By Mary Ortiz
Students and the One World Learning Academy are working to link various activities around campus with a common theme. This year’s theme is “Health and Wellness.”
The One World Learning Academy is a network of students, faculty and staff with a goal of fostering a sense of unity and community on campus.
Anyone can be involved; activities range from classroom assignments to club events to book discussions, and even personal goals. The dimensions of health and wellness are intellectual, spiritual, social, occupational, emotional and physical.
Dr. Deborah Corbett, psychology professor and member of the One World committee, recommends that students and faculty read “Fast Food Nation” by Eric Schlosser. She feels that the book is a good source for thinking about health and wellness. Each chapter touches on a different issue that can apply to various disciplines and courses.
Dr. Corbett said, “I’m really excited for the whole idea; we’ve never done anything like this before.”
The Fall Picnic, held on Sept.12, was the “Kick off for wellness,” said Mary Sullivan, director of student activities. Turkey burgers, trail mix and fruit popsicles were served. Student Ralph Colatrella even handed out apples and carrots—dressed as a carrot!
Somerset Medical Center, American Heart Association, and Women’s Health and Counseling were guests at the picnic.
Student clubs are also working to incorporate the health and wellness theme. This past month Phi Theta Kappa held a fitness challenge, and AIDS awareness seminar. Some things to look forward to are water aerobics, a dance class and “Talk Fitness for Life.”
RVCC’s science seminars, held every Thursday at noon, have addressed a wide range of related issues, from the ozone layer and the genetics of obesity to guide-dog psychology and bicycling on “other worlds.”
Upcoming seminars will address lowering lipids, the history of penicillin, environmental health risks, environmental genomes, and a seminar involving audience participation for improving RVCC’s Health and Wellness course.
There are many ways that students can educate themselves within the six dimensions of well-being. For social wellness, they could join a club or organization. Developing occupational wellness could mean taking a trip to the Career Services to see what options they have. Spiritual wellness could be as simple as taking a walk, accepting and acknowledging nature. Physical wellness could be attained by joining a sports team, working out or committing to a healthier diet. Intellectual wellness is imperative while in college. Students can form study groups to boost their academic achievement and that can also play a role in emotional wellness.
“There is psychological wellness we as students have to deal with,” said Danielle Hobbs, a communications major. Between getting an assignment in by the due date and trying to put in some quality time with your boyfriend or girlfriend, this may be mentally exhausting for a college student.
RVCC offers various lectures and seminars that can help students address their wellness goals. Upcoming leadership seminars will address “Assertiveness for Leaders,” “True Colors: Learning your communication style” and “Interviewing for Leaders.”
Many students and faculty feel that this “One World” idea aims to really put some school spirit, awareness and new friendships into play. It intends to bring out the meaning of community college to get students, faculty and staff involved with each other and the school.
Information on upcoming health and wellness activities and leadership seminars will be posted in the Announcements section of the Lion’s Den. The schedule for science seminars can be found at
www.raritanval.edu/departments/Science/sciseminar.html.
