I chat with Dr. Chammie Austin, Kristi Hipp, and Julie Krebel about Gen Z vs Millennials, social justice, and technology, as they talk about their USEM: Connecting in the Physical + Digital Age.

We are living in a “Phigital” age, a time in which our physical and digital worlds constantly intersect. Within these two worlds, how do we customize our personal brands, our identity, and our connections? This course will examine the ways that we connect, engage, and advocate for a more equitable and socially just society both in the digital and physical worlds.

Sam Gavic, Tiffany Reed, and Ashley Wagner join me today as we talk about one of my favorite shows, Stranger Things, as well as the deep topics that the show addresses and how they're incorporating these discussions into their USEM: "Stranger Things" and Exploring the Unknown.

Guided by the theme of the hit TV show “Stranger Things,” this course will focus on helping students develop a stronger sense of self, exploring the perspectives of others, and gaining a more diverse and inclusive worldview. Tapping into students true sight, together, we will start the introspective process, and combat internal Mind Flayer and the Upside Down. Ultimately, with the assistance of their party, this course will help students find their AV Club and fight personal and societal Demogorgons while also supporting their college success.

Kristen Ely, Naomi Ishihara, Johannes Wich-Schwarz, and I sit down to talk about utopias/dystopias, general wellness, and developing your story in college as we discuss their USEM, The Meaning Behind Your Story.

If you were to tell the story of your life, what would you title each chapter? Friends, family, romance? Career? Money? Health and physical well-being? Spirituality? Service? In this class we will explore what gives your life meaning, and how your experiences and outside influences impact your story. We will discuss and reflect on the ideas of happiness, wellness and purpose, as well as read stories that challenge the way we think about our place in this world, stories both of utopia and dystopia. Apart from encountering a variety of worldviews, you will also engage in service and community outreach.

I have a great conversation with Melissa Childers and Tammy Gocial as we all discuss our USEM: Developing Your Personal Brand.

We live in a busy world where we are pulled in many directions amid a blur of activities and distractions. When asked to think deeply about who we are, what we stand for, and where we want to go in life, we often struggle to answer the questions. As we go forward, it is important to take the time to discover who we are, who we want to be, what we will stand for, and how we will project ourselves to the world. Take this intentional journey with us through film, social media, short interviews, and self-reflection as you discover your purpose and market your brand.

I have a great conversation with Sam Harris, Leshay Mathis, and Rhonda Pugh as they discuss their USEM: Growing Up Gen Z.

In this class we will explore the impact and influence generational identity and perception has on society, culture, diversity, and technology. Through exciting and interactive activities, which will include reflection videos, storytelling projects, and engaging in-class discussions, we will answer the question “what does it mean to live a Gen Z life?”

I have a great conversation with Kimberly Allen, Ally Crust, and Charles Smith as they discuss their USEM: Setting Your College Soul on Fire.

Based on the quote, “Be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire,” we will explore what it means to be fearless and plan for intentional risk-taking and create strategies to pursue greater happiness and discover our places for belonging. While doing so, we will search for meaning in pivotal college experiences. Students will work both individually and collaboratively to create a college “bucket list,” construct a relationship genogram, develop a passion proclamation statement and create a digital self-portrait among other experiential activities.

I have a terrific conversation with Taylor Bell, Jesse Kavadlo, and Seth Matteson about their USEM: Social ME-dia and the Glow Up

Glow up: “To go from the bottom to the top to the point of disbelief. An incredible transformation” (Urban Dictionary). Together, our class will explore the ways in which social media and internet culture influence the perils, pleasures, and paradoxes of personal transformation today. Using social and cultural psychology, our and other people’s stories, through various social media platforms (i.e. FaceBook, Twitter, Linkedin, Instagram), we will explore our self and identity as well as the multiple perspectives of those around us. What are consequences of media on social and emotional interactions, public and private selves, and personal vs. social roles? And how does all that affect who we will become?

We're taking the week off for July 4, but we'll be back next week with more USEM features!

I have a great conversation about the hit TV show This Is Us and the great outdoors with Brian Heger, Renee Schuster, and Alicia Wojciuch as they discuss their USEM: "Braving the Wilderness" to find "This Is Us".

Have you ever wondered why you are the way you are? This course will explore self-identity and the factors that influenced your development – making you who are you today. Where did you come from, where are you going, and with whose help? You will learn how to leverage your personal strengths for personal and academic success in college and beyond, how to incorporate reflection into your weekly activities, how to understand the diverse perspectives of others in our community, and how to learn from, and in, the world around us. We will do this while spending time indoors, outdoors, alone, and together, all with the help of lessons from the popular show “This is Us” and the book “Braving the Wilderness.”

I have a fun conversation with Abby Mensah, Sara Parrott, and Art Santirojprapai as they discuss their USEM: Global Citizenship.

Cultures and communities continue to shift each and every day. Together, we will explore how to develop your sense of self and the capacity to become more globally conscious citizens of the world. Activities will examine how local and global communities shape each of us, empowering us to be more informed advocates for social change and challenge us to better understand one another.