Well-Being

Changing the World Starts with Changing My Life: Lessons from Salmon, Black Walnut, and Song Sparrow

CLC Fellows looking at the fish pass in Traverse City

This writing departs from my usual approach. Typically, I focus on the technical aspects of my professional experiences and the broader implications. I think about changing the world and transforming disadvantaged communities. I consider how impressive my resume looks and what it means for my career—all the potential BIG things. However, in doing so, I realized I was overlooking the … Read More

What is Climate Resilience?

Climate Resiliency in its simplest form is adapting to climate change. This is such a vague definition, though, that I think bringing this term closer to home helps me, at least, think about what climate resilience can look like. Michigan, a place that a lot of us Wolverines call home and know well, specializes in variable temperatures and weather conditions. … Read More

My Vision for a Sustainable Outdoor Study Space at U-M

AI generated image of a green clover field with solar panels and trees.

With the weather getting warmer recently, I have been seeing our green spaces across campus such as the Arb and the Diag fill up with students enjoying the outdoors. In addition to playing Spikeball and tossing a frisbee, many students are even opting to study outside. Both the Diag and the Arb are beautiful green spaces, but I think it … Read More

Fighting “Grind Culture”: Prioritizing Wellness this Finals Season

Student bites pencil while nervously studying on her computer.

Coming into college, I was shocked at how my classmates talked about studying like it was the most important thing in the universe. It was normal to hear about people studying instead of sleeping or studying through meals—just studying, studying, studying. With finals season rapidly approaching, it can be easy to get swept up in that chaos—crafting the perfect study … Read More

New Year, New Me: Taking Care of Your Mental Health in 2023

I have been thinking a lot about self-improvement recently. I have been doing yoga some mornings, trying to read a little before bed each night, and going for walks after dinner. However, these are not established habits yet and a lot of the time these new activities are short-lived. They are not sustainable, and the cycle of wanting to do … Read More

The Arb and Other Urban Green Spaces

When I was in high school, I was terrified of driving on the freeway and absolutely dreaded taking my driver’s test. The day I finally passed that test, I celebrated by driving the hour from Detroit to the Nichols Arboretum in Ann Arbor. I spent that afternoon sitting along the Huron River, eating fruit on a picnic blanket, and watching … Read More

Peony For Your Thoughts: Fun Activities to Try In Ann Arbor

I think many of us would agree that living in Ann Arbor has some major perks in terms of diverse green spaces and lively events. In celebration of ending the winter semester strong, I want to highlight a selection of natural areas and outdoor events/activities that I’m really looking forward to this spring and summer! Green Spaces in the Ann … Read More

Spring Into an Ann Arbor Summer

It’s finally spring! After bearing through the brutality that is a Michigan winter, I think everyone deserves congratulations and a green, sunny day. The weather (although inconsistent) is starting to feel warm and refreshing, but final exam season might be bringing back feelings of bitter cold, so practicing self-care and resilience are more important than ever!  To help you in … Read More