July 2022 | Issue 40

Peabody Office of Student Engagement & Well-Being

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

WORKING THE COMPASS

How We Ripen: On Blueberries and Tight S(pots)

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

My daughter Sage talked me into purchasing two blueberry plants at Wal-Mart in early June. They were only $4.97 each; a bargain when we might pay that much for a container of blueberries at the store. She promised to plant them. Alas, they are still sitting on our deck in the pots they were born in.

They are growing, despite their tight (s)pot.  When we brought them home they had several beckoning tiny green berries. We have watched them go from green to pinkish red to light and dark blue. Their size? Tripled. Yesterday, after weeks of waiting and watering and watching, I finally popped one straight off the bush and into my mouth. A single perfect berry. It tasted like summer – sweet, full, and warm.

Worth the wait? Totally. Because that single berry had a lot to teach me.

About patience. Growth. Beauty. Simple pleasures. Being in the moment. Eating a single berry that took two months to come into its own strikes me as something most worthwhile.  In a rare turn of events, I am grateful for my daughter’s impulse buy. Even the fact that she did not plant the two blueberry bushes as promised? A-OK. They have been close to us on our deck. Watered daily. Coaxed. Complimented. Encouraged. Believed in.

In our lighting-speed fast terabyte google-anything world, waiting and trusting and doing what needs to be done for a blueberry to ripen is a very old school lesson. About blueberries and about life.

The summer season – particularly for those of us who have the honor and privilege of working or living by an academic calendar – presents a pause. A space to be still in our s(pots), to meditate, absorb nutrients, grow. And perhaps to challenge some of our boundaries with new experiences. Environments. Relationships. Ideas. S(pots).

What nutrients are you giving yourself this summer? What do you need to flourish? Bloom? Maybe you don’t know. Maybe you do. Sometimes just sitting in our pots is enough. Sometimes it isn’t. Sometimes we need the help of others. For encouragement. To remind us. To help us grow.

For those two blueberry plants to live their best life, I will need to plant them in the ground. They were meant for more than those pots. But those pots gave them their solid start. This fall, I will help those two blueberry plants become more of who they are meant to be. I plan to plant them in a sunny spot near a cabin in the woods.

There, we can turn our faces toward the sun, soak up its life-giving rays, and stretch our boundaries.

There, we can grow more wild and free, together.

STUDENT VOICES

Jasmine Zhang

Our featured student, Jasmine Zhang, is a second year International Education Policy and Management master's student. Jasmine is serving as the graduate assistant this year for Peabody International Students and Affairs. Welcome Jasmine!

Where do you call home? Feel most at home?

Hangzhou, China, a southeast city famous for its natural beauty and technology companies (I lived next to Alibaba for four years). This city witnessed my graduation, my first full-time employment, and meeting my best friends. I also feel most at home in Hangzhou because of the community that I built a strong connection with. I definitely will go back there if given the opportunity.

What do you want to be when you “grow up”?

In short, I hope to make an impact. In International Education Policy and Management program, some students like to study theoretical “policy”, while I like to strategically apply "management." Peabody has provided me with a wealth of academic knowledge as well as practical methods that I am eager to apply in my future work.

Favorite book?

The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle. This is an excellent manual for anyone interested in what exactly “living in the now” means. I used to fantasize about what the future held for me or how I should have done things differently. The concept of mindfulness drags me to reality and focusing on what I can change for the time being.

Favorite “find” (thing, person, place) on your Peabody journey so far?

My internship supervisors are really encouraging and supportive! They have more experience than I have and are always open to considering my ideas. They provide a plethora of options to advance me in data analysis, public speaking, communications, and program management.

Something special you brought with you to Nashville?

Cans of Jasmine tea are the most important things I brought with me. It reminds me of family gatherings where we observe the tradition of tea ceremony. I miss spending time with relatives, enjoying pastries and sipping tea. Since I don’t have a tea set here, I boil tea leaves to make Jasmine Boba Tea.

Ways you are celebrating summer?

Gym in the morning and swimming in the afternoon. It makes me feel much more energetic. Of course, on weekends, I always reward myself with hot chicken (the spicier, the better). I am so glad to have time for self-care.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Agua Fresca

This fruit-infused water is cool, wonderfully refreshing and perfect for a hot summer day. Agua fresca is a drink popular throughout Mexico and South America. Super simple to make, blend some favorite fruit (or cucumber), water, lime juice, and a touch of sweetener (if needed). Be prepared to feel fully refreshed and ready for anything these hot dog-days of summer have in store!

INGREDIENTS

*Ingredients per serving, multiply as necessary

1 cup roughly chopped fruit (hulled strawberries, peeled cucumber, cantaloupe or pineapple recommended
1 cup water
½ medium lime, juiced
1 teaspoon pure cane sugar or agave nectar or sweetener of choice (if your fruit is perfectly ripe and sweet, you may not need any sweetener at all)
optional: 2 large mint leaves (perfect with cucumber)

Blend all ingredients at high-speed in a blender. Enjoy!

Courtesy of cookie and kate.

HEALTHY MOVES

Jump In! The Cool Benefits of Swimming

1. It’s a full-body workout
2. It’s easy on your joints
3. It may improve arthritis symptoms
4. It’s great for any age or ability level
5. Pregnant? No problem!
6. Folks with asthma can breathe easy
7. You’ll notice a happier mind
8. Swimming regulates blood sugar
9. It may decrease your risk of heart disease
10. It burns up calories
11. It’ll help you slay that REM cycle
12. People who swim live longer (maybe)
13. It reduces stress

To take a deeper dive into these thirteen benefits of swimming, you can read more here. From Greatist, where the content developers "sift through the noise, delivering expert-vetted health info through a real-life lens. We’re here to support and inspire, so you can take actions every day to live your best life. Whether we’re talking breakfast, breathing, or brain health, you can trust that all Greatist content is evidence-based, science-backed, and expert-approved."

Looking for places to swim in Nashville? Check out nearby Percy Priest Lake or Old Hickory Lake. Many of the local YMCA's have pools too. You can cool off while you explore Nashville and its surrounding beauty!

MINDFULNESS MATTERS

Sitting Together in Presence

World-renowned spiritual teacher Eckhart Tolle conveys simple wisdom that transcends any particular religion, doctrine, or guru through his teachings and meditations.

A best-selling author (The Power of Now, A New Earth, Stillness Speaks) and teacher, join Eckhart for a 30 minute mindfulness meditation.In this meditation Eckhart shares:

how you are more fully "yourself" when you are not thinking
how Ramana Maharshi measures "progress" on the spiritual path
how meditation invites us to be relaxed and alert at the same time

We invite you to carve out a moment in your day to be still, breathe deeply, and align yourself with your deepest truth. Want more meditation? Join us on Wednesday, July 20th for Mindfulness with Amanda Dixon, 12:30-12:55 p.m. CDT via Zoom. We hope to see you there!

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 mental health resources or support, please contact the Employee Assistance Program at Work-Life Connections. The Employee Assistance Program can provide support and resources related to a variety of issues (stress, emotional health, relationships, family, financial, alcohol, drug, and other personal concerns).

The University Staff Advisory Council is a wonderful resource that represents 90 elected individuals, who in turn represent more than 4,000 full- and part-time exempt and non-exempt Vanderbilt University staff members.. USAC is an advisory group to administration and staff on issues, policies and practices that affect the university and those served by the council. Feel free to use provide feedback or ask questions through this anonymous form. General body meetings are open and any staff member can attend on the second Tuesday of each month, 8:30-10 a.m. We hope to see you there!

If you are interested in a faculty/staff affinity group, many options are available. For questions or more information, please reach out to eag@vanderbilt.edu in 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.

Student Health Insurance Opt-Out Reminnder image

Friendly reminder: August 1st is the deadline to submit a waiver to opt out of the Student Health Insurance Plan for the 22-23 academic year.

Upcoming Programs & Events

OFFICE OF STUDENT ENGAGEMENT & 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, & INCLUSION OFFICE HOURS

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

PEABODY SOCIAL
July 14 | 3:30 - 5:00 p.m. | Cohen Memorial Hall and Art Gallery

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. The Art Gallery will be open for viewing of the current exhibit: Tsuguharu Foujita and the Art of the Cat. We hope to see you there!

LIFE AFTER ROE: PROCESSING SESSION
July 14 | 12:00 p.m. | Great Room 1001, E. Bronson Ingram College

On Thursday, July 14, the Women’s Center will hold a session to process the Supreme Court’s overturning of the Roe decision. Join to discuss, listen, and learn from one another following the Supreme Court's decision on abortion rights.

COMMON GROUNDS COFFEE/TEA PAIRING
July 18 | 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. To participate, please use the link below to register! Make a new connection at Peabody in three easy steps:

1. Sign up by July 15th.
2. Receive a random partner via email by July 18th.
3. 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 STUDENT FOCUS GROUP
July 19 | 12:00- 1:15 p.m. | Peabody Library Fireside Reading Room

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.

A final summer session will be held on Tuesday, July 19th, 12:00 -1:15 p.m. CDT. The session will be approximately 75 minutes and lunch will be provided. 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.

ONLINE MINDFULNESS SESSION
July 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!

TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALLGAME! WITH THE NASHVILLE SOUNDS
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! Buy tickets here.

FACULTY FACETIME WITH ANDY HOSTETLER
July 29 | 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. CDT | Zoom

Hosted by the Peabody Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, Faculty FaceTime provides an opportunity to get to know Peabody faculty in an informal conversational setting. We are excited to have Dr. Andrew Hostetler, Associate Professor of the Practice of Social Studies Education in the Department of Teaching and Learning this month. Dr. Hostetler will be in conversation with Secondary Education MEd student Will LaFrance. Dr. Hostetler's teaching and research focuses on how knowledge, skills, discourses, and dispositions are leveraged for a citizenship and justice orientation in the fields of social studies education, teacher education, teacher research, and democratic theory in education. In particular, he is concerned with how teachers and students engage in substantive discourse and meaningful action related to relevant social, political, or economic issues affecting their communities. RSVP Link and Zoom Link

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. CDT | 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 a 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!