Starting Strong – A Family Guide to Support Student Success
From the Center for Cura Personalis
As students are returning to campus for Spring semester, they often have a set of goals to start the semester strong. While every student is different, most days are packed full of school related activities, work or service, friends or family, and trying to find a way to balance it all. As your Zag settles into the new semester, you can help make sure they are finding well-being in their college journey!
Within Gonzaga University’s Center for Cura Personalis we operate by celebrating behaviors that help students thrive. This includes using a model for wellness that emphasizes eight areas of life that require care and attention in order for us to be healthy and balanced human beings: Occupational, Physical, Social, Intellectual, Spiritual, Emotional, Environmental, and Financial.
Despite knowing the benefits, taking care of ourselves is often the first thing to go when we’re stressed. So we’ve highlighted some weekly events below to help your Zag thrive throughout the year:
Mindfulness Monday
Mindfulness has been shown to decrease stress, promote creativity, and improve relationships. Since Mindfulness focuses on being present, it’s a practice that can be done anywhere! Every Monday at noon, we meet on the third floor of Hemmingson in the reflection room to engage in a mindful practice. Students who participate share feeling calmer and more grounded.
HOW CAN YOU HELP? Have meals without technology, take 5 big slow breaths, model being present in life!
Talk about it Tuesday
As humans we experience an incredible range of emotions. By sharing our experiences with someone close to us and cultivating gratitude amidst the inevitable ups and downs of life, we can help create a stronger Zag community.
HOW CAN YOU HELP? Ask your student what they are grateful for. Encourage your student to share what’s going on in their world with someone they trust on campus.
Wellness Walk Wednesday
Physical activity, for as little as 30 minutes a day, helps our bodies produce endorphins that help us feel better! Meet up with the Vice President of Student Development, Judi Biggs Garbuio, or other staff representatives Wednesdays at noon in Hemmingson for a 30-minute walk-and-talk.
HOW CAN YOU HELP? Be physically active! Take walks, do yoga, try rock-climbing—and encourage your ZAG to do the same. Ask if they have thought about joining an intermural team or adventuring with GU Outdoors.
Think about it Thursday
Every Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. find the Health Hut near Hemmingson to get additional information about the month’s topic, enter to win prizes, ask questions and continue the conversation.
HOW CAN YOU HELP? At the Health Hut we talk about healthy habits, healthy relationships, sleep and much more. Ask your Zag if they have stopped by!
Embrace Failure Friday
Failure can make us fearful, but it can also be an incredible learning opportunity. On Fridays we are encouraging the entire Gonzaga community to share their stories of failure. By normalizing failure, we can celebrate our ability to bounce back!
HOW CAN YOU HELP? Take the time to be vulnerable with your student. Share with them a time you failed and what you have learned from the experience.
By modeling the pursuit of well-being and encouraging your Zag to invest in themselves, you will help them thrive. Be sure to follow our social media @gonzagaCCP for more information on upcoming events!