“These are going to be the best four years of your life!” “It’ll fly by!” “Enjoy every second!” I’m sure every first-year student has heard a version of one or more of these sayings before coming to Syracuse University. As a senior, I can attest—it is all true. However, one thing rarely comes up: well-being.
I came to college in 2020, during the initial stages of a global pandemic. Well-being was the last thing I had a chance to practice. Having the skills to practice well-being would have set me up for success, especially early in my college experience. Luckily, there is a new way for Syracuse students to develop and practice these skills.
Together We Thrive is a program that engages students through discussions, reflections and activities that promote their individual and community well-being. The Together We Thrive program utilizes the Be REAL model, promoting thriving not only for yourself but also for those around you. The six-week virtual program consists of 90-minute small group meetings led by a trained facilitator. The deadline to register is Friday, Sept. 8, Wednesday, Sept. 13, or Wednesday, Oct. 4, depending on which session you plan to attend. Participants will be entered into a drawing for prizes including hammocks, power packs, outdoor blankets and more!
Maya Layton ’24 completed the six-week program over the summer and noted, “In my earlier years at Syracuse, I feel as though this would have helped me ease me into the many challenges you unexpectedly run into during your time at college.”
Here are three more reasons why Together We Thrive can set you up for SUccess!
Learning Mindfulness Practices
Should I join a club? Which one? Wait… we had homework? The first semester of college can feel like a lot at once. Together We Thrive provides students with the resources/tools to alleviate feelings of overwhelming stress. More specifically, students will learn how to accept their moment-to-moment experiences without judgement. Even if you are not feeling stressed just yet, get ahead of it by registering for these 90-minute sessions!
Strengthening Compassion
When was the last time you said something nice about yourself? Are you typically kind to yourself, or do you push yourself too hard? For many, it’s the latter. Sometimes, things do not go your way, but you shouldn’t beat yourself up about it. Self-compassion is a large component of this program. Participants will learn to treat themselves with care and understanding while recognizing that challenges (and sometimes setbacks) are a part of the human experience.
Smooth Transitioning Into College Life
You’ve probably watched a fair share of college videos on YouTube or seen a handful of day-in-the-life videos of college students on TikTok. However, none of these videos can fully prepare you for your transition into college life. You might be living by yourself or far away from family for the first time. Preparing for something you’ve yet to experience is challenging, but fortunately, Together We Thrive teaches students how to navigate those challenging situations.
If you are a student ready to SUcceed at Syracuse University, register for Together We Thrive by the deadlines listed above. For more information, you can visit the Together We Thrive webpage.
Written By Kelvin Boakye ’24, David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics, Barnes Center at The Arch Peer Educator