Life University Staff Council Newsletter Volume 5 Issue 2

Continued from page 2 can be a life-changing resource if you are feeling overwhelmed, feel you cannot cope, have suicidal thoughts or are using drugs or alcohol to cope. • Don’t wait: Maintain regular health care for existing or new health problems. • Ask for help: Seek emotional support from friends, family, and community or religious organizations to reduce stress due to work burdens or family issues, such as caring for a sick or aging loved one. • Pay attention to what your body is saying to you: Difficulty sleeping, increased desire to sleep, increased use of alcohol and other substances, being easily angered, feeling depressed, tearfulness and having low energy are all signs of stress taking a toll. • Learn to say “no”: Decide what must get done and what can wait and learn to say no to new tasks if they are putting you into overload. • Give yourself some credit: Acknowledge what you have accomplished at the end of the day; shift focus away from what you have been unable to do. Staff Member Spotlight Alison Woldegeorges Every issue we feature a different staff member who is interviewed for the Staff Member Spotlight. This quarter we’re featuring Alison Woldegeorges. STAFF NEWSLETTER: What department do you work in at Life University? ALISON WOLDEGEORGES: Student Success Center (SSC) SN: What are your job duties? AW: To connect students with correct resources within our department. • Avoid dwelling on problems. If you can’t do this on your own, seek help from a qualified mental health professional who can guide you. • Take a stroll: Just 30 minutes per day of walking can help boost mood and reduce stress. • Make time for yourself: Set aside time for activities that you enjoy and find relaxing. Read, meditate, see a movie or practice yoga whatever helps you unwind. You can’t take care of anyone else until you take care of yourself. There are many strategies and tools available to help us all learn how to be healthier; making time to put them into practice seems to be the hardest part. Dealing with stress is a HUGE part of being healthier, and we are lucky to work in an environment that promotes well-being and gives us some tools to achieve those goals. credits from Bury College in Bury St. Edmund s, Suffolk England. SN: Please share about your past job experiences. AW: I am a military wife, and moving a lot has meant holding a varied range of positions over the years, from retail to administrative positions. I worked, for the five years before coming [to the US], for the British Ministry of Defense. SN: What is one of your career goals? AW: To always strive to do better in this position. SN: What is something not many people know about you? AW: In my youth, I was a very good runner and was one of four girls selected to run for the county Buckinghamshire in the 200-meter race. SN: If you could go anywhere in the world, where SN: What do you like most about working at LIFE? AW: The people – students and staff – and helping SN: Is there anything else you would like to add? AW: I love the team I work with at the SSC. We really job? AW: In a ten-week program, connecting students with what they need quickly is very challenging. SN: Please share about your education AW: I am English and only moved here five years ago. All my education was in England. I have some college Father’s Day Jazz Time: 3:30 — 8 p.m. Location: Villa Christina Information: Bring blankets or chairs for the outdoor Summer Jazz Series at Villa Christina. This family friendly event is free. There is ample parking available at $3 for self-parking and $5 for valet. Website: www.villachristina.com Everett Collection / Shutterstock.com George Lopez | Shutterstock ID: 180069749 June 24 George Lopez Time: 8 p.m. Location: Fox Theatre, Atlanta Information: Comedian George Lopez is sure to be hilarious and entertaining in this show for ages 18 and up. Tickets range from $36.50 to $56.50. Website: http://foxtheatre.org watch movies, [and enjoy] gardening and cooking. SN: How long have you been at Life University? AW: It will be two years this month. SN: What is the most challenging thing about your June 15 SN: What do you like to do for fun? AW: I like to go to the gym, read, walk my dogs, would it be? AW: Southern Spain. My husband and I want to retire in Spain!! students reach their potential. Local Happenings do all pull together to help each other and have fun doing it! Volunteers Needed WE NEED STAFF MEMBERS TO BE HIGHLIGHTED IN THE STAFF MEMBER SPOTLIGHT. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO VOLUNTEER OR KNOW SOMEONE WHO WOULD BE INTERESTED IN BEING IN THE SPOTLIGHT, PLEASE EMAIL STAFFNEWSLETTER@ LIFE.EDU. July 4 — 6 July 4th Star Spangled Beach Party Time: Event starts early on Friday, July 4th Location: Callaway Gardens Information: The celebration begins early and lasts well into the night at the annual July 4th Star Spangled Beach Party at Robin Lake Beach. Highlights include beach activities, live music (headlined by the Swingin’ Medallions), the FSU Flying High Circus and the annual Fireworks Extravaganza. Website: http://www. callawaygardens.com/events/ signature-events/july-fourthstar-spangled-beach-party Continued on page 4 3

Life University Staff Council Newsletter Volume 5 Issue 2 | Page 3