The time in between Thanksgiving and winter break is always filled with papers, deadlines, and presentations. My two classes are going really well (they complement one another beautifully), the vaccine news makes me extremely hopeful (mask wearing and social distancing are still important though!), and one week of classes left (which means I’m almost halfway through senior year).
Lately I’ve been feeling like I’m stuck in somewhat of a rut. Even though things are progressing steadily, it’s been hard to focus on the here and now. So, I thought for today’s post, I would share what I’ve enjoyed doing (rose) and what I’m looking forward to (bud).
I’m enjoying:
- My golden hour walks
Lately, after my classes end, I’ve been going on evening walks around my neighborhood. Last term, the amount of time I went outside (and exercised) was sporadic and a rarity. This term, I’m trying to make it more of a priority. I usually go with my family, or like this week, alone and with my headphones. I try to stop and take time to actually look around at what’s happening.
In one of my CDC team meetings, a team member brought up this study: ‘Awe Walks’ Boost Emotional Well-Being. Essentially (and unsurprisingly), researchers found that “older adults who took weekly 15-minute “awe walks” for eight weeks reported increased positive emotions and less distress in their daily lives.” Although I’m not a senior citizen, I feel like anyone can benefit from “awe walks”, so to whoever is reading this, I challenge you to go on a few next week!
Golden hour in one of my favorite places in the world.
When I went for a night walk with the family, we saw Holiday decorations that were in full swing! Although I’m not quite feeling the Christmas/Holiday spirit yet (I’m sure I will once finals are over), it was delightful to see the decorations and lights up!
Harry Potter! Harry Potter! Harry Potter!
Hehehe this was too good
I’m looking forward to:
- January! 2021! A concept.
I’ll definitely share more about this in a future post, but as part of Ministrare Council, we’re in full swing in preparing for the January Project! Some background:
“The January Project (2021) is designed to engage students in purposeful action that is grounded in interconnected communities, leadership development, and reflection. In a year of all-encompassing disruption and uncertainty, the January Project is a campus wide initiative that will engage the Wellesley campus in co-curricular and experiential learning bringing the entire campus together around a set of common themes: Covid-19, the changing climate, democracy, and the fight for racial justice. The January Project is an opportunity to reflect on what it means to be a Wellesley student, a community member, and a global citizen at this moment.
The January Project programs are designed to encourage every Wellesley student to learn about themselves, each other, and the changing world that we live in. Purpose has been elusive for many of us during the social upheavals we have all experienced as a result of the pandemic and these programs bring purpose into focus. January Project programs will allow us to engage across class years and distance, to learn how to make a difference in the world which is at the core of Wellesley’s mission. These programs will take place throughout the month of January as a way to sustain and rekindle connections and to foster a sense of purpose.”
Ministrare Council will be leading and facilitating the Sophomore Community Engagement Experience. It’s essentially an opportunity for members of the sophomore class to engage in “community-based learning, guided reflection, and peer community development.” For four weeks, sophomores will be engaging with communities beyond Wellesley, to learn about social change and the many forms it can take.
Within Ministrare Council, I absolutely adore my team and we work so well together! During this last term, we’ve been in the process of putting everything together so sophomores have the best experience possible, which is really exciting.
- The future?!
On Friday afternoon, President Johnson sent out an email saying that in light of recent pandemic events, Wellesley’s spring semester start date will be pushed back to February 15th (our winter break is long, hence the January Project). This past week, I’ve figured out my housing for my last semester at Wellesley (hello Lakehouse!) and my courses. It’s mind blowing that the end is near, but there’s a lot to look forward to, I think.
Until next week,
Shreya