Students enter higher education with varying beliefs about what college will look like, feel like, and be like.  Based on that imagery, each student has an appraisal of their ability to succeed.  These beliefs are based largely upon on past experiences and are accompanied by habits and attitudes that (hopefully) are aligned with the expectations and goals that they now have for college.

The challenges of the Covid-19 Pandemic have drastically altered that image and thus has required, in most cases, forced us to think differently.  It’s easy to understand how this can lead to sadness and even a feeling of helplessness, which can lead to apathy and an almost paralyzing feeling that there is nothing we can do, since it is largely outside of our control.  It can feel like a downward spiral of negativity that, if not controlled and turned, will continue to pull us down. 

How do we reverse the spiral and pull ourselves and those around us up…and continue moving forward, even when the circumstances surrounding us in present may feel pretty dire?  The secret is in our perception of what it is we believe is within our control.

Learning Outcomes:  We will discuss the necessity of shifting the Locus of Control marker to “inside me,” which fuels the drive the make the changes to the HABE’s (Habits, Attitudes, Beliefs, and Expectations) to produce the future we expect.

https://www.cals.vt.edu/academic-programs/current/cals-spring-wellness-series.html