The phrase “real world” is often used to refer to the “professional” world, “adult” world, or life after graduation. But what do we really mean by it? And is this characterization truly beneficial for students?

It is important to use our critical thinking skills and sometimes doubt another individual’s motivations. However, having no hope that someone’s motivation may be nuanced, or that good may still come from it, can cause us to shut them out and turn us into cynics.

Now more than ever, campus mental health is dominated by the narrative of a crisis, painted as a dire picture of never-ending anxiety and depression among students, staff, and faculty. We now have opportunity to deconstruct the singular “crisis” narrative and consider more complex and nuanced understandings of campus mental health.

Compassion involves recognizing and turning toward another’s pain, seeking to decrease their suffering by extending them kindness and care. Self-compassion is compassion turned inward. Self-compassion researcher Kristin Neff identifies its three components as self-kindness, common humanity, and mindfulness.

Workplace inclusion is not just about having neurodiverse members on staff, but also providing a sense of belonging. It’s about a company understanding that neurodiverse employees provide a wealth of skills and capabilities like anyone else.

Disappointment is as universal as death and taxes, and while it's inevitable, there are valuable opportunities for growth embedded in these challenging moments. Discover 5 strategies for navigating work disappointments and turning them into opportunities for self-improvement.

Stigma are negative and often unfair beliefs that people have about something. Stigma occurs when there is disapproval, discrimination, exclusion, or negative judgments about a person because of a characteristic, a circumstance, or a quality about that person. We can promote social inclusion of people who have qualities or characteristics that are stigmatized, one friendly gesture or friendship at a time. It is time to end stigma.

Negotiation may be helpful in resolving situations with your family, friends, etc. In the workplace, negotiation is a form of collaboration that can lead to a shared understanding of employee and employer needs and expectations, which can improve well-being and job satisfaction.

Self-soothing is important when it comes to navigating daily stressors. Seeking out methods to help regulate emotional states by yourself can feel daunting, but with practice can be powerful. Now having navigated puppy teething, I can share a few things Finn has taught me.

Whether it's a helping hand, a kind gesture, or a financial donation, each act of giving has the potential to elevate your own well-being and, in turn, raise the well-being of countless others. By collectively sharing and experiencing joy, we have the extraordinary capacity to make our community a happier place this season and beyond.