Thriving in Community: The Science of Resilience and Wellbeing

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Feeling stressed and overwhelmed by the pressures of graduate school? Join this learning community to practice strategies to reduce stress and increase resilience in a supportive community of fellow graduate students. 

The learning community will meet weekly on Thursdays for 9 weeks (1/29-4/2, skipping spring break), with an introductory session on Thursday 1/22 to learn more and see if this might be for you.

What is Thriving in Community about?

In this learning community, we will practice activities that build on individual strengths and foster social connections to improve stress management and increase resilience. We will use reflective writing, sharing in small groups, mindfulness exercises, and insights from research to increase self-awareness, practice skills of responding to life’s challenges, and facilitate growth in response to adversity.

This learning community takes you on a journey of self-discovery, to find the stories that motivate you and to connect you with others on the same journey.

What will we do in each Thriving in Community session?

Most learning community sessions follow the same rhythm & structure:

1. We check in by briefly reporting on a wellbeing practice we tried that week, and/or which of our strengths we used that week.
2. We do a short centering practice, such as meditation on the breath or mindful movement.
3. The facilitator shares some relevant background and research on the topic of the day.
4. We all (the facilitator included) write for 5 minutes based on the day’s writing prompt.
5. We break into small groups and we all (the facilitator included) read aloud what we wrote and provide appreciative feedback to each other.
6. We end the session by each sharing either one thing we appreciated about the class, one thing we learned, or one thing we still have questions about.

Schedule and how to apply for Thriving in Community

All learning community sessions are in person in Goodell Building (there is no virtual option). We will meet weekly for 9 weeks on Thursdays (1/29-4/2, skipping spring break). The success of this group depends on the commitment of all of the participants, in order to create a safe and welcoming community of learners, so participants are expected to attend all sessions. 

Given the expected commitment, we are offering this optional introductory session on Thursday 1/22 so you can check it out and see if this group is for you. Participation on 1/22 isn't required to join the learning community, but we highly encourage it if you're curious about what this group will be like.

Space is limited and priority consideration will be given to applications submitted by January 16th. Read more and apply today to join the Thriving in Community group!

"If you are feeling the stress of graduate school and/or life in general, this class is just for you! In this class you will learn how to help re-center yourself (in and out of class), understand that you are resilient, build a community and learn active coping skills to re-find your purpose and get in touch with your strengths."