EHHS Think Tank Blog

While I am not a fan of The Grateful Dead, I believe a phrase from Jerry Garcia most accurately describes the pandemic as it relates to campus life and, more specifically, work within The Counseling Center the past year and a half: “What a long, strange trip it’s been!" Kent State, along with campuses across our nation, is moving back to some form of pre-pandemic functioning that includes a notable amount of in-person instruction and campus services.

What is the instructional resource center?

It’s your favorite spot in White Hall! 

On July 6, 2021, an NPR newscaster asked Miami-Dade mayor Daniella Levine Cava why she had so often publicly praised journalists for their stories about those who had been lost or not yet found in the collapse of Champlain Tower South in Surfside, Florida. “What happened was so horrific, so unexpected, and could have been prevented,” the mayor said. “We have to pay homage to those lives.”

The COVID-19 pandemic has hit the hospitality and tourism industry severely, as it did to other industries. Restaurants, hotels, and event venues have stood empty for almost a year to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Due to travel restrictions and safety regulations, many hospitality and tourism organizations have had a hard time running their businesses, opting to survive in the market rather than aim to make a profit.

Throughout my almost 15 years in the non-profit sector, I’ve been fortunate to work with people who are passionate about supporting organizations and institutions that make our local and global communities great. Meeting with and talking to people who are just starting their journey in philanthropy and those who are seasoned benefactors to create impact is a privilege.

A few years ago, my wife and I were visiting some friends when one of them decided to show us their new PlayStation VR headset. We tried out various experiences like skydiving in Dubai, riding a rollercoaster, and so forth. It was fun, but I left wondering whether there was much use for the technology beyond a few ‘fun’ excursions. A few days later I had the idea for recording classrooms so that future teachers could “visit” a classroom like I visited various places wearing the VR headset.

One afternoon as I was grocery shopping with my mom when I got a call from an unknown number. Seeing the location was in Kent, I had a feeling I should answer. The voice on the other end was explaining to me how I had been chosen to do this program called Bridges. Everything he was explaining seemed unrealistic, and quite frankly, too good to be true.

Ever since I was in 3rd grade, I always dreamed of being a teacher. I can recall sitting in front of Mrs. Livingston’s class at Katherine Thomas Elementary School in Windham, Ohio. Not only was I paying attention to the lesson she was teaching, I was also taking note of her teaching techniques and classroom management style. I loved the way she would engage us in her lessons and how she directed us with a firm hand with her zero-tolerance policy.

During my undergrad classes in the Speech Pathology and Audiology program, I realized that I wanted to work with the elderly population, but more on the business side. After graduating in May of 2020 with my Bachelor's in Speech Pathology and Audiology, I came across the Nursing Home Administration graduate certificate program and this is when I realized that this is what I wanted to do. One day I would like to be an administrator for a long-term care facility.

More than ever, student financial assistance plays an important role in student success. We are very fortunate in the College of Education, Health and Human Services to have committed donors who value and support that success. Many of our donors are alumni who understand the difference higher education can make to a person and the community in which they live and work. This past year has seen an outpouring of goodwill that has assisted so many, and provided for future support as well.