June 2022 | Issue 39

Peabody Office of Student Engagement & Well-Being

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

WORKING THE COMPASS

A Love Letter to Summer

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

Dear Summer,

We are so glad you have arrived! Thank you for showing up and for bringing so many incredible gifts with you: time, light, energy, ease. After two full years in pandemic-mode, you provide a deep breath, a pause, a parantheses for us to fill with exactly what we need. Bless you for being right on time and opening yourself to us with a resounding Ye-Haw and Dive On In!

We appreciate that the parenthetic pool* you offer is unique to each of us. It might be a weekend class or a new program; it might be a road trip with a friend; it might be a hammock in the backyard with your favorite book or podcast; perhaps it’s a weekend farmer’s market or a local festival to celebrate (Pride week, anyone?). Live music might be your summer sweet jam. Or a cookout with friends. An early morning walk to beat the heat is a great way to embrace you. The shade of those magnificent trees along the way? The loveliest touch of grace.

We love you, Summer, because you feel bountiful and full of promise. The lush trees and vibrant greenery beckon to us. The parks and lakes call. They say, “Come play!” You know we need a respite from schedules and Zoom meetings and the pressures of our world. Indeed, you teach us some of our best lessons. We appreciate that you are not saying, “Forget about all that chaos in the world and in your life” but that you are saying, “Set aside your worries for today. Rest. Recharge. Fill up with what you need.” And then, let’s begin again.

Summer, for those of us who live and love the academic life and its rhythms, we are perennially grateful for the full circle you represent. Our years begin at your end and end at your beginning. We love you for that and for providing both roots and wings to our journeys.

With much, much love and gratitude,
Your Summer Students for Life

*See the parenthetical pool below? Your assignment for today is to fill it with what feeds you! Your assignment for tomorrow? Go do one of those succulent *things*.

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STUDENT VOICES

Caroline Wilson

Our featured student, Caroline Wilson, is a Human Development Studies master's student who will graduate in August. Caroline is serving as the graduate assistant for the Office of Student Engagement and Well-Being this summer.. Welcome Caroline!

Where do you call home? Where do you feel most at home?

While Huntsville, AL will always be my "home," I am quickly considering Nashville to be my second home. Having attended college and graduate school at Vanderbilt, I've spent much of my adult life in Nashville and am thankful for the friends and memories I've made along the way. Right now, I feel most at home in my tiny little apartment in Sylvan Park with my dog, George :)

If your life was a book, what is the title of this chapter you are currently in?

I think this chapter would be called "New Beginnings" (or Quarter-Life Crisis!). Coming back to Peabody has been a period of transition as I consider where I am headed and what I want to do next.

Favorite “find” in Nashville or at Vanderbilt?

One of my most frequented spots in Nashville is the McCabe Greenway. You can find my dog, George, and I romping around Richland Creek most evenings!

My favorite "find" at Vanderbilt has to be the upstairs booths in Commons Center. Whether studying, having a meal with friends, meeting with a professor, etc., I've spent a lot of hours in those booths over the past six years (both as an undergraduate and graduate student!).

A favorite object, quote, or “thing” you brought with you to Nashville and why it is important to you?

One of my favorite possessions is a red University of Wisconsin coffee mug. Growing up, going to my grandparents house for dinner ment making microwavable "mug cakes" in coffee mugs for dessert. Despite pleas to make mug cakes at home, it was a tradition reserved strictly for my grandparent's house. A few years ago, my grandmother gifted us with our "mug cake" coffee mug and I drink my coffee out of it almost every morning.

How will you be celebrating summer over the next couple months?
Exploring Nashville! Despite being a student here for six years, I've never had a Nashville summer. I'm excited to explore some of the amazing greenways, check out different farmers markets, and definitely attend a few concerts :)

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Summer Vegetable Pasta Salad

This classic summer vegetable pasta salad is the perfect summer meal! It’s easy to make ahead and to customize based on the vegetables you’re craving or have on hand. It’s also great for picnics and potlucks or as a meal-prep! It travels well and is equally delicious after a few hours or a few days. Enjoy!

VINAIGRETTE
1/2 cup olive oil
1/3 cup red wine vinegar
1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp dried oregano
1 clove garlic, minced
3/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper

SALAD
12 oz. bowtie pasta
2 Roma tomatoes
1 yellow squash
1 zucchini
1 broccoli crown
1/2 red onion
1 12oz. jar roasted red peppers
1/2 cup chopped parsley

INSTRUCTIONS
Make the vinaigrette first. Whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon, oregano, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Set the dressing aside.

Cook the bowtie pasta according to the package directions (boil 7-10 minutes or until tender), then drain in a colander. Rinse briefly to cool the pasta, then let it drain well.

While the pasta is cooking and draining, prepare the vegetables. Chop the tomatoes, squash, zucchini, broccoli, and parsley. Slice the roasted red peppers (drained) and the red onion.

Place the pasta and chopped vegetables in the largest bowl you have. Give the vinaigrette a brief whisk, then pour it over the salad. Stir the pasta and vegetables until everything is coated in dressing. Give it a taste and add salt or pepper, if needed. Serve immediately, or refrigerate until ready to eat.

Feel free to customize to your liking! Some additional ideas for additions and substitutions include:

Cauliflower
Fresh bell pepper
Black olives
Asparagus (steamed or grilled)
Spinach
Artichokes
Grilled chicken
Parmesan cheese
Feta cheese
Salami
Mozzarella cubes or pearls
Chickpea pasta, orzo, or quinoa

From: https://www.budgetbytes.com/summer-vegetable-pasta-salad/

HEALTHY MOVES

Great Places to Hike and Kayak Near Nashville

Though we are in a bit of a heat wave at the moment and hiking might only be a good idea at sunrise or sunset, Middle Tennessee has so many outdoor activities to enjoy! From swimming in local lakes (Percy Priest and Old Hickory are very close!), to canoeing or kayaking on one of the many beautiful rivers, summer is a wonderful time to dive in and enjoy all of the beauty and fun that surrounds us.

Nashvilleguru.com has curated a great list here. One of our favorites? Beaman Park. Only a 20 minute drive from campus and with a great little nature center, Beaman Park is a hidden gem and an easy off-the-beaten-path destination for a weekend hike. Enjoy!

GOOD READS

Peanut Goes For The Gold

Jonathan Van Ness, the star of Netflix’s hit show Queer Eye, brings his signature humor and positivity to his empowering first picture book, inspiring readers of all ages to love being exactly who they are.

Peanut Goes for the Gold is a charming, funny, and heartfelt picture book that follows the adventures of Peanut, a gender nonbinary guinea pig who does everything with their own personal flare.

Peanut just has their own unique way of doing things. Whether it’s cartwheeling during basketball practice or cutting their own hair, this little guinea pig puts their own special twist on life. So when Peanut decides to be a rhythmic gymnast, they come up with a routine that they know is absolutely perfect, because it is absolutely, one hundred percent Peanut.

This upbeat and hilarious picture book, inspired by Jonathan’s own childhood guinea pig, encourages children to not just be themselves—but to boldly and unapologetically love being themselves.

Description courtesy of Amazon.

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!

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!

University Counseling Center (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 form

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

Feel free to visit us in the Administration Building, suite 216; 9am-4pm. We are also available by appointment | PeabodyOSE@vanderbilt.edu

OFFICE OF EQUITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION OFFICE HOURS

Feel free to visit us in the Administration Building, suite 216; we are also available by appointment | EDI-Peabody@vanderbilt.edu

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSIC

June 18 | 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. | 510 Broadway

As we head into Juneteenth weekend, the Peabody Office of Student Engagement & Well-Being is excited to host an afternoon at the National Museum of African American Music. NMAAM is the only museum dedicated to preserving and celebrating the many music genres created, influenced, and inspired by African Americans. The museum’s expertly-curated collections share the story of the American soundtrack by integrating history and interactive technology to bring the musical heroes of the past into the present. Please RSVP here if you would like to join us!

THE WAR IN UKRAINE AND THE ROLE OF EDUCATION
June 23 | 11:00 - 12:15 p.m. CDT | Zoom

As Ukraine fights against Russia and for democracy, it is imperative to continue a real-time discussion on the role of education in rebuilding Ukraine and the impact of this war on the region and around the world. Please join the Peabody College Dean's Office with Dean Camilla Benbow, Associate Dean Xiu Cravens, and Professor Chris Vanags for a conversation and vigil with Anna Novosad, former Minister of Education of Ukraine and Vanderbilt Humphrey alumna, where you will learn about Novosad's firsthand experience of the war and the work she is doing for rebuilding Ukraine’s education system. Register here.

NASHVILLE PRIDE
June 25 - 26

The 2022 Nashville Pride Festival will take place on June 25th & 26th at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park in downtown Nashville.

Saturday, June 25 (11a-9p)

Sunday, June 26 (11a-7p)

Every year the festival features top-rated entertainment on multiple stages, a Kids and Family Zone, Youth Area, Community Art, and over 225 vendors featuring local not for profits, artists, and businesses. We hope to see you there!

ONLINE MINDFULNESS SESSIONS
June 29 & Jul 20 | 12:30 - 12:55 p.m. CDT | Zoom

Join us for a mid-week centering practice as Amanda Dixon, Assistant Director of High School Initiatives at Vanderbilt, guides us in a short and powerful mindfulness meditation. Amanda Dixon, M.Ed. has been practicing mindfulness meditation for 10 years and leading mindfulness for high school students and adults for the past five years. Amanda has completed several teacher training courses through Mindful Schools, has participated in a year-long Mindful School teacher training cohort, and has attended several multi-day meditation retreats. Zoom link to join here!

COMMON GROUNDS COFFEE/TEA PAIRING
July 11 | in-person and Online

Common Grounds provides the Peabody community with the opportunity to connect with new people through random pairings. The Summer Edition promotes connection with the Peabody community throughout the summer. Even if you are signed up for our regular edition, please use the link below to register for the summer edition! Make a new connection at Peabody in three easy steps:

Sign up below by July 1st.
Receive a random partner by July 11th.
Coordinate a convenient time, date, and location to meet your partner for a 15, 30, or 60-minute coffee or tea chat (virtual or in-person).

Please only select in-person if you will be in Nashville over the summer. Sign up here. And we love to hear about your new connections so if you feel like sharing or snapping a picture, share with us via email or on Instagram @PeabodyOSE.

GRADUATE AND PROFESSIONAL STUDENTS FOCUS GROUPS
July 7, 12, 19 | In-person & Zoom Options

The Office of Student Engagement and Well-Being (OSEW) is conducting a series of focus groups with Peabody graduate (Ph.D.) and professional (M.Ed., MPP, Ed.D.) students to understand how and where students feel a sense of belonging and community on Peabody’s campus. Through this, we hope to identify areas of further support and connection to deepen holistic development for students.

We will offer two in-person sessions (July 7 and July 19, 12:00-1:15 p.m.) and one virtual session (July 12, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.). Lunch will be provided for the in-person sessions and will take approximately 75 minutes. We are seeking interested graduate and professional students who have been enrolled in an on-campus program for at least one full semester. Please fill out this form if you are interested in participating and meet the requirements.

PEABODY SOCIAL
July 14 | 3:30 - 5:00 p.m. | Location TBD

Please join us on July 14th for our summer Peabody social! A space for Peabody to come together across departments and offices, we invite all graduate and professional students, faculty, and staff to join us for some light appetizers and beverages. More information to come some!

NASHVILLE SOUNDS BASEBALL GAME
July 29 | 7:05 p.m. | First Horizon Park

The Peabody Office of Student Engagement & Well-Being is excited to host a night at the ballpark for students and their guests! Join us for a Nashville Sounds baseball game against the Charlotte Knights on Friday, July 29th at 7:00 PM at First Horizon Park. A limited number of discounted tickets will be available for $5 per ticket; limit two tickets/student. Contact us at peabodyose@vanderbilt.edu with any questions.We hope to see you there!

JUMPSTART CONFERENCE: Racial Justice Work in the Midst of Policies and Practices Designed to Maintain Inequity
August 1 | 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. | Zoom

You are cordially invited to register for the third annual Jumpstart Virtual Conference hosted by the Initiative for Race Research and Justice at Peabody College. This year's keynote speakers include Dr. Gholnecsar (Gholdy) Muhammad, Dr. Cheryl Matias, and Dr. D-L Stewart. To register and learn more about the conference, click here.

WORK LIFE BALANCE NASHVILLE

Want to know what's happening in and around Nashville? Senior Director of Residential Education at Vanderbilt, Randy Tarkington, has you covered! Sign up for the weekly email that informs you of what's happening, when, and where. Also, find out about new places to eat, shop, or meet friends. Subscribe here.

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!