Thriving in Community: The Science of Resilience and Wellbeing

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.

“It was a life-changing experience for me. Not only did I learn so much about how to appreciate myself more, but also I have gained so much support from fellow students. Everyone was so engaged and willing to share with each other. And I was able to discover more about myself through the centering and writing exercises.”

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

Given the expected commitment, we are offering an 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.

Read more and apply today to join the Thriving in Community group!

"In this course, I learned that strength often comes through community—by sharing stories, supporting each other, and offering encouragement. This course showed me that we thrive not just on our own, but together. It was a meaningful and uplifting experience that reminded me of the power of connection."