In the book series 'Pete the Cat,' Pete teaches resilience by not crying. But recently, my son Kason taught me a different lesson—that it’s OK to cry. Crying isn’t a failure. It isn’t weakness. It’s human. It’s resilience. 

Death is a natural part of life and talking about it should not be a taboo or a strange thing. This isn’t to say that death is easy to face. It can be scary, tragic, and entirely unwanted, which can make conversations about it feel daunting. By talking about it and sharing fears and wishes, we can bring a renewed sense of purpose and connection in our lives that bring deeper meaning to everyday living.

Being vulnerable at work can feel like we are breaking the expectation contract that employers have of their employees, especially when we’re asked to be productive, reliable, and capable. However, being vulnerable at work is not just a good idea, it’s a necessary skill to work effectively in today’s workplace.

In our campus work, "work-life balance" has long been touted as the key to managing our personal and professional lives. However, this traditional view, where work and life are given equal weight, is elusive and hard to maintain.

How it would be to engage with food, eating, exercise, and our bodies in a way that prioritizes ourselves instead of societal ideals? I would love to see a revolution where we question all the ways we have been told we have to look and instead focus on how to individually care for our bodies and minds in the way that feels uniquely best for each of us as a person.

Imagine having a superpower that makes you unstoppable, creative, and resilient in the face of any challenge. Sounds like something out of a superhero movie, right? But it’s not flying or x-ray vision—though those would be incredible. It’s sleep.

Saying ‘no,’ even in jest, can feel uncomfortable. But learning to say ‘no’—to set boundaries and prioritize our well-being—is essential.

In the hustle and bustle of campus life, emotions often move as quickly as we do. We face challenges, opportunities, and frustrations that ignite our emotional centers, sometimes intensely. However, there is power in pausing, sitting with our emotions, and intentionally considering our response.

Winter used to be my favorite season as a child. Being outdoors in the snow was something I looked forward to all year: skiing, sledding, snow forts, exploring snowy woods. The sense of awe about winter was replaced in adulthood by a sense of dread. A few years ago, I decided I needed a new perspective: How could I approach winter differently? What are the gifts of the winter season?

If you lived in Iowa the past few years, you’ve probably heard of Caitlin Clark. In fact, if you lived anywhere with a TV, you’re probably familiar with the record-setting women’s college basketball player known for her logo threes and competitive spirit. Another key aspect to Caitlin's success? Her growth mindset on and off the court.