FEBRUARY 2023 | Issue 46

Peabody Office of Student Engagement & Well-Being

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

WORKING THE COMPASS

What Brings Us Alive

Meaghan Mundy, Assistant Dean of Student Engagement and Well-Being | Senior Lecturer, Human and Organizational Development

Many of us set goals and make promises to ourselves and others as January gets underway. We go to the gym; we cut out sugar; we drink less; we stop drinking; we carve out designated times for work and studying; perhaps we even intentionally put our phones down for a period of time each day.

We commit to reading a book a month (or a week!) and getting 8 hours of sleep. To drinking plenty of water. We go to our places of faith or nature regularly – those spaces that feed our spirits and souls. We begin to journal. We limit our media intake. We start meditating. We do deep breathing exercises . . .

Many of us love the beginning of a new year and its invitation for renewal and fresh starts; it can also hold a lot of expectation. As the calendar turns from that first month of 2023 to February, some of us may already be feeling tired or overwhelmed by our commitments. Maybe even disappointed that we can’t seem to get it all together. It’s a lot to shoulder. And a month in, I’m wondering if we might look at things from another perspective, and perhaps a more sustainable way.

Howard Thurman offers this sage advice:

“Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive.”

As 2023 opens more deeply to us, let's focus on what brings us alive and commit to doing more of THAT. Let's say “Yes!” to spaces, experiences, and people that bring us energy. Let's say “no” – loudly or softly – to those that do not.

At a retreat in early December, we were greeted with a reminder we all (desperately) needed: Give yourself the luxury of doing just one thing.

Maybe we start here. Maybe we don’t need to do ALL THE THINGS. Maybe today – or this week - it’s just one. One thing that brings us more alive. One thing we can focus on as 2023 builds. For the record, the research on multi-tasking leaves us wondering why we ever thought it was a good idea; and Tim Ferriss has taken to doing Past Year Reviews instead of resolutions as a way to truly make changes and protect us from energy drains we might otherwise get sucked into. Sure, it is likely we can pull out all the stops and try like heck to knock everything off our long perennial “to do” or “to be” lists. But at what price? Exhaustion. Depletion. Half-Heartedness.

What brings you alive? Answer that question. Go do more of that. Just one thing. One life-giving thing. Because what brings us alive is what the world needs; indeed, it is why we are here.

Thurman quote - what makes you come alive

STUDENT VOICES

Cassidy Coffman

Our featured student, Cassie Coffman, is a second year Human Development Counseling student. She is also a new graduate assistant in the Office of Student Engagement and Well-Being. We are thrilled to welcome Cassie to the OSEW team and to introduce her to our Peabody community!

Where do you call home? Where (in what space or place) do you feel most at home?

I am originally from Norfolk, Virginia. I grew up close to the beach and that is where I feel the most at home! I enjoy being outside in the sun and I love swimming in the ocean. It is a place that brings me a lot of joy and peace. Now that I live in Tennessee, I have loved exploring the mountains, but I cherish every moment I get to go back to the beach!

Where do you hope your Peabody degree takes you?

I am getting my degree in Human Development Counseling. In the future, I hope to use this degree to become a counselor and help people become better versions of themselves! I want to be in a position that I can support people as they navigate life’s different circumstances. I want to show all people unconditional positive regard and make them feel seen, understood, and cared for!

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

“Busy Growing” – I am at a point in my life where I have a very busy schedule as I balance all the different aspects of my life. However, I also find that I am constantly growing and learning more about myself during this time! I feel very lucky to get the opportunity to be constantly experiencing new things and challenging myself in new ways during my time in grad school.

What is your favorite “thing” about Nashville? Vanderbilt?

My favorite thing about Nashville is how much there is to do here. I love going to sporting events, listening to live music and eating at new restaurants. I never find myself bored or hungry in this city! My favorite thing about Vanderbilt is the community. My cohort and professors are so supportive, and I am constantly learning from them all. This group of people are truly so passionate about helping others!

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

My favorite object that I brought to Nashville was my couch. It is a perfect blue velvet couch. It was my first big “adult” purchase and I love everything about it. The couch is fun and different but also cozy and comfortable- all things I love!

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies

These quick and filling breakfast cookies are easy to make in advance and take to-go as a breakfast, snack, or wholesome dessert!

Ingredients:

3 large bananas
1¾ cups quick oats
¼ cup chocolate chips
¼ cup applesauce
Honey (optional)
Crushed nuts (optional)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, or grease with cooking spray.
Mash bananas in a bowl; add oats and mix to combine. Fold in chocolate and applesauce.
Use a tablespoon to measure out portions of the dough, dropping onto the baking sheet. You can shape these into balls or flatten each cookie with a spoon (it will not spread much during baking).
Bake for about 15 minutes or until cookies are lightly browned on top.
Remove and let cool on rack.
Roll in honey, then crushed nuts, if using, when cool enough to handle.

From the Blue Zones Kitchen

Peabody student leaders at a Vanderbily Women's basketball game.

HEALTHY MOVES

Join a Peabody Student Organization!

Eliza Blades, Assistant Director | Office of Student Engagement and Well-Being

The Office of Student Engagement and Well-Being is guided by the Holistic Engagement Compass. Our co-curricular programming, student advising, campus partnerships, and this very newsletter are anchored by a commitment to recognizing that the Peabody community is made up of a beautiful diversity of individuals that have varying needs, passions, and experiences. We are each more than the student, staff, faculty, or administrator roles we embody. We are united by a clear understanding that we cannot achieve our dreams alone and that we need one another for our own well-being as well as our community's well-being.

One of the highest privileges of our office is that we sponsor and support Peabody student organizations. There are currently 11 student organizations that were formed and are sustained by bright, powerful, hilarious, and kind Peabody students. This month, we invite you to consider becoming involved with our student organizations. You can find them all on AnchorLink and their upcoming events are featured in the events section of this newsletter as well as in the weekly Events@Peabody.

GRADUATE AND PROFESSIONAL PEABODY ORGANIZATIONS

Peabody Coalition of Black Graduates (PCBG
Peabody Professional and Graduate Student Association (PPGSA
Peabody Chinese Student Organization (PCSO)
Asian Pacific Islander Desi America (APIDA)
Peabody Latinx Alumni and Student Association (PLASA)
Association for Comparative and International Education (A4CIE)
Queering Education and Development (Q.Ed.)
SKY Campus Happiness (both for graduate & undergraduate students!)

UNDERGRADUATE PEABODY ORGANIZATIONS

Project Outdoors
Peabody Council
HeartStrings

Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu with Douglas Abrams

GOOD READS

The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World

His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu with Douglas Abrams

Two spiritual giants. Five days. One timeless question.

"Nobel Peace Prize Laureates His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu have survived more than fifty years of exile and the soul-crushing violence of oppression. Despite their hardships—or, as they would say, because of them—they are two of the most joyful people on the planet.

In April 2015, Archbishop Tutu traveled to the Dalai Lama's home in Dharamsala, India, to celebrate His Holiness's eightieth birthday and to create what they hoped would be a gift for others. They looked back on their long lives to answer a single burning question: How do we find joy in the face of life's inevitable suffering?

They traded intimate stories, teased each other continually, and shared their spiritual practices. By the end of a week filled with laughter and punctuated with tears, these two global heroes had stared into the abyss and despair of our time and revealed how to live a life brimming with joy.

We get to listen as they explore the nature of true joy and confront each of the obstacles of joy—from fear, stress, and anger to grief, illness, and death. They then offer us the eight Pillars of Joy, which provide the foundation for lasting happiness. Throughout, they include stories, wisdom, and science. Finally, they share their daily joy practices that anchor their own emotional and spiritual lives.

The Archbishop has never claimed sainthood, and the Dalai Lama considers himself a simple monk. In this unique collaboration, they offer us the reflection of real lives filled with pain and turmoil in the midst of which they have been able to discover a level of peace, of courage, and of joy to which we can all aspire in our own lives."

The Book of Joy inspired a movie counterpart called "Mission: Joy (Finding Happiness in Troubled Times)" and is available on various streaming platforms.

EDI VOICES AT THE TABLE

Joy As An Act of Resistance

Hasina Mohyuddin (she/her), Assistant Dean | Peabody Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

Alice Walker wrote, “Resistance is the secret of joy,” Dr. Helena Liu contends, in her article on Resistive Joy, that “the reverse is also true – that the secret of joy is resistance.”

As we head into Black History Month, we are reminded once again about the impact of police brutality and violence in our communities. These events have significant and cumulative impacts on our community and engender feelings of grief, fear, guilt, anger, and other difficult emotions. How, then, do we celebrate when the world feels like it is constantly burning down?

Walker and Liu would suggest that we turn to joy. But what is joy? In Liu's article she offers Dr. Cynthia B. Dillard's three conditions for experiencing joy:

We feel joy when we feel visible and heard.
We feel joy when we feel respected.
We feel joy when we feel whole.

Liu further notes that:

“Joy is an act of resistance.

In a world that insists on our lack of humanity, our inferiority, our Otherness, our revolution starts with celebrating our cultures, our communities, our collectives, and ourselves.

Joy can co-exist with pain.

Joy can emerge alongside anger, alongside righteous rage.

Joy can accompany grief.”

Given our complex personhoods, we are often at the intersection of these conflicting emotions. Yet, finding ways to celebrate our cultures and communities can be that act of resistance that brings us joy. So, this month, let’s celebrate through acts of resistance, acts of joy - right alongside our deep pain and grief.

RESOURCES

Headspace App

Vanderbilt students 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.

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.

Groups and workshops are also available for 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 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 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.

Employees can also take advantage of two new well-being resources:

Virgin Pulse wellness program
Lyra, VU's new mental health program - includes 12 sessions per year. To schedule an appointment visit: vanderbilt.health.lyra.com

Campus Safety Resources

VandySafe App:The app 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 travelers 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 more about campus safety resources here.

February Programs & Events

OFFICE HOURS

PEABODY OFFICE of STUDENT ENGAGEMENT & WELL-BEING (OSEW)
PEABODY OFFICE of EQUITY, DIVERSITY, & INCLUSION (EDI)

Both OSEW and EDI are located in the Peabody Administration Building, suite 216 and are open from 9am-4pm, Monday-Friday. We are also available by appointment. Please feel free to each out to us at PeabodyOSE@vanderbilt.edu or EDI-Peabody@vanderbilt.edu.

AFRO-ARTIVISM: AN EVENING OF ART & HIP-HOP
February 2 | 6:00 - 8:30 p.m. | National Museum of African American Music

Please join the Student Center for Social Justice and Identity (SCSJI), Bishop Johnson Black Cultural Center (BCC), Peabody College, and Blair School of Music on Thursday, February 2nd, 2023 from 6-8:30 pm in the National Museum of African American Music's (NMAAM) Feature Gallery for An Evening of Art and Hip-Hop, a celebratory kickoff to SCSJI's new program, Afro-ARTivism! This event will honor the artistic contributions of Black Vanderbilt and Nashville community members while highlighting the concept of Black Resistance, the 2023 national theme of Black History Month. Additionally, this event will introduce the practice of artivism and allow participants to engage in meaningful reflection as they discover the innovative ways social justice work can be pursued through diverse mediums of creativity. Transportation and food provided.

What is Afro-ARTivism? The mission of Afro-ARTivism is to empower the Black Vanderbilt community by centering artistic activism through a celebratory kickoff that showcases Black creatives and the impact of hip-hop music in addition to facilitating ongoing dialogue around this form of liberation. More information can be found on SCSJI's website.

PPGSA GAME NIGHT
February 2 | 7:15 - 9:00 p.m. | Mayborn 117

Join the Peabody Professional and Graduate Student Association (PPGSA) for the first game night of the semester! There'll be free dinner and great company, plus a variety of games (and you can bring your own if you like!) RSVP here.

PEABODY IRIS BOOK CLUB DISCUSSIONS
February 3 | 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. | Peabody Library Fireside Reading Room

February 9 | 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. | Virtual

The Peabody Office of Student Engagement & Well-Being and The Peabody Library invite you to join a book discussion with the Peabody Iris Book Club selections. A big thanks to everyone who signed-up to participate over winter break, if you have not yet picked up your book or claimed it virtually, there is still time! No matter how much you’ve read or if you missed the sign-up last December but are interested in joining the discussion, all are welcome! There will be a separate virtual book discussion of Hello, Career: What You Need to Know to Be Successful in Your First Job with the author Ed Bray, who is a Vanderbilt LLO Ed.D. student!

In-Person Iris Book Club Discussion Over Lunch: Friday, February 3, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m., Peabody Library Fireside Reading Room

Virtual Iris Book Club Discussion of Hello, Career: What You Need to Know to Be Successful in Your First Job with the Author Ed Bray: Thursday, February 9, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m., Virtual - Zoom Link Here

LANTERN FESTIVAL
February 3 | 2:30 - 4:00 p.m. | Fireside Reading Room Ground Floor of Peabody Library

Lantern Festival marks the final day of Lunar New Year celebrations. Join us on Friday to experience traditional customs and have fun with your peers. We will have calligraphy sets for you to practice, as well as bubble tea and snacks for you to enjoy. This event is co-sponsored by International Students & Affairs and Peabody Library. Please note that supplies will be given on a first-come, first-serve basis.

COMMOM GROUNDS SIGN UP

Common Grounds provides the Peabody community with the opportunity to connect with new people through random pairings throughout the semester (no worries if you get busy, you can stop at any time!). We hope you'll join us! Make a new connection at Peabody in three easy steps:

1) Sign Up by Friday, February 3
2) Receive your random partner on Wednesday, February 8
3) Coordinate a time, date, and location to meet your partner for a 15, 30, or 60-minute coffee or tea chat (virtual or in-person).

HEART STRINGS General Body Meeting!
February 5 | 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. | Saratt 325/327

Join Heart Strings for the first General Body Meeting (GBM) of the semester and enjoy crafts and community! Events fill up fast so we encourage you to RSVP and book your spot on the guest list. We hope to see you there!

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS MENTAL HEALTH REPORT & SUPPORT
February 7 | 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. | Mayborn 117

English Language Center representatives will be sharing the new glossary of mental health terms for student feedback. Other representatives will be sharing the results of the recent mental health services survey for international students. The University Counseling Center will also be on hand for questions. Snacks provided. Co-sponsored by: Vanderbilt Office for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, Peabody Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, Vanderbilt University Counseling Center, & Vanderbilt English Language Center.

PEABODY CONNECTS
February 7 & February 21 | 12:15 - 1:00 p.m. | 6 Magnolia 019

Peabody Connects is a welcoming and reflective space for students to make connections with others and to feel supported on your Peabody journey. If you are looking for community, this is the space for you! Beverages and light snacks provided. Feel free to bring your lunch too! Questions? Please reach out to us.

SKY CAMPUS HAPPINESS YOGA AND MEDITATION
February 11, February 18, & February 25 | 12:15 - 1:00 p.m. | Center for Student Wellbeing Meditation Room and Virtual

Enjoy relaxing breathwork, meditation, and yoga to destress. These sessions are beginner friendly! All events are offered virtually and in-person. RSVP via AnchorLink

The dates and type of practice are as follows: Feb. 11 - Meditation. Feb. 18 - Meditation. Feb. 25 - Yoga.

PUPPY LOVE AT PEABODY LIBRARY
February 14 | 12:00 - 2:00 p.m. | Peabody Library, Ground Floor Project Room

Come take a break on Valentine’s Day to enjoy some tea, cookies, card making, and selfies with K9 Officer Jack!

PEABODY PROFESSIONAL & GRADUATE STUDENT SOCIAL
February 15 | Location and time TBD

Please join us for a Peabody Social! A monthly space for Peabody professional and graduate students, faculty, and staff to come together across departments and programs. Light appetizers, beverages, and new connections and reconnections available! More details coming soon.

Co-sponsored by: Peabody Professional and Graduate Student Association and Peabody Office of Student Engagement and Well-Being

PEABODY DEAN'S DIVERSITY LECTURE WITH KATIE KOO
February 16 | 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. | Wyatt Rotunda

Join us for Dr. Katie Koo's talk on Demystifying the International Student Experience and Mental Health: Understanding Needs and Supports.

Katie Koo, assistant professor in the Department of Counseling and Human Development Services at the University of Georgia, will demystify the unique experiences, challenges, and mental health concerns that traditionally underserved student groups and international students face in U.S. higher education settings by presenting her longitudinal research and clinical cases on diverse students’ mental health and well-being. Koo will unfold real stories and honest conversations from international students and other underserved students about their lives on U.S. campuses and suggest culturally sensitive support that faculty and administrators can provide to better support these students. RSVP here

STUDENT LUNCH WITH KATIE KOO
February 17 | 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. | Wyatt Center Conference Room 310 (across from Rotunda)

RSVP Here (Space limited) Join us for a Student Lunch with Dr. Katie Koo, who will be giving the Spring 2023 Peabody Dean's Diversity Lecture. This lunch provides students the opportunity to learn more about Dr. Koo in an informal, conversational setting. Space is limited, so RSVP now!

RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS DAY GOODIE BAGS
February 17 | 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. | Peabody Administration Building

In celebration of National Random Acts of Kindness Day, drop by the Peabody Administration Building for a goodie bag from the Office of Student Engagement and Well-Being. This is our kindness to you so that you might enjoy the goodies. And, also, should you feel inclined, to share your good with others! Kindness is the easiest gift to give (a smile, eye contact, helping someone feel seen or heard) and we can't wait to share our good with you. (While supplies last!)

BHM BOOK CLUB DISCUSSION: 'THE PEOPLE'S PLAZA' WITH REP. JUSTIN JONES
February 23 | 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. | Mayborn 227

Peabody Coalition of Black Graduates will be having a month-long book club where we will be reading ‘The People’s Plaza’ by Tennessee’s youngest elected legislator, Rep. Justin Jones. Rep. Jones will be joining us for a book discussion to talk about his motivations for writing the novel based on the two revolutionary months of nonviolent resistance in Nashville’s Legislative Plaza in the wake of the murder of George Floyd in 2020.

FACULTY/STAFF CIRCLES OF TRUST
February 28 | 8:30 - 9:45 a.m. | Peabody Library Fireside Reading Room

This program, based on The Center for Courage and Renewal’s Circle of Trust approach, provides a foundation for courageous conversations that afford faculty and staff the opportunity to be more effective and authentic educators, colleagues, and individuals. Spaces are created 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. RSVP here.

MEDITATION MONDAYS
Every Monday | 1:15 - 1:45 p.m. | Center for Student Wellbeing Meditation Room or Zoom link here.

Begin your week with a 20-minute meditation session, a partnership between the Office of Student Engagement and Well-Being and the Center for Student Wellbeing. This event is held both in-person and virtually.

UNIVERSITY COUNSELING CENTER (UCC) DROP-IN CONSULTATION FOR INTERNATIONAL AND APIDA-IDENTIFYING STUDENTS
Every Tuesday | 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. | Peabody Administration Building, Heritage Room 218B

UCC Drop-In Consultation provides easy access to informal, confidential, and free consultations with University Counseling Center counselors. These consultations are helpful for students who:

1) are not sure about counseling and wonder what it’s like to talk with a counselor,

2) may not be interested in ongoing therapy but would like the perspective of a counselor,

3) have a specific problem and would like to talk it through with a counselor,

4) have a concern about a friend and want some thoughts about what to do.

Students who are experiencing an immediate mental health emergency are encouraged to attend UCC Urgent Care. For any questions about UCC Drop-In Consultation, please call 615-322-2571.

* UCC Drop-In Consultation hours at Peabody are specifically for APIDA (Asian Pacific Islander Desi American) identifying students and/or international students

STUDENT CARE COORDINATION DROP-IN CONSULTATION FOR ALL INTERESTED STUDENTS
Every Thursday | 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. | Peabody Administration Building, Heritage Room 218B

Student Care Coordination Drop-in meetings are offered so that students can meet quickly with a care coordinator to discuss any immediate needs, including but not limited to:

Planning for a successful semester
Identifying and connecting with resources for support on or off-campus
Discussing academic options, taking a Medical Leave of Absence (MLOA), and/or assistance with communicating with faculty/Dean’s office

Connecting with drop-in care coordination meetings are not therapy or counseling, but can help you get connected to counseling on or off-campus if that is what is needed!

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. What have you been grateful for? We need more of these beautiful moments 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!