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B-2 B-Well: We’re All Human—But We Aren’t All Grad Students!

Intellectual growth and academic achievement should embrace wellbeing

You have probably seen the recent rollout of Harvard’s We’re All Human campaign, aimed at creating a culture that embraces and celebrates the importance of mental health and well-being. If you know our office, you know this is integral to our mission as well! We are all about wellness and thinking about it from a holistic point of view. That’s why we love the wellness wheel framework. It's a great visualization of how different types of wellness are connected.

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Wellness Wheel with color of the rainbow sections

That said, we want to take a beat to recognize a special population—you! Graduate students face a lot of unique challenges. Many of you are balancing your academic careers with professional careers, starting or supporting families, plus dealing with the everyday curve balls life throws at you. Take a moment to validate and congratulate yourself. You have worked hard to get to where you are. Don’t become so focused on the destination that you forget to stop, turn around, and check out the view. A little reflection can go a long way.

We also want to encourage you to validate and congratulate your peers. Ask a friend about their research or read their latest chapter, even if it isn’t your specialty. It can feel so good to learn new things, and it is great to feel listened to as well. Let them know you see their efforts. Compliments can turn a bad day around!

If you are an upper G-Year, consider joining or starting a peer mentoring program in your department. if you want to talk things through with someone who has a better understanding of your experience, peer mentors can lend an ear or connect you with resources. Mentoring is also a great way to give back and help build community.

As always, if you ever come across a challenge that you need help with, whether grad school-related or not, remember to reach out to us or visit B-2 to B-Well!

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