Author: merryeli

We have made it to the end of the semester! Well, sort of. We have the last hurdle of making it through finals week. With most students scrambling to finish essays and studying for exams, we are at the most stressful part of the semester. Here are seven tips to help you survive finals week and prioritize your mental health:

1. Have a Self-Care Plan

A big part of self-care is being proactive. Make a plan of what steps you can take when you begin to feel overwhelmed with your workload. This can include having your favorite study playlist ready for when you need help focusing, prepping snacks you can eat when you need a study break, and setting aside a specific time to visit with friends or do something you enjoy.

2. Treat Yourself with Kindness

During the stress of finals week, it is easy to fall into patterns of negative self-talk. Those negative thoughts are valid, and it is okay to acknowledge them, but it is important to remember that those doubts are not an accurate representation of you or your strengths. When negative thoughts start to creep in, take the time to consciously validate yourself and your abilities.

3. Take Care of Yourself Physically

With the stress of exams, it is easy to develop tunnel vision and neglect the essential care that keeps us healthy. It is important to remember to set aside time for proper meals, adequate hydration, the recommended 30 minutes of exercise, and the proper amount of sleep. Maintaining these healthy habits can help keep you feel energized and ready to tackle the stringent workload.

4. Set Aside a Specific Study Space

Make sure you have a space set aside solely for studying. This area should be separate from where you will take your breaks and should be organized with all of the items you might need to be productive in your studying and essay writing. This includes textbooks, writing utensils, your laptop, a water bottle, and snack. Plus, this helps set a clear boundary between when you need to be in an academic mindset and when you are relaxing.

5. Take Breaks

Studying all day, every day would be stressful and tire you out. Instead, make sure to take a 30-minute break every 90 minutes to allow yourself time to decompress, clear your mind, and re-energize yourself for your next study session. These breaks should be a time for you to do something you truly enjoy or find relaxing.

6. Celebrate and Reward Yourself for your Achievements

When you complete an essay, study session, or exam, make sure to take the time to acknowledge your hard work. Watch an episode of your favorite show, eat some ice cream, host a small dance party with your roommate, or plan a small hangout with your friends. Regardless of what you decide to do, make sure that it is something you enjoy so that you can have a moment of reprieve before getting back to work.

7. Remind Yourself of These Truths

Even though exam week is stressful, it is important to remember that this is temporary, you are strong and capable enough to get through this, and that you are not alone. It is okay to ask your friends, peers, and professors for help — they all want to see you succeed.

Remember to work hard, do your best, and take time to practice self-care. Good luck with your exams!

By: Merry Castle

On April 17, SAU’s Women in Leadership Conference returned to campus after being canceled last year due to COVID-19. The event, which is open to women of all ages and backgrounds, is designed to help women fulfill their potential as leaders by allowing them to listen to speakers, attend educational workshops, and network with other women. This year’s theme was Legacy of Light.

Sheri Jones was the keynote speaker and kicked off the conference with a session titled “Lighting the Way: How you can live, love, lead, and leave a legacy.”   

Jones has been a news anchor for WLNS TV6 in Lansing for 30 years. She also volunteers with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, the Children’s Trust Fund of Michigan, ATHENA International, and Child & Family Services, Capital Area. She used her life experiences as examples of why women need to assume leadership roles.

Jones spoke about how women leaders bring unique and different perspectives than men because we prioritize different things. Jones believes these different perspectives and priorities make women excellent leaders who can bring about change. To her, the world needs the unique perspectives of women.

Six other speakers conducted workshops on a wide variety of topics regarding women in leadership:

• Cindy Harrison, the Vice President/Human Resources, Central Market, for the Henry Ford Health System in Southeastern Michigan, spoke about the importance of taking chances in leadership. Harrison said women can do all things if they are willing to take a chance and trust themselves and others to help them get there.

• Tonia White, the Chief Employee Experience Officer at American 1 Credit Union, spoke about being unafraid, unapologetic, and optimistic in the face of adversity and hardship. She taught that women in leadership should empower themselves to face their fears, look for the silver lining in life, and stop apologizing for things we should not.

• Angel Kono, the Discipleship Pastor at Jackson Free Methodist Church, conducted a workshop titled “Learning to Lead Through Active Listening.” Kono explored how the concept of active listening is a useful tool that women can use to learn from those we lead and those who lead us.

• Mollie Bolton is a Financial Advisor at Edward Jones and conducted a workshop on the principles of investing and the ways it can help women achieve their goals and leave a legacy.

• Speaker Tricia McGuire is the Special Projects Director at Lenawee Christian School and the Vice President of the Merillat Family Foundation. McGuire, in her session titled “The Importance of Leadership in a Family Legacy,” shared her experience and wisdom on how to apply faith and family values when focusing on the continuation of a family legacy.   

• Monica Moser, the President and CEO of the Jackson Community Foundation, conducted a workshop titled “Setting an Intention to be Intentional.” Moser shared ways for women to be intentional in seeking mentors, in creating networking opportunities, and in aligning what they do with where they want to go.

Between each session, attendees could visit the Poling lobby to browse the vendor tables, get coffee and snacks, and network with other guests.

This year’s Women in Leadership Conference was an excellent opportunity for women of all ages to learn more about what it means to be a leader, to share their experiences in leadership, and to foster community with other women leaders. Students and community members alike should keep an eye out for next year’s Women in Leadership Conference. It is an opportunity you will not want to miss.

By: Merry Castle

PorchFest 2021 is quickly approaching. This longstanding campus tradition, the comic event formerly organized by the late Ormston Hall, will be hosted by Andrews Hall on Wednesday, May 5, from 7-9 pm on the plaza.

PorchFest is a unique amalgamation of humor, emotion, and randomness that highlights the comedic abilities of our students and community. Typically, PorchFest includes comical skits, couches, and hotdogs.

This year, PorchFest will look a little different. This time around, auditions for hosts and comedy sketches have been opened to the women of Lowell and Gainey.

David Breyette, the Andrews Resident Director, opened up about this change. “PorchFest has traditionally been headlined and stacked with Andrews guys,” said Breyette, the Andrews Resident Director. “We believe the show will be improved with more students and areas represented.”

This shift allows a male-dominated event to be more inclusive. “I would love to see students from across campus represented throughout the show,” said Breyette. “This is your time to shine, or at least have a good time.” 

PorchFest is happening Wednesday, May 5, from 7-9 pm on the plaza. Since the event is outside, students will need to bring their own seating. Students should keep an eye on the SAU app for updates and signups as the event draws closer.

By: Merry Castle

Spring is officially here, which means it is time to start spring cleaning. SAU’s Spiritual Life Department is hosting a Spring Cleaning Clothing Drive and needs students to donate gently used clothing items. The drive, originally planned for March 22nd through April 7th, has been extended. Donations will now be accepted through Monday, April 12th.

The Spiritual Life Department asks students to donate gently used shirts, sweatshirts, jeans, pants, shoes, and coats. They kindly ask students not to donate undergarments — these items won’t be accepted.

Several local organizations, such as MyPlace and SOAR House, will receive the donated clothing. Donating gently used clothing is a great way to minimize waste and help out our community.

As you clean out your closets, remember that the deadline to donate items is Monday, April 12th. Donations can be dropped off in Chapel or left with C. C. Said in the Spiritual Life Office.

For more information, visit the Spiritual Life tab on the SAU app. Students can also contact C.C. Said at Cecilia.Said@arbor.edu with any questions.

By: Merry Castle

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Starting this week, Spring Arbor University is hosting three events to spark conversations and educate students about this important topic.

Event #1: Supporting Survivors of Abuse with Brad Hieftje

To kick off Sexual Assault Awareness Month, SAU has invited Brad Hieftje, a trauma therapist with Resilience: Advocates for Ending Violence, to host a Zoom training on supporting survivors of abuse.

Students, faculty, and staff can tune in to the event on April 14th at 10 am. Check the SAU app to sign-up and access the Zoom link.

Event #2: Personal Protection Workshop with Scott Krebill

On April 15th at 8 pm, students can attend a Personal Protection Workshop in the RCF. The workshop, led by the Campus Safety Director, Scott Krebill, aims to empower students and train them to prioritize their safety.

Students planning to attend the event can sign-up using the link provided on the SAU app.

Event #3: Denim Day

SAU’s Social Work Association is hosting a Denim Day on April 28. They are encouraging the SAU community to wear denim to support the important concept of consent.

The Denim Day campaign began in response to the Italian Supreme Court overturning a rape conviction. Since the victim was wearing tight jeans, the justices felt that she must have helped the person who raped her remove her jeans. They felt this implied consent.

Denim Day is an opportunity for students, faculty, and staff to protest the misconceptions surrounding sexual violence and highlight the importance of consent by wearing jeans. For more information, students can visit the Social Work Association booth outside the DC at lunch or dinner to learn more.

By: Merry Castle

SGA is working hard planning events for the student body. They are curating new events and bringing back some fan favorites. Erin Scroggs, the SGA Director of Events, shares what students can expect.

Scroggs mentioned that each SGA department has different event planning responsibilities. “The Events team is hoping to have some of the fan favorites like 80s Skate Night and Glow Bowl,” said Scroggs.

The Spiritual Life department is planning other events. “They are looking to host Your Gift for His Glory where people can perform their talents that they use to glorify God,” said Scroggs.

 Scroggs mentioned that the Intramural department is exploring new event ideas. “They are looking to have more tournament style events,” said Scroggs. “They plan to hopefully have a return of some of the team sports that people know and love.”

The Office of Intercultural Relations (OIR) department of SGA has been hosting movie nights that highlight different cultures and plan to continue to do so.

Scroggs hopes that these events will help students build community on campus. “The goal of all of these events is just to give students an opportunity to come together, have fun, and build community,” said Scroggs. “Our school becomes better when we are intentional to get involved and build community.”   

Scroggs said these events are still being discussed and are not necessarily set in stone yet. “My recommendation for students is to keep an eye on the events tab of the SAU app and pay attention to the posters around campus,” said Scroggs.

By: Merry Castle

March is Women’s History Month. It is a time dedicated to honoring women and their contributions to American history.

Women’s History Month originated as a week-long celebration of women in history in 1978. In 1987, Congress designated the month of March to celebrate women of history. Jenna Spek, the Resident Director of Lowell Hall, shares what Women’s History Month means to her.

“I think it’s important to celebrate everyone all the time,” said Spek. “Celebrating and advocating for all humans is important, but it’s also important to set aside time to celebrate certain groups specifically.”

“All humanity gets to celebrate each other all the time, but this month we’re focusing on women,” said Spek. “We’re getting a chance to reflect on the boldness of women in history and their ability to wholeheartedly pursue their gifts and abilities.”

Women’s History Month ties into Spek’s overarching theme for Lowell Hall. “My theme for Lowell this year is that no one is you, and that is your power,” said Spek. “During Women’s History Month, we will focus on real women in history who embraced that no one was them and understood that it was their power.”

Spek believes this month is an opportunity to simultaneously empower and be empowered by women. “I believe that everyone has a unique purpose, power, and value,” said Spek. “It’s empowering to look at women in history and see how they were able to apply their unique passions and purposes.”

“This month, I hope the girls of SAU celebrate women in history and how it reflects them and their unique passions and purposes,” said Spek. “I also hope that everyone can feel empowered by looking at what humans have done, especially as we celebrate women’s accomplishments this month.”

Spek highlighted that Women’s History Month is right after Black History Month in the calendar. “It’s awesome that Women’s History Month piggybacks Black History Month,” said Spek. “It allows us to especially focus on, celebrate, and honor women of color.”

Spek also acknowledged that the COVID-19 pandemic has given her a new perspective on Women’s History Month. “We’ve gone through trying seasons and had to overcome difficult things,” said Spek. “Celebrating Women’s History Month is encouraging because we get to see how women of history have persevered, overcome hardships, and drew strength from their resiliency.”

To Spek, Women’s History Month is an opportunity to learn from the past. “It is a beautiful opportunity to reflect on the past, said Spek. “And the future is something we get to dream about.” This month is an opportunity for our campus to honor and celebrate the accomplishments of women in history, so keep an eye out for upcoming events on the SAU App.

By: Merry Castle

February is Black History Month. This annual month-long observance is an opportunity for all of us to celebrate and acknowledge the achievements of African Americans. Here at SAU, Australia Smith, the Lead Intercultural Advisor for the Office of Intercultural Relations, shares what Black History Month means to her and the ways we can celebrate it on campus.

“When thinking about Black History Month, I think about how this is my time to shine,” said Smith. “For 28 days, I can unapologetically be me.”

To Smith, Black History Month is a time of celebration and education.

“I love my culture, Black culture, and being a Black woman,” said Smith. “I look at February as the time where I can embrace it to its fullest and everyone can see it, learn about it, and appreciate it.”

Black History Month is a time to celebrate Black accomplishments, but the celebration, appreciation, and education should go beyond the month of February. Smith said her Social Studies Education major causes her to view February as a time to celebrate Black achievements “with an emphasis.” She tries to make sure everyone feels welcome and represented during the month that is dedicated to their history and accomplishments. This mindset shaped how Smith coordinated events on campus for Black History Month.

“I wanted the Black students to feel represented and welcome to be open, and the rest of our friends on campus to be involved and learn,” said Smith.

There are several events on campus honoring and celebrating Black History Month. Smith coordinated two creation events in which students can participate in decorating the resident halls. On Wednesday, February 10th, they made wall decorations. The decorations were different for each residential building.

Smith ensured the event was in accordance with COVID-19 guidelines.

“It is a project that allowed separate but group collaboration to create one image to mean solidarity and unity for the building,” said Smith.

Another event was on Friday, February 12th, at 6:30 pm in each residence hall. Students painted a canvas that was hung up in the residential areas to help decorate for Black History Month.

There will also be several movie nights. Watch the movies 42 on February 17th, Black Panther on February 19th, and Just Mercy on February 26th. Each movie starts at 5:30 pm.

“These movies are all showing in the RCF and will involve active discussion afterwards,” said Smith. “We hope to see you there.”

Join us this month in observing Black History Month. It is an opportunity to educate ourselves, celebrate Black history and culture, and love our neighbors.

By: Merry Castle