PCE 124 Collective Values Blog

The idea that anyone can do everything alone is absurd. It was never meant to be this way - we're inherently social creatures. We like to rely on each other, and that's somehow become something to be ashamed of. That being said, I'll be damned if I don't try, usually at great detriment to myself. I have a grocery list of issues with our culture, but nothing has proven more harmful to our collective well-being than "rugged individualism" and its tenets. If what I've witnessed here over the past several weeks is any indication, there is not a shadow of a doubt in my mind that life isn't just better when you're among like-minded people, but also easier. Given the current state of the world, while fostering relationships has become all the more difficult, reliance on others has become a cornerstone of our day-to-day lives. I've always believed that you're defined just as much by the people you surround yourself with, and I a...

 As life is constantly adjusting and throwing surprises my way, it is very important to me to be secure within myself, especially right now as we face COVID-19. As I sit in the house day after day unable to do much other than think my way though the day, I have done a lot of reflecting. I thought back on who I was this time last year, and realized I lacked a personal relationship with myself. I spent a lot of time alone, but didn't take the time to get to know myself and looking back, I see where that took a major toll on my life.  That being said, I have taken advantage of our current situation as much as I can as I along with everyone else undergoes self-isolation. I have made it my goal to get to know myself and prioritize my mental and physical health as well as overall well-being. I have found hobbies beyond social media and Netflix which has made a huge difference on how I feel throughout the day. I have found music, art, and companionship to be the building blocks...

During times like these, sometimes you find your mental health slipping. It is easy to get lost in confusion, disappointment, and frustration and can lead yourself into a dark place. It is important to take care of yourself during times of stress. Here are some ideas that i do to improve my well-being.  Get creative! It is important to keep yourself occupied and stimulated. Now is the time to become inspired and let your thoughts run wild! Everyones idea of creativity is different. You could write stories/poems, create/play music, draw, color, or paint! Recently, i painted a terra-cotta pot and planted succulents (which is something i wouldn't typically do). I also enjoy coloring inside coloring books while listening to music. Go outside! This one is extremely important. A lot of times when you are surrounded by the same things, you get a case of cabin fever. Go outside and get some fresh air and vitamin D! I have found that spending at least 20 minutes outside do...

  What doesn't kill me makes me stronger. ---Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche The struggle itself toward the heights is enough to fill a man's heart. One must imagine Sisyphus happy. ---Albert Camus It ain't about how hard ya hit. It's about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. That's how winning is done. ---Rocky Balboa   When faced with tragedy we come alive or come undone.  ---Timothy James "Tim" McIlrath Life is not a problem to be solved, but a reality to be experienced. ---Søren Aabye Kierkegaard  It matters not how strait the gate,       How charged with punishments the scroll, I am the master of my fate,       I am the captain of my soul. ---William Ernest Henle y Yeah, well, what are you gonna do? Life's a bitch and then you die, right? ---BoJack Horseman Sometimes. Sometimes life's a bitch and then you keep living. ---Di...

Paper Tigers is one of my favorite documentaries. Taking place at Lincoln Alternative High School in Walla Walla, Washington, Paper Tigers shows what a school can accomplish through the use of trauma-informed practices. Using the Adverse Childhood Experiences Study as a framework, the adults at Lincoln are able to demonstrate that having one caring, dependable adult can change a young person’s life. Care is the verb that puts resilience into action, because caring is what allows us to help others become resilient in the face of trauma. Not only is the documentary inspiring, but it felt extremely significant in the ways it resembled my own experiences. While I struggled with mental illness, my home life was relatively stable. I had a good relationship with my family, I got good grades and was a member of the Honor Society. But this wasn't the case for a lot of my friends. Many of my friends would come to school high, and a few were kicked out of school due to possessi...

This period of quarantine has proven difficult for all us in a myriad of ways. When we're faced with an arduous challenge we're often met at first with despairing thoughts; How will I get through this? Will things be the same? It's hard to block out the doubt and the worry, but I've found that the best way to work through times like these is to stay strong for the two most important things in your life. Yourself: And the people who care about you: Your Friends: The insane people you choose Your Family: The insane people you're stuck with Even your co-workers who made weird memes about you: The insane people you work alongside for a paycheck No matter how far away they may seem they're always caring about you, and for better or worse you're always caring about them. Everyone owes ...