Positive Psychology & Stress Resilience
Click on TEDx Video → Thriving Under Pressure
This was a big week back at St. College College — and all colleges across Ontario. Students were returning to school after a 5 week province-wide strike.
An arduous situation that was well beyond student control.
So it was essential that I foster a safe space for students to transition back onto campus and into my psychology classroom. To help them begin again.
My intention was to bridge the gap from stress to strength.
To remind them of times in their lives where they had experienced the stress of starting over. Including the strike. And triumphed despite all the suffering.
For it is in our dark times that we discover our light. And it is in our pain that we find our power. Difficult times force us to dig deep for courage and reach out for support.
And ultimately discover a strength far greater than any adversity.
This week I have never been more proud to be a college professor.
This week students taught me.
Related: The Paradox of Strength.
One of my first year BScN nursing students (Mona on the right) asked if I would sign the psychology textbook that I co-wrote and take a photo with her after class this week.
She said that an encouraging note and a picture with her professor would give her the motivation she needed to stay focused, work hard, and study throughout the semester.
Of course I said yes! It was a full circle moment. For my students are my motivation. And everything I do is with their success in mind.
Also pictured above are Sarah Ryrie (on the left) and Justin Fox (in the middle) – two St. Clair College alumni and former student representative council presidents who continue to inspire me today!
Related Post: Staying motivated in the midst of a challenge.
So many students come to class anxious and stressed out. The last thing on their minds is learning. Which is why I start each class by asking students what’s the best thing that’s happened to them today.
Their answers fascinate me. And give me insight into what motivates them. From simple to profound. From food to relationships. From money to purpose. From grades to destiny. And everything in between.
Interacting with students in fun and uplifting ways brings laughter and lightness to the classroom. It doesn’t take a lot of time. Yet it creates a significant shift in student stress and comfort levels.
Students need to feel safe. Students need to feel heard. Showing them you care (while having fun) works every time. Only then can the real learning begin!
This question came to mind last week when I took over a college class halfway through the semester.
I know how tough it is for students to have 2 professors over the course of a 12 week semester. 2 sets of rules. 2 sets of expectations.
So it’s more important than ever that I play my “first impression” card right.
Students are more likely to “test the limits with the “new teacher”. Accordingly, I use a more strict than usual demeanour at the start of summer semester.
It usually works well. As my tough love approach becomes more on the love side, and less on the tough side as the weeks roll by.
However, this time I knew my first class authoritarian approach was not going to work.
Suddenly I had my hands full right off the bat. One of my students was not impressed in any way.
After laying down the law, the student looked up at me and said: “I’m not going to like you very much.”
And I said: “Good, because I’m not here to be liked, I’m here to teach you something.”
The student loudly responded: “Good, because I just learned something!”
To this day I am grateful for how much this student underscored my purpose in the classroom.
I am not here to be liked. I am here to teach psychology.
A life lesson in self-worth that applies to us all.
“Self-worth comes from one thing – thinking that you are worthy.”
1. What are you most excited about in your life right now?
2. How do you make your passion and purpose a daily priority?
Related Post: The Sweet Spot.
At the beginning of the semester, I ask my nursing students to share their reasons “why” they wanted to become a nurse. Why this program?
Students are enthusiastic about learning at the start of the semester. New textbooks. Colourful notebooks. Dreams still fresh in their minds.
This is when students truly need a boost in motivation (right about now). This is the time where I insert their original “Why” vision board into my PowerPoint lecture slides.
Halfway through the semester, students are surprised to see a photo of their own words, projected onto the big screen.
An animated discussion ensues where students compare their initial motivations with their current state of mind and affairs.
Rekindling their dreams. Giving them a much needed reminder as to why they picked their program in the first place
Boosting their motivation. Lifting them up. Multiplying their energy.
A simple why? question that works. Every single time.
Why school matters. Why they matter.
Related Post: What's your why?
The end of a college semester is always bittersweet.
Summer school is no different.
The final psychology exam was just this week.
And I miss my summer students already.
Full disclosure: Psychology is my passion.
I am grateful to have met so many wonderful St. Clair College students in the pre-nursing program this summer.
They worked hard. Followed their heart. And never gave up.
Each student hoping to gain admission into the highly competitive four year BScN program starting in September.
(Summer school is a pre-nursing qualification program.)
Every ending is a new beginning.
Because of the program I teach in, I will have the opportunity to teach many of my pre-nursing students again this fall in the BScN nursing program.
Fingers crossed that they (all) get in to nursing! 🏥💉
Related Post: What's your why?
