July 6, 2022
Growth Through Transitions

"Transitions are almost always signs of growth, but they can bring feelings of loss. To get somewhere new, we may have to leave somewhere else behind” - Fred Rogers 

I believe many of us, myself included, struggle with grief and loss and thus have difficulty with transitions. This was most apparent for me in these past two years. I felt in a constant state of transition. Yes, partly that was due to a worldwide pandemic. But I had another transition - I became a mother for the first time, and then 15 months later for a second time. While I thought transitioning to motherhood amidst a pandemic would be my biggest challenge, my transition back into the workplace proved to be a worthy contender. I am fiercely passionate about my work. I find meaning and purpose in my vocation, and constantly seek out ways to enhance and build upon my interests and talents. However, with my new role as a parent I had to reckon with the reality that I would now have to make some compromises to this way of life. I had to grieve the loss of my old identity, the one that was not a mother, while still integrating my career-oriented, life-long learner identity into that of a parent. I also had to grieve the loss of control (or what little control I did have before having two children under two). But through sitting with my grief, this transition brought growth. I realized that my expectations and plans can change in a second's notice which has allowed me to be more flexible. I’ve learned that this flexibility is an important skill, as is remembering to grieve the losses that come with transitions. As we all face transitions, I think another sentiment from Mr. Rogers is important to remember: “It takes strength to face our sadness and to grieve and to let our grief and our anger flow in tears when they need to.”​

-Lindsay Johnson, Ed.D., LPC, LCADC
Counseling and Psychological Services 
Clinician / Outreach Coordinator
EMOTIONAL

Myths about grief and loss are pervasive in our culture and often make the journey with grief more challenging and confusing. It may also be a reason that some grievers stay stuck in loss. These are the six myths identified over time by the Grief Recovery Institute identified in their work with grievers.

  • Don’t feel bad
  • Replace the loss
  • Grieve alone
  • Grief just takes time
  • Be strong and be strong for others
  • Keep busy


Are you aware of the unique struggles that underrepresented groups face in regard to mental illness? While there are stories of resilience born out of oppression, persecution, and abuse, there is immeasurable strength in each of these cultures. In an increasingly diversified America, we acknowledge the specificity of individual and group experiences and how it relates to their beliefs and well-being. BIPOC communities are significantly more likely to develop mental health conditions, and one of the major barriers to mental health treatment is access and the need for understanding mental health support. Download the BIPOC Mental Health Toolkit.

Do you feel exhausted all the time? It may be tough, but how can you prioritize fun and enjoyment? Have you considered boundaries with your devices or "How to Break Up With Your Phone?" Learn more about "The Power of Fun".

Listen to Dr. Laurie Santos Happiness Lab podcasts for more great episodes to enhance your well-being!
SOCIAL

The Rowan University Alumni Association will be heading back to Lake Como, NJ for its annual Rowan Reunion at Bar-A. This is the perfect opportunity to get some of your #RowanPROUD friends and roomies together for a summer night out. Admission is only $10 for GSC/Rowan alumni. Cost of admission includes: An all-you-can-eat BBQ buffet, Drink specials, & Rowan giveaways! To register for the event, please click here.  Pre-registration ends Wednesday, July 27. Day-of registration will be available for $15 (cash only).
Friday, July 22: 6 - 9 p.m.

Fourth Fridays are back and bigger than ever in Uptown Pitman!

Farm Market • Vendors • Food trucks • Live Music • Face Painting • Balloon Art • Games • And More!
  • $5 Adults/non-Rowan students
  • $3 Seniors 60+
  • $3 Children (16 and under)
  • $3 Rowan students (with ID)

Laser Bowie: This show celebrates the musical legacy of the enigmatic chameleon of music David Bowie. Enjoy the glam and spectacle of lasers dancing along with the music of one of the most influential artists in music.

Black Holes: There’s a place from which nothing escapes, not even light, where time and space come to an end. It’s at this point, inside this fantastic riddle, that black holes exert their sway over the cosmos and our imaginations. Zip through other-worldly wormholes, experience the creation of the Milky Way galaxy, and witness the violent death of a star and the subsequent birth of a black hole.
PHYSICAL

Employees can take group fitness classes for free this summer as well as any students on and off-campus. Classes featured are BodyPump, Cycle 45, H.I.I.T., Yoga Flow & Zumba. Try one out and bring a friend!
Saturday, 7/9: 8:30 a.m - 1 p.m.
Pyne Point Park: 7th & Erie Streets

Get a spectacular view of Camden like you've never seen before....From the water! This free, all-levels paddle excursion in the back channel of the Cooper River. Experienced River Guides and Aquatic Sciences Fellows will guide small groups of paddlers of all ages and comfort levels on a canoe or kayak excursion launching from Pyne Poynt Park in North Camden. Kids and Pets are welcome!
Thursdays in July @ 6 p.m.
Race Street Pier: North Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia

Join Three Queens Yoga this summer on Race Street Pier. They are excited to bring back favorites from last year for yoga and mat pilates. 

Rain location is Cherry Street Pier. Bring a mat and grab some water for a summer of fun!

Follow them @threequeensyoga
Men’s Track and Field Student-Athletes on Their Winning 4×400 Relay Season - Natalie DePersia

The Rowan University Blog is featuring Jah’mere Beasley, Nana Agyemang, and Amara Conte, three of the four Men’s Track and Field members who secured the national championship title in the 4×400 relay in their indoor season [editor’s note: the team would later finish second in the outdoor national finals]. Jah’mere is a junior Sports Communication and Media major from Camden, NJ (Camden County) and ran third leg for the 4×400 relay. Nana is a sophomore Exercise Science major from Parsippany, NJ (Morris County) and ran second leg for the 4×400 relay. Amara is a sophomore Accounting major from Jersey City, NJ (Hudson County) and ran anchor for the 4×400 relay. All three share their stories on leadership, camaraderie, and express how competing in Men’s Track and Field National Championship has shaped their university experience. READ MORE.
COMMUNITY
Join the Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Strategic Priorities Council 1.

This committee of faculty, staff, and students focused on creating a more inclusive and equitable campus community. A major priority for the council within the coming year will be the campus Equity Audit. Members can focus on one of three working groups: DEI Content & Communications, Empowering and Educating Faculty and Staff, and Supporting Student Organizations. The committee meets once per month for one hour, with meeetings beginning September 2022. Fill out this interest form and join this important group.
Free Glassboro Events

4th Friday Movie Nights @ Glassboro Town Square. 7/22 will feature Sing 2 at dusk, approximately 7:30 p.m.

6th Annual SummerFest: Thursdays 5 - 9 p.m. @ Glassboro Town Square. Live entertatinment, food trucks, beverages, and children's activities.

Baseball Camp for ages 7-12 by the Police Athletic League (PAL): 8/16 - 8/18 @ the Little League Complex.
Saturday, 7/9: 2 - 8 pm.
Wiggins Waterfront Park
2 Riverside Dr., Camden, NJ

This is a FREE family event that features live Caribbean music and dance performances on the Camden NJ waterfront. The FREE live concert will feature International performing artists.

There will also be Caribbean Food and Craft vendors, free children activities, community resources and more.

Summer is here again, and that means school breaks, pool parties and maybe some time away from the office. This season is the perfect time to pick up some new habits that shrink your carbon footprint at home and away. Challenge your friends, your family and yourself to add some – or all – of these Earth-conscious practices to your activities this summer! Habits like choosing reusable dishes and utensils, light candels and grills with matches, avoid bottled water, and keep a recycle bin ready can help! READ MORE.
PURPOSE

  • July 14th: Defining Your Professional Identify: Creating Your Own Path to Success
  • July 21st: Adulting 101 Preparing for Life after College
  • August 18th: Explore the Entrepreneur In You
  • August 25th: Taking the Initiative: Overcoming Your Doubts About Networking

Interested in learning about thriving, well-being, and resilience? Not only does the Rowan Thrive website have great resources, there are various platforms to support your learning via LinkedIn and Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs). Many courses are free, but a fee is required to receive the certification of completion. These courses may provide opportunities to change your life for the better!
FINANCIAL

Togetherall’s online community is clinically moderated by mental health professionals, and offers students a safe and anonymous place to express their thoughts, concerns and triumphs. Resources are FREE for students (aged 16+) to use and are available 24/7/365. Students are able to draw strength and insights from peers that have real lived experiences, as well as access a range of self-directed, clinically validated tools to promote positive mental health and wellbeing. Togetherall integrates with Rowan's existing campus counseling services and after-hours emergency phone lines. To learn more about Togetherall, watch this video or signup at togetherall.com using your Rowan email address.

Rowan Students who are raising children may eligible for FREE or significantly REDUCED on-campus child care through participation in the CCAMPIS Grant Program (Child Care Access Means Parents In School) run by the Family-Friendly Campus Initiative. In addition students may get assistance in purchasing textbooks, campus parking permits, access to support groups and workshops, and free gifts including children's books.

College is a time when you learn so many new things so quickly — you’re learning about your major and future career, meeting people from around the world and learning how to live independently. But one area that is sorely lacking for most college students: learning about money. Nearly half of college students say they do not feel prepared to manage their own money and more than half said they worry if they’ll have enough to last through the semester, according to data from Everfi. READ MORE.
OPPORTUNITIES
Looking for a job or volunteer leadership opportunity? You can find jobs @ Profs Jobs. These offices below are still seeking applicants:

I. Campus Recreation Student Employment (* Certification Required)
  • *Group Fitness Instructors, Intramural Sports Officials, *Lifeguards, *Personal Trainers, Program Monitors, & Swim Instructors
“The Strive to Thrive newsletter intends to bring you well-being ideas, tips, events, information and ways to connect through all dimensions of well-being (physical, social, emotional, purpose, community, and financial). We hope that this layout reminds you of all of the many ways to nourish, attend to, and elevate your well-being and the well-being of those around you.”
Strive to Thrive is a newsletter for the Rowan University community. Visit rowan.edu/thrive or contact rowanthrive@rowan.edu for more information.