March 2023 | Issue 47

Peabody Office of Student Engagement & Well-Being

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

WORKING THE COMPASS

Seeing The Earth (And One Another) Through a New Lens

Sharon Shields, Senior Associate Dean of Community and Special Projects

Ever since I was a child, I have been intrigued with the night sky.  I would lay on a bench at the dock of my grandmother and grandfather’s small cabin on Kentucky Lake and just gaze into the heavens.  I loved the beauty and comfort I experienced having such a magnificent natural roof over my head in this life.  I have lived almost three quarters of a century on this earth and my intrigue with the sky has only deepened.

With the technology provided by the Webb telescope, we are now able to observe more deeply into space.  I was at my grandparents’ cabin when Neil Armstrong stepped onto the moon and I have followed the images we have received from the Hubble telescope.  I have been to Dark Sky national parks and once again laid on the ground and just lost myself in the Milky Way.  But the images that have impacted me the most have been the ones from space that captured pictures of my earthly home.

We see images from space a lot whether it is in relationship to weather reports, climate change, or new geographic insights into places and spaces on earth.  I have learned that as we have advanced our technology – and I, in my own personal development  - we are able to see visually, intellectually, and emotionally the universe around us.  The Hubble Space Telescope “sees” principally in the visible, while the James Webb Space Telescope “operates in the infrared—essentially bringing a completely fresh eye to an otherwise familiar piece of cosmic real estate.”

As March marks the celebration of International Student Month, I want us to think of using a new lens on how we see our world.  Many times we are like the Hubble telescope and only see the outward visible signs of a diverse world but I want to encourage us to be like the Webb telescope and bring “a completely fresh eye” to the world around us.  Let us connect and put on the lens of human kindness, harmony, connection, heartfelt conversations, of love abounding in the humanity of each and every person. Let us learn deeply from the rich experiences we each bring to our constellation of cultures and individuals that is Peabody.

Love is the energizing elixir of the Universe, the cause and effect of all Harmony.”  Rumi

Interested in viewing the Nashville night sky? Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory is hosting a Live Telescope Night – March 10 , 7-9 p.m. The Dyer Observatory telescopes will be set up for gazing, and the observatory will be open for viewing exhibits and speaking with astronomers. The format is "open house" so you may arrive and depart any time during the event. Cost is $6.27 per person ($5.00 admission plus $1.27 online handling fee.) Each person must have their own reservation. Reserve tickets here.

Listen here to Love Lift Us Up Where We Belong by Sainte-Marie.

STUDENT VOICES

Meet Courtnie Taylor!

Our featured student, Courtnie Talyor is a second year Next Steps student and a SAIL scholar. Next Steps at Vanderbilt is a 4-year inclusive higher education program committed to providing neurodiverse students an inclusive, transformational postsecondary education in academics, social and career development, and independent living, while honoring equality, compassion, and excellence in allendeavors.

What is one of your favorite classes you have taken here at Vanderbilt?

My favorite class is Gender and Leadership with Dr. Bell! I love this class because it teaches me a lot about leadership.

Do you have a favorite professor? If so, what makes that professor special?

Dr. Bell is my favorite professor, she is a nice teacher. She teaches me a lot about women leaders. She is a veteran in the Navy, used to be a pilot and I just love her story. I look up to her.

What is one thing you love about Vanderbilt?

I love being in clubs like Best Buddies, Special Olympics, and the dance group VIBE - the hip-hop dance group! These clubs are so fun and they make me happy.

How have your talents and strengths helped you succeed in college?

I am confident in myself, so I stand up for others. I am a good friend and care about others. My friends come to me to tell me about their feelings. I try to make friends all across campus and this helps me succeed.

What helpful advice or words of wisdom would you give to other students?

I would tell them there is so much to do here and you can meet new friends too! There are campus clubs, mixers, and football, basketball and baseball games that are so fun! Vanderbilt is a good place for students . . . I love being here and being included.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

In Honor of Pi Day:

Pies We Love

Pie there! In honor of Pi Day on 3/14, a day that celebrates the mathematical constant of pi, try one of these classic pies made with just a few simple ingredients. Maybe you invite friends over for brunch or simply to reflect on pi (Archimedes' constant) while enjoying some delicious pie! Key lime and blueberry pie are two of our favorites. What is your favorite pie? Feel free to share with us here!

Easy Key Lime Pie

Ingredients:

2 cups graham cracker crumbs*
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup (4 oz.) salted butter, melted, plus more for greasing dish
1 (14-oz.) can sweetened condensed milk
½ cup key lime juice
1 tablespoon lime zest (from 2 limes)
1 (8-oz.) container frozen whipped topping (such as Cool Whip), divided
1 lime, thinly sliced

*Editor's note: Try Trader Joe's cinnamon graham crackers for the crust - so good! Leave out the sugar if you go this route.

Directions:

Preheat oven to 325°F. Stir together graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and butter in a medium bowl to combine. Press crumb mixture firmly into a lightly greased 9-inch pie. Bake in preheated oven until crust is golden brown, 18 to 20 minutes. Remove from oven, and let cool completely on a wire rack, about 30 minutes.
Stir together milk, lime juice, and lime zest in a large bowl until fully combined. Fold in 2 cups of the whipped topping. Transfer mixture to cooled pie crust, and chill at least 4 hours or overnight.
Optional: Fill a piping bag with remaining 1 cup whipped cream, and pipe a border along edge of pie. Top with lime slices.

From; My Recipes

Simple and Classic Blueberry Pie

Ingredients:

1 double-crust pie crust
1 tablespoon butter (cut into small cubes)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/3 cup cornstarch
1 egg
4 cups blueberries

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Line a pie plate with one pastry crust. Place the pie plate on a rimmed baking sheet.
In a mixing bowl, combine the blueberries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Stir gently to combine. Spoon this mixture into the prepared pie plate.
Dot the surface of the berry mixture with the butter cubes.
Fit the top crust. If desired, cut shapes out of the crust and layer those across the surface of the berries.
Brush the crust with the beaten egg.
Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the crust is golden and the filling is thick and bubbly. Cover with aluminum foil if the crust browns too quickly.
Cool the pie completely on a rack before serving.

From: Good Cheap Eats

Randnor Lake

Percy Warner Park

Cheekwood Estate and Gardens

HEALTHY MOVES

Fun Spring Fieldtrips: New Places to Explore

Cassie Coffman, Graduate Assistant | Office of Student Engagement and Well-Being

It is time to stop and smell the flowers! As spring gets underway, it is the perfect time to get outside and see what is blooming in Nashville. Take a moment to reset during this season of renewal, growth, and change. More sunlight means longer days to see what is coming alive in some beautiful spaces around Nashville!

Cheekwood Estate and Gardens: Cheekwood in Bloom starts March 11 and goes through April 9th. Check out these stunning gardens as tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, snowdrops, and crocus begin to bloom! Tickets go on sale soon here!
Garden Conservatory at Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center: Things are always blooming at Opryland Resort. The resort has 9 acres of indoor gardens, waterfalls, gazebos, and waterways. The resort is free to visitors during the day! For free parking, be sure to park at Opryland mall and take the quarter mile walkway over to hote.! Learn more about spring events at Opryland Resort here.
Percy Warner Park: 3,100 acres of forest and fields, this park also has picnic areas, hiking trails, scenic roadways, bike trails, and wildlife. There is so much to enjoy and explore at Percy Warner Park!
Richland Greenway: This 3 mile greenway connects the neighborhoods of Sylvan Park and Cherokee Park. The trail goes around McCabe golf course, and is the perfect place to enjoy a stroll through nature not far from campus and downtown Nashville. Learn all about the greenways and other locations here!
Radnor Lake State Park: There is so much widlife to see at Radnor Lake State Park. There are 7.75 miles of trails that give you the opportunity to see hundreds of species of wildflowers, trees, and other plants. Check out this calendar of upcoming events at Radnor Lake State Park. Be sure to sign up for events like the Spring Sunrise Harris Ridge Trail Project Hike, a 4.5-mile hike starting at 6 am where participants enjoy the scenery at Radnor Lake while learning about the many species in this state park.

CRAFTING BEAUTY

The Metropolitan Museum of Art Celebrates Women's History Month!

During the month of March the Metropolitan Museum of Art will celebrate the work of women artists with free virtual events! Check out the schedule of virtual programming to find fun and informative activities, workshops, and programming. The sculpture pictured here, created by Edmonia Lewis in 1868, will be the focus of the Saturday Sketching event on March 6th.

Lewis was an artist of African American and Native American (Anishinaabe/Ojibwe) descent. Her multiracial identity and gender were formative in her selection of subjects. Between 1866 and 1872, she completed a series of marble sculptures on the popular theme of Hiawatha and Minnehaha, drawn from Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s epic poem The Song of Hiawatha (1855). (from the Metropolitan Museum of Art)

EDI VOICES AT THE TABLE

The Process of Illumination

Excerpts from reflections by Morgan Harper Nichols

"Two years into my autism/ADHD diagnosis, I feel like I'm entering a phase that I'm calling the process of illumination. For the first two years, I spent a lot of time doing the process of elimination.

I donated clothes that were good but not sensory-friendly to me (like jeans).

Trying to keep up with what I thought an author/artist should do, like having a studio or in-person studio office, reduced my workload. I returned to my state.

As hard as it was, I stopped explaining myself to people who wouldn't "get" it.

And I've begun to eliminate so much more. It takes a lot of courage, but you know what's even harder for me? The process of illumination.

The process of bringing forth the parts of me that I felt like I had to hide away - the parts of me that are just flat-out not that fascinating. The process of illumination is a billion little moments where I realize yet another thing I had stopped doing or had hidden and say, "Oh, yes, of course," or "Wow, I missed this part of myself."

Yesterday, a package came in the mail that held my favorite childhood gaming console that I bought for myself. I was so excited about and yet, it was so deeply sobering to just let the moment be for me, and not have to explain or come up with an interesting story to anyone else why it was significant for me (and I'm not even talking about sharing on social media—even trying to text someone something that happens involves elements of storytelling)

The process of illumination isn't this instantaneous inspirational thing. It's not sexy enough for a headline read. A lot of times, it's just these sobering, contemplative moments I have where I realize that there are parts of me emerging from hidden, masked places within myself that are worth bringing forth even if other people don't get it.

And that's the hard part - because we all want connection. We all want at least someone to "get us," but what I'm starting to realize is that maybe it matters to share more of the process of what I'm illuminating (that isn't good-story ready) so someone else can be reminded that they’re free to create room for the process of illumination, too."

*A big thank you to Peabody student, Caroline Lancaster, for sharing Nichols' work with us!

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.

March 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.

THE CAREER (RE)SEARCH CONUNDRUM: EXPLORATION, APPLICATIONS, AND RESOURCES!
March 1 | 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. | Peabody Library 303 (Learning Commons)

Are you feeling stressed about your job or internship search? Did you know Vanderbilt’s libraries can play an integral role in providing career information? Join Peabody Career Services and Peabody Library for an all-encompassing career readiness workshop to learn about practical resources and research guides to help you search for jobs, discover career exploration tools, and review application and interviewing tools. Lunch will be provided! RSVP here. Open to all Peabody professional students.

TASTE OF LATIN AMERICA
March 1 | 7:15 - 9:15 p.m. | Mayborn 117

Join the Peabody Latinx Alumni and Student Association (PLASA) for Taste of Latin America! We will be showcasing and discussing the diverse cuisine of Latin America, and will be providing food from a variety of Latinx-owned business in Middle Tennessee! Join us for a special night with friends and tasty food! You just might find your new go-to restaurant! RSVP on Anchorlink.

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, March 3
2) Receive your random partner on Wednesday, March 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
March 5 | 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. | Saratt 325/327

Join Heart Strings for a General Body Meeting where we will be crocheting to donate to local hospitals! Events fill up fast so we encourage you to RSVP and book your spot on the guest list. We hope to see you there!

MANAGING CHALLENGES IN SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT: A PROCESSING AND LEARNING SPACE FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
March 6, March 20, & March 29 | 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. | Peabody Library Fireside Reading Room

To celebrate International Student Month, the Peabody Chinese Student Organization is creating a space for all Peabody international students to share their experiences and difficulties with each other. This event will be weekly in March* (not including the Spring Break), and lunch will be provided on a first come, first served basis.

Whether you are facing difficulty in classroom discussion, in making meaningful social connections outside the classroom, in finding a sense of belonging in Nashville, on navigating the difference in language and expression literally anything else, we are here to support and share our own experiences and resources. This is a safe and informal space for you to share, to connect, to process and to learn new skills to cope with difficulties in navigating your academic and personal life in Nashville.

PEABODY CONNECTS
March 7 & March 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
March 11, March 18, & March 25 | 12:15 - 1:00 p.m. | Center for Student Wellbeing Meditation Room & 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 practices are as follows: March 11: Meditation, March 18: Meditation, March 25: Yoga

PEABODY PROFESSIONAL & GRADUATE STUDENT SOCIAL
March 29 | Wyatt Lobby | 3:00-4:30 p.m.

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. Come and enjoy fellowship along with light appetizers, beverages, new connections and reconnections!

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

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:

are not sure about counseling and wonder what it’s like to talk with a counselor
may not be interested in ongoing therapy but would like the perspective of a counselor
have a specific problem and would like to talk it through with a counselor
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:

Surviving and thriving throughout the 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's Bringing Us Alive

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!