instead. No almond butter? Any nut butter will do. Allergic to nuts? Throw in a scoop of protein powder instead. The possibilities are endless - just like the start of summer!

Enjoy!

HEALTHY MOVES

Sustainable Living Ideas: Nashville and Beyond

It is estimated that about 30 - 40% of all food produced in the United States is wasted. Although sustainability can be a big topic to tackle, our individual efforts and contributions can make a larger impact than we think. If you are curious about learning how to live more sustainably, here are some resources you may consider looking into courtesy of the Food and the Environment: Sustainable Nutrition Practices presentation from our partnership with the Dietetic Internship Program at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

Support Community Supported Agriculture (CSAs)
What are CSAs? You pay a fee ahead of the growing season and receive a box of produce grown by the farmer each week. If you don’t want to commit to an entire season of produce, you can purchase a box on a weekly or monthly basis. Visit this link to discover more CSAs available in the local area.

Shop at local farmers markets
Vanderbilt has a Farmers Market every Thursday beginning June 6th, 2022 in the Vanderbilt University Medical Center plaza (across 21st Ave from Peabody). Find information about other local farmers markets here,

Engage in local volunteer opportunities
Visit this link to discover volunteer opportunities in the area that focus on sustainability, community development, and local non-profits.

If you don’t know where to start and need ideas on making your kitchen more sustainable checkout the websites and Instagram accounts below:

Minimalist Baker - recipes featuring simple steps and minimal ingredients
Love & Lemons - plant-forward and vegan recipes
Gathered Nutrition - recipes including fresh produce and inclusive of food restrictions and allergies
Your Latina Nutritionist - website and Instagram focusing on the intersection of nutrition and culture

GOOD READS

Think Like a Monk

In his inspiring, empowering book, Jay Shetty draws on his time as a monk to show us how we can clear the roadblocks to our potential and power. Combining ancient wisdom and his own rich experiences in the ashram, Think Like a Monk reveals how to overcome negative thoughts and habits, and access the calm and purpose that lie within all of us. He transforms abstract lessons into advice and exercises we can all apply to reduce stress, improve relationships, and give the gifts we find in ourselves to the world. Shetty proves that everyone can—and should—think like a monk.

Shetty, social media superstar and host of the #1 podcast On Purpose, distills the timeless wisdom he learned as a monk into practical steps anyone can take every day to live a less anxious, more meaningful life. When you think like a monk, you’ll understand:

How to overcome negativity
How to stop overthinking
Why comparison kills love
How to use your fear
Why you can’t find happiness by looking for it
How to learn from everyone you meet
Why you are not your thoughts
How to find your purpose
Why kindness is crucial to success

Description courtesy of Amazon. Special thanks to Leila Shaheen, HOD undergraduate, for the great recommendation!

TED TALK

Everyday Leadership: Lollipop Moments

"How many of you are completely comfortable with calling yourselves a leader? I've asked that question all across the country, and everywhere I ask it, no matter where, there's a huge portion of the audience that won't put up their hand. And I've come to realize that we have made leadership into something bigger than us; something beyond us. We've made it about changing the world. We've taken this title of "leader" and we treat it as something that one day we're going to deserve. But to give it to ourselves right now means a level of arrogance or cockiness that we're not comfortable with. And I worry sometimes that we spend so much time celebrating amazing things that hardly anybody can do, that we've convinced ourselves those are the only things worth celebrating. We start to devalue the things we can do every day. We take moments where we truly are a leader and we don't let ourselves take credit for it . . ."

Enter the Lollipop Moment! Listen to Drew Dudley's full six-minute talk here and find out how some of the kind and wise things you do in a typical day - sometimes unconsciously and spontaneously - might have an impact you never imagined.

RESOURCES

Summer Hours for JP Cafe

JP Cafe - located on the garden level of 6 Magnolia - will be open during the summer from 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. Monday-Thursday. The cafe will be closed July 4-15 and August 1-5. The week of August 23, the cafe will resume its normal business hours of 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on Fridays.

Meditation and Prayer Room in Mayborn

Room 011 in Mayborn is open to the entire Peabody community for meditation and prayer. We invite everybody to take some time out of their busy schedules to either take a meditative break or to simply sit in the stillness and breathe deeply!

Student Care Network Satellite Services

Satellite services are offered by a number of Student Care Network and other offices in locations across the University’s campus. These services are intended to provide quick and convenient access to resources in order to consult on a current concern, explore support options, and establish connections with staff members. In most instances, satellite services are not intended to be used for routine care or appointments but may be an entry point by which students become more comfortable with or knowledgeable about a resource that they may need regularly in the future. To read more about their services, please visit their website.

Headspace App

Vanderbilt has arranged for students to have free acces 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!

UCC Resources

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.

Student of Concern

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.

Campus Safety Resources

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.

Upcoming Events

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 HOURS

By appointment | EDI-Peabody@vanderbilt.edu

ANCHORS AWAY: PEABODY SPRING GALA

May 7 | 7:00-10:00 p.m. | Wyatt Center

The Peabody Office of Student Engagement & Well-Being is excited to host the return of the Peabody Spring Gala for Peabody professional and graduate students and their guests. No tickets will be available at the door. We invite all Peabody faculty and staff who work with professional and graduate students to join us in the celebration too! Faculty and staff can register here.

THRIVING THROUGH TRANSITIONS: LEANING INTO YOUR TALENTS AND STRENGTHS WORKSHOP

May 10 | 5:30-6:45 p.m. | Virtual

The end of the semester and the school year represent a time of reflection, transition and change. This workshop will shine a light on how you can lean into your unique talents and strengths to flourish amidst all the moving parts in your life and world!

If you have already taken the CliftonStrengths assessment, get ready to take a deeper dive. Find new ways to talk about your talents and strengths as you apply for a job or field experience. Learn how to leverage your talents and strengths as you transition to a new experience or even a new relationship. Explore how you can embrace your talents and how to appreciate others’ talents at this interactive workshop led by strengths coaches Meaghan Mundy and Nancy Dickson. RSVP Here.

COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY FOR ALL GRADUATES
May 13 | 9 a.m. | In-person | Vanderbilt Stadium

UNDERGRADUATE GRADUATION CEREMONY
May 13 | Immediately following the Ceremony for all graduates | In-person | Vanderbilt Stadium

PEABODY COLLEGE MASTER'S DEGREE CEREMONY
May 13 | 11:15 a.m. | In-person | Peabody Esplanade

PEABODY COLLEGE DOCTOR OF EDUCATION (Ed.D.) DEGREE CEREMONY
May 13 | 3:00 p.m. | In-person | Peabody Esplanade

Silver Linings

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 with the hashtag #PeabodySilverLining or email us. Happy snapping!