November/December
As the song says, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year…” The arrival of the holiday season means that time with family and friends (and a break
from school and our everyday routine) is quickly approaching. At this time of
the year we are often reminded to count our blessings and consider those who
are less fortunate. This fits nicely with this month’s theme: generosity.
What does being generous mean to you? Does it involve donating money or giving your time to causes that help others? And how do you practice generosity? Are you generous to other students at your school? Do you help your
local community? Over the coming months, think about how you can practice
generosity toward others. It could be as simple as smiling at and talking in the
halls or at lunch with a student who does not have many friends, making thank
you cards for your teachers for everything they do, or volunteering to help with
a school or community event. Efforts like these—even small ones—can make a
big difference in the lives of others.
Boundie BRIEFS
TRIO UB @ BLOOMSBURG UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
2015
From the Director’s Desk...
Not only do you help others through practicing
generosity, you also benefit from the personal gratification you receive. All of us should aspire to leave behind a
lasting legacy, and being generous with your time, kindness, and compassion is one way to make this happen.
Happy Holidays and Happy New Year to you and
your families!
- John
Jenn’s Jots
~ Jennifer L. Cughan, Academic Coordinator
College students are in the midst of finals
now—the pressure is on! Perhaps you are
in the midst of studying for mid-terms
yourself.
This time of year oftentimes has other
stressors as well. Not all individuals are
excited to gear up for the holiday season—some have experienced trauma or
loss and may be struggling to stay positive, even during this usually festive time
of year. This edition of Boundie Briefs is
to remind you that no matter where your
heart and mind are this Christmas season,
you deserve to treat yourself kindly—so
be GENEROUS toward YOURSELF and
find calm throughout the holidays.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
~ Jenn
5 Ways Giving Is Good for You By Jill Suttie, Jason Marsh | December 13, 2010
New studies attest to the benefits of giving—not just for the recipients but for the givers’ health and happiness,
and for the strength of entire communities. Of course, you don’t have to shop to reap the benefits of giving. Research suggests the same benefits come from donating to charities or volunteering your
time, like at a soup kitchen or a homeless shelter.
Here are some of the ways that giving is good for you and your community.
1. Giving makes us feel happy. A 2008 study by Har var d Business School pr ofessor
Michael Norton and colleagues found that giving money to someone else lifted participants’
happiness more that spending it on themselves (despite participants’ prediction that spending on themselves would make them happier). In a 2006 study, Jorge Moll and colleagues at
the National Institutes of Health found that when people give to charities, it activates regions
of the brain associated with pleasure, social connection, and trust, creating a “warm glow” effect. Scientists also
believe that altruistic behavior releases endorphins in the brain, producing the positive feeling known as the
“helper’s high.”
2. Giving is good for our health. A wide r ange of r esear ch has linked differ ent for ms of gener osity to better
health, even among the sick and elderly. Researchers suggest that one reason giving may improve physical health
and longevity is that it helps decrease stress, which is associated with a variety of health problems. In a 2006 study
by Rachel Piferi of Johns Hopkins University and Kathleen Lawler of the University of Tennessee, people who
provided social support to others had lower blood pressure than participants who didn’t, suggesting a direct physiological benefit to those who give of themselves.
3. Giving promotes cooperation and social connection. When you give, you’r e mor e likely to get back: Sever al studies, including work by sociologists Brent Simpson and Robb Willer, have suggested that when you give to
others, your generosity is likely to be rewarded by others down the line—sometimes by the person you gave to,
sometimes by someone else. These exchanges promote a sense of trust and cooperation that strengthens our ties to
others— and research has shown that having positive social interactions is central to good mental and physical
health
4. Giving evokes gratitude. Whether you’r e on the giving or r eceiving end of a gift, that gift can elicit feelings of gratitude—it can be a way of expressing gratitude or instilling gratitude in the recipient. And research has
found that gratitude is integral to happiness, health, and social bonds. Robert Emmons and Michael McCullough,
co-directors of the Research Project on Gratitude and Thankfulness, found that teaching college students to “count
their blessings” and cultivate gratitude caused them to exercise more, be more optimistic, and feel better about
their lives overall. A recent study led by Nathaniel Lambert at Florida State University found that expressing gratitude to a close friend or romantic partner strengthens our sense of connection to that person. Barbara Fredrickson, a
pioneering happiness researcher, suggests that cultivating gratitude in everyday life is one of the keys to increasing
personal happiness. “When you express your gratitude in words or actions, you not only boost your own positivity
but [other people’s] as well,” she writes in her book Positivity. “And in the process you reinforce their kindness
and strengthen your bond to one another.”
5. Giving is contagious. When we give, we don’t only help the immediate r ecipient of our gift. We also spur a
ripple effect of generosity through our community. A study by James Fowler of the University of California, San
Diego, and Nicholas Christakis of Harvard, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science,
shows that when one person behaves generously, it inspires observers to behave generously later, toward different
people. In fact, the researchers found that altruism could spread by three degrees—from person to person to person
to person. “As a result,” they write, “each person in a network can influence dozens or even hundreds of people,
some of whom he or she does not know and has not met.”
So whether you buy gifts, volunteer your time, or donate money to charity this holiday season, your giving is much
more than just a year-end chore. It may help you build stronger social connections and even jumpstart a cascade of
generosity through your community. And don’t be surprised if you find yourself benefiting from a big dose of happiness in the process.
Christina
Not all brains are created equal.
https://www.mindsetkit.org/about
Do you ever forget to take care of yourself? Do you pile on responsibilities and obligations
so quickly that your needs get lost at the bottom of the mountain? Sometimes our stressful lives can be solved if we just take a moment to be kind to ourselves. What exactly does
that look like?
I’m talking about the concept of
SELF-CARE.
Self-care means YOU taking steps to enrich your physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. It doesn’t need to cost money and it doesn’t need to be complicated. It just needs to
be something that will make you slow down for a minute and enjoy the moment. Selfcare is precisely the sort of thing that will give you the fuel to keep going when things get
stressful. Practicing regular self-care gives us the strength and awareness to face whatever
challenges come our way.
For me, self-care can look like a lot of different things. Some
days it means taking a quick nap or going for a short walk.
Some days it can mean having a cup of tea or listening to
my favorite music really loud. Take some time to discover
what activities make you feel whole again. Here are some
ideas for self-care activities:
Go cloud-watching.
Dance to your favorite tunes.
Run (or walk) for a few minutes.
Get 15 minutes of sunshine.
Take three deep breaths.
Stretch your body.
Take a quick nap.
Watch a good movie.
Take a long bath.
Read inspiring quotes.
Make a list of 20 things that make you happy and post it in
your room to help you remember when you’re feeling particularly stressed. Whatever you choose, make sure you
make a habit out of practicing self-care every day.
I wanted to take this opportunity to say goodbye. In about two weeks I graduate from BU
and will be moving on from TRiO Upward Bound. It has been such an awesome journey
working with all of you and I can’t wait to hear about how your lives unfold. I have no
doubt that the futures you dream of are attainable, stay positive! ~~~~~~Written by
GA Emily
Page 4
B O U N DI E B R I E F S
Keep On Keepin’ On
There’s just something about this time of year! The air is crisp, the snow begins to fall, and everyone starts
getting into the holiday spirit. With so many wonderful things happening around us, we sometimes get
wrapped up in them, and find ourselves getting off track and behind on our school work. While sipping hot
cocoa and reading a good book are totally encouraged, it is important we stay on track with what needs to be
done at school.
Here are some tips to keep you focused and rockin’ it through the holiday season and the remainder of the
school year:
1. Get Organized
Whether it’s creating a timeline, making a list, creating a calendar, or covering your bedroom wall in stickynote reminders, getting organized is so important! When you can visually see what needs to be done, you
can easily manage and stay on top of it.
2. Keep a Clean Space
Sometimes working in clutter makes us stressed without us realizing it. Do your best to make sure your
study space is set up to meet your specific needs as a student. You can accomplish this by keeping your desk
or work space organized and clutter free, keeping all tools (pencils, highlighters, staplers) neatly organized so
you can find them easily, making sure lighting is to your liking, and keeping noise to a level that helps you
concentrate.
3. Ask For Help
If you are struggling in a class, reach out to your teacher! They are there to help explain and clarify, and rely
on your feedback to improve their classes! There is no such thing as a silly question, and chances are, someone else has the same question, they just haven’t asked yet.
4. Set Goals
Sometimes looking at the bigger picture can be intimidating. Setting goals leading up to an ultimate goal can
make it more attainable and can even leave you feeling more accomplished!
5. Remember Your Ultimate Goal.
Where do you see yourself after high school? While this might not seem like something you need to be
thinking about, you should remember that everything you do now counts toward your future. Do you plan
on going to college? Colleges look at your grades from the time you walk into high school to the time you
toss your cap on graduation day. It all matters. Put in the effort
now, and you won’t have to stress about it later!
YOU CAN DO IT!!!
By GA Cassondra
N O V E M B E R / DE C E M B E R
Page 5
10 Little Ways to Become More Generous
W RITTEN BY JOSHUA BECKER
HTTP://WWW .BECOMINGMINIMALIST.COM/
“You have not lived until you have done something for someone who can never repay you.” — John Bunyan
10 Simple Ways to Become a More Generous Person
1. Consider the benefits of generosity. Generous people report being happier, healthier, and more satisfied with life
than those who don’t give. Generosity produces within us a sense that we are capable of making a difference in the
world, that we are actively addressing the needs of those around us, and that we are shaping our community into a
healthier one.
2. Embrace gratitude. Make a list of the things in your life for which you are grateful. Your list doesn’t have to be long. It
won’t take much time. Sometimes, the most important step you can take to become more generous is to spend more time
thinking about what you already possess and less time thinking about what you don’t. Once you start intentionally thinking
that way, you may be surprised just how good you already have it… and become more apt to share your life with others.
3. Start really small. If you’ve never given away money, start by giving away $1. If you are embarrassed to give just $1,
don’t be. The point is to get started. If you’ll feel more comfortable giving $5, $10, or $20, start there. But no matter wha t
dollar amount you choose, jump right in with something small. You can afford it… and that little push can help build momentum in your life towards generosity.
4. Give first. When you receive your next paycheck, make your first expense an act of giving. Often times, we wait to see
how much we have left over before we determine how much we can give away. The problem is that most of the time after
we start spending, there is nothing left over. The habit of spending all of it is too deeply ingrained in our lives. To count eract that cycle, give first. Every payday, write a check for $10 to your local homeless shelter. You just may be surprised
how you won’t even miss it.
5. Divert one specific expense. For a set period of time (try 29 days), divert one specific expense to a charity of your
choosing. You may choose to bring a lunch to work, ride your bike to work once/week, or give up Starbucks. Calculate the
money you’ll save and then redirect it to a specific charity/cause. Whatever you choose, I recommend picking something
that would be fun to give up – something unique that you’ll remember. And setting a specific period of time for the experiment should make it completely achievable.
6. Fund a cause based on your passions. There are countless charities/causes that need your support. And some of
them are directly in-line with your most compelling passions. What are you most passionate about? Is it the environment,
poverty, or religion? Maybe it’s world peace, child nutrition, or animal rights? What about education, civil rights, or clean
water? Identify what passions already move you, find a committed organization around that cause, and then joyfully help
them in their work.
7. Find a person you believe in. If you find that you are more easily motivated and shaped by the people in your life
rather than organizations/causes, use that tendency as motivation instead. Take careful notice of the people in your life
that you most admire. What organizations/causes do they hold most dear? Who do they support? What makes them passionate about supporting it? And how can you get involved alongside them?
8. Spend time with people in need. One of the most effective antidotes for non-generosity is to make space in your life
for those who actually need your help. After all, it is a very small step to go from knowing somebody in need to helping
somebody in need. One of the easiest ways to accomplish this is to volunteer one meal at your local homeless shelter.
Most homeless shelters readily accept volunteers and have systems in place to get you started. And rubbing shoulders
with the poor just may change your impression of them forever.
9. Spend time with a generous person. One of the most life-changing conversations I’ve ever had about generosity
occurred when I found the courage to start asking specific questions of the right person. I remember starting with, “Have
you always been generous?” And immediately followed with more: “When did you become so generous? How did it start?
How do you decide where your money goes? What advice would you give someone who wants to get started?” It was
life-changing.
10. Live a more minimalist life. Intentionally decide to own less. Oh sure, living a minimalist life won’t automatically
make you a more generous person, but it will provide the space necessary to make it possible. You’ll spend less money
on things at the department store. You’ll have more time/energy to help others. And the intentionality that emerges in
your life will help you discover the need for generosity.
Generosity rarely happens by chance. Instead, it is an intentional decision that we make in our lives. But it does not need
to be as difficult as many people think. Sometimes, starting with the simple steps is the best step that we can take.
What simple steps have you incorporated into your life to foster generosity?
Intern Nasha`’s Adventure Takes a New Direction...
As I approach my last two weeks in my undergraduate education, I
would like to thank TRiO Upward Bound staff for allowing me to
complete my internship with the program! I enjoyed my experience,
and learned many things that will be useful in my professional
career. I especially enjoyed visiting the schools, and sharing my
college experience and advice with the students. You will be
missed! I wish you all the best of luck through the rest of the
school year.
To the graduating seniors, congratulations & good luck on your new journey to college
next fall! Enjoy college, study hard, get involved with many programs, network, and make your
college years’ worth it!
Ways to be generous towards your future as a Bounder are to always attend center meetings because the AT provides you with very important information, communicate with AT if you
can’t make the meeting, attend TRiO UB events, attend the Summer Academy & Bridge program,
and support other Upward Bounders!
Ways to be generous as a future college student is to build a relationship with your
professors, so they will know you and be able to help you in the future, get involved with
programs on campus, network, get involved with TRiO SSS if your college has the program, par-
ticipate in community service, and explore/learn what the college has to offer to you!
By—Intern Nasha`
http://anxietyinteens.org/
Page 8
NEWSLETTER TITLE
How to be GENEROUS while in High School ~
By TRIO UB@BU Alum and Current Work Study Student : Sarah Wojcik
1. Donate some of your rarely worn clothes or some household goods. There is probably that old T-shirt
in your dresser that you haven’t worn all year. Give it to someone you has not changed their shirt
all year instead.
2. Now with all this holiday hustle and bustle of the season why not take some time out of your fully
packed schedule and answer some Santa Claus letters. You know he can’t answer them all so give a
helping hand. Ask your local Elementary school if you can help out.
3. Now we know that not everyone can be home for the holidays so why not get the family or some
friends together and send a care package to our deployed troops, veteran, or wounded soldiers.
Write them a little thank you and donate some blankets and food. Take a look at Operation Gratitude or Give2TheTroops to learn what to donate and who to send it to.
4. If you want to help TRiO Upward Bound out this season you can! Just talk to your guidance counselors and ask about sharing your TRiO Upward Bound experience to the younger grades. Every little
bit helps.
5. Donate some old children’s books to your local library or to your elementary school’ library.
6. If you are not in the mood to do anything this season because it’s cold out there wait till Arbor Day
comes around and plant a tree.
7. Penn State has Thon! See what you can do to help out. https://thon.org/
8. You know that younger ones are not the only people who need holiday cheer. Go take a visit to your
local elderly home. Older people love visitors.
9. If you want to make your neighbor happy from causes all that noise with your music offer to shovel
their snow this year. Do it out of the kindness of your heart. Sometimes they give you Hot Chocolate
with extra marshmallows.
10. For all my animal lovers out there. First see if there are any missing animals in your area and see if
you can reunite a family. If not go volunteer some time at an SPCA.
11. Volunteer to help out with Special Olympics.
12. If you are a runner or just want to walk. Sign up to raise funds for a charity by participating in a
fundraising walk/run! Help others while helping yourself—a double bonus!
There are so many ways to volunteer during high school.
All you have to do is find it. Go find something you are
passionate about and do it. There is a world of possibilities
out all you have to do is uncover them. Merry Christmas
Everyone! And Happy New Year!
“Service opportunities are occasions to MEET new people, LEARN new things, and EXPLORE potential career
paths. These experiences will also provide anecdotes
that you can write about on your college application
essay and SCHOLARHIP essays!”
~Academic Coordinator, Jenn
VOLUME 1, ISSUE 1
Page 9
TRiO Upward Bound Program
258 Student Services Center
400 East Second Street
Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania
17815-1301
Telephone: (570) 389-4280
FAX: (570) 389-3025
************************
jkula@bloomu.edu
cslocum@bloomu.edu
jcugha2@bloomu.edu
tbaylor@bloomu.edu
Center Meetings—occurring WEEKLY at YOUR
High School! Be there!
February 18th—FAFSA Completion Night (Seniors
& parent/guardian) 6:00—8:00 P.M. More details to
follow!
AA/EEO Statement: Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania is committed to affirmative action by way of providing equal educational and employment opportunities for all
persons without regard to race, religion,
gender, age, national origin, sexual orientation, disability or veteran status.
Character Counts Corner—GENEROSITY