We are excited to celebrate Patrice’s new position as Executive Director for Recovery Advancement. As the StepUP Program turns 20, this new role allows us to further our mission of supporting students in recovery. Read the full announcement on the Augsburg College website.
Well, my time as the StepUP student worker has come to an end. I received an offer for a new job, which I accepted. I am excited to start the new position, which is more related to my intended major. On the other hand, I’ve been working here in the office since June, and it is a big transition.
I’ve appreciated how much this position has supported my creativity; it’s the hardest part about letting this job go. After writing a few times for the StepUP newspage, someone suggested that I start writing for the Augsburg newspaper, the Echo. I’m grateful for that suggestion, because I’ve truly enjoyed adding my input to the school newspaper.
I’ve also sincerely appreciated everyone who has supported and offered encouragement for my articles and blogs. It may not seem like much, but when I get discouraged I bring those kind words to my mind and try to think about your thoughts more than my own.
In parting, I’d like to share some final thoughts; some ideas I’ve reflected on during my time working here. Remember to always be compassionate. Be compassionate to everyone, especially the people that are hardest to be compassionate towards. In my experience, people that hurt others are the pe
ople who are actually the most hurt, and they need compassion the most.
When you see an opportunity to help someone, no matter how small the opportunity, help them. Little acts of kindness can mean more than you think. I can think of an example that happened just recently. I was walking out of the grocery store and one of my grocery bags broke and everything fell on the ground. An elderly man walked to his car, emptied one of his bags, and brought it to me. It almost brought me to tears. It gave me hope that amongst all the hate and hurt in this world, there is still so much love. One of my lifelines has been the kindness that has been offered to me by strangers.
Share your thoughts, ideas, hopes, and experiences with people. If you are genuine in this, people will learn from you. You will also learn from people during these conversations. All we really have is each other, and everyone has something new to offer. Listen with attentive ears, and ask questions. Others’ opinions are just as important as your own. Listen and learn as much as you can in this lifetime.
Be humble. Do what you do to help others learn and grow, not to boast. The universe knows the good you are doing, and will send positivity accordingly. The more you devote your actions to others, the brighter your life may be. Always remember what the activist and leader of the Civil Rights Movement, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., had to say, in the midst of desegregation, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”
-Connie K.
Through my recovery process, I’ve gained an interest truth and honesty. Those ideas have specifically been brought to my attention recently, which gave me the idea to write this post about my experience with the topic. I initially had a difficult time articulating my ideas in a typical article format. The format I switched to loosely follows my train of thought when thinking about truth, and how I’ve grown in my experiences with it.
Failing to voice your feelings and concerns
Is dishonest
Omitting truthful information to convince others
Is dishonest
Wishing something was true and telling others it is true
Does not make it truthful
Do not speak to sound intelligent
Speak to be intelligent
Honesty is intelligence
Recognizing situations where you have not been honest,
Recognizing automatic tendencies
Of your own
That are not honest
Is key to living in the truth
Insight is power
A soul’s deepest desire may be to live parallel with the truth
To be fruitful with honesty and love
To be honest with others
And with ourselves
So that we can be free
When we choose to focus our attention on a topic
The universe sends us insight
When we use the insight to live a better life
A light starts to shine
People notice the light
And where it came from
And they want one for themselves
So they focus their attention where they see you have focused yours
And their light starts to shine
And the world gets a little brighter
Because of your decision to live in the truth.
–Constance Klippen, on the Importance of Truth
Quotes that sparked interest in the Importance of Truth:
“You must not always believe what I say. Questions tempt you to tell lies, particularly when there is no answer.”
–Pablo Picasso, Picasso to Pignon in a conversation about art
“Rather than love, than money, than faith, than fame, than fairness… Give me truth.”
–Jon Krakauer, Into the Wild
Gratitude is an important part of the road to happiness. Sometimes a friend and I exchange daily gratitude lists. We both agree that it has been helpful. It’s increased positive thoughts, decreased negative feelings, and made me feel better.
Two psychologists, Dr. Robert A. Emmons of the University of California, Davis, and Dr. Michael E. McCullough of the University of Miami, have done much of the research on gratitude. One of their findings indicates, “In positive psychology research, gratitude is strongly and consistently associated with greater happiness.” It goes on to state, “Gratitude helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships.”
Harvard Medical School published several ways to cultivate gratitude, including writing a thank you note, mentally thanking someone, writing gratitude journals and lists, praying, and meditating.
Below is my gratitude list for today. I challenge you to make one today, too!
-Connie K.
Tell us about yourself.I’m Connie. I’m from Lindstrom, Minnesota, and I’m a junior at Augsburg. I am a psychology major and am planning to hopefully be an art minor.
I went to college in Superior, Wisconsin for my first year of school. I got sober up there, but it’s not easy being in recovery in college when almost no other students are sober. A friend of mine knew about StepUP and helped me learn more about the program. I also wanted to be close to my family, who all live near Minneapolis. Because of the StepUP program and the college’s location in Minneapolis, Augsburg seemed like the best fit.
Being at Augsburg, I love the diversity of the college. I’ve learned a lot and am grateful that my mind has been opened to new perspectives. I also love living in the city.
Being in StepUP… I don’t know how to explain it. It’s like being here completely takes away something that I’m stressed about. When I was in Superior, on the weekends especially, you could hear everyone partying in the dorms. It made me feel different and alone. Here, I don’t feel alone because of my sobriety. I don’t feel different. Sobriety just seems normal, which is a good thing for me right now. I don’t get caught up in stressing about being sober. Instead, I just am sober.
I think a big part of what you do and who you are is shaped by who and what you’re around. Along with being in recovery, I struggle with depression. When I was in Superior, I was alone with myself. I didn’t want to be healthy and didn’t care about school. I did care about sobriety, but it’s hard to progress when you’re alone and don’t really want to connect with people who drink all the time. But here in StepUP, things feel different. Being around people who want to be healthy, want good things for themselves, care about school, and care about sobriety helps me to do those things too. StepUP has positively influenced my GPA and my sobriety. It’s also helped me become more willing to talk to people, which is something I’ve struggled with.
I’ve realized that when you’re using – or at least when I was using – since the only thing you really care about is using, you don’t listen to your heart when it tells you that you like doing something. You don’t pursue it. When I wasn’t doing the things I like, it contributed to my depression. It felt like, “If you’re not doing anything that you like, how could you be happy?” So I started listening when I realized that I liked being creative. I started painting more. I started drawing more. For me, art feels natural. It feels like this is exactly what I’m supposed to be doing. It’s almost like breathing. If I stopped creating art, it would feel like, “Why are you not breathing?” And I’d realize, “You’re right.”
When I do something that makes my heart happy and makes me feel better, I listen to that feeling, and I do more of the things that make me feel that way. Listening to music is one of the biggest things that helps change my mood and helps me connect with positive feelings.
I listen to a broad range. A lot of people know that I like Prince. I like rap music and hip-hop. The trendy music right now – I think that’s just more fun to listen to. But with artists like the Beatles, Chance the Rapper, or the Red Hot Chili Peppers, I listen to the lyrics more. I like music with deep lyrics that resonate with the way I think, and I can find that in their music.
I struggled with some issues when I first came in here, and the only reason that I handled them well is because I worked through them very closely with my StepUP counselors and asked for a lot of support. They were situations that I didn’t know how to handle, so close guidance from the counselors was really helpful.
I just want to tell everyone that I’ve talked with and connected with in StepUP that the conversations and experiences I’ve had with everyone I’ve met here have been really important to me. From the smallest conversation to the deepest one, that human connection means a lot to me. I’m grateful for all the experiences I’ve had with the people here in StepUP.
Did you know there is a holiday almost every day of the month in December? We all know the religious-type holidays this month very well, but what about the forgotten holidays? Holidays like National Chocolate Covered Anything Day or National Flashlight Day. I personally feel as though these holidays don’t get enough credit. Below, I’ve compiled a list of some of my favorite holidays this month, to bring awareness to these special “forgotten” days.
It seems a little out of season, as winter is descending on us. But as we all know, an apple a day keeps the doctor away, and today is no different!
We take the roof over our head for granted more often than we should. Sit for a moment and truly appreciate that you won’t be outside in the cold today.
One of the best days of the year! I’ve been waiting a long time to finally break out my new brown shoes. Thank you for this opportunity.
The list of things better than a day dedicated to eating food is pretty short. The list of things better than a day dedicated specifically to eating warm, delicious brownies is even shorter. I trust that you all will celebrate this day accordingly.
Due to current events in America, I truly do appreciate this day. The timing seems appropriate. A day to remember that every human has equal rights, and should be treated equally.
Remember when you were a kid and loved seeing all the different kinds of monkeys at the zoo? Now that you know about National Monkey Day, you can spend the second Wednesday in December celebrating the life of Harambe (or any of your favorite monkeys).
I genuinely can’t think of a more perfect National Day. A 24-hour period dedicated to chocolate covered anything. Feel free to bring such items to the StepUP office this day, I’m sure there would be no complaints.
I love muffins. I do want to celebrate this day, but oatmeal muffins aren’t necessarily my muffin-of-choice. I might “accidentally” mistake an oatmeal raisin muffin for a banana chocolate chip choice. But it would be an accident, so it would still be considered celebrating.
A good day to remember there is an equal amount of good and bad in every situation. We have the power to focus on the good or bad in these situations. This holiday brings to mind a saying my principal quoted over the loudspeaker every single day of my high school education: “Make it a good day or not; the choice is yours.”
Is it a coincidence that Look on the Bright Side Day and National Flashlight Day are on the same day? Hmmm…
I included this one, not because I have a passion for this traditional drink, but because every year since I can remember, my grandma saves a glass of eggnog and a cookie for the night of Christmas Eve. It’s so sweet. She’s probably been doing it her whole life. She’s the greatest woman I know and my biggest support, so I felt inclined to give her a little attention.
Thinking about dropping a bad habit? Pursuing a singing career? Starting a clothing line? Stop procrastinating and do it then! Or don’t, I guess. At least make up your mind about it, though.
Over 70 StepUP students, alumni, and friends gathered together on the evening of November 20th for the annual StepUP Thanksgiving dinner. All the food was cooked by the students, for the students. The delectable dinner featured creamy mashed potatoes, cheese covered hash browns, macaroni with bread crumbs, homemade peach pie, Thelma’s ice cream sandwiches, over 100 pounds of turkey, and much more. It is very clear that we have some very talented cooks amidst the community.
I ate light all day to save my appetite for the dinner. As they say, if you didn’t eat too much on Thanksgiving, you didn’t do it right. Well, I definitely lived out that legacy, and am certain I wasn’t the only one. No regrets, though.
A GoPro mounted in the corner of the room captured video of the entire event in chronological order: set up, waiting in line, eating (a lot), clean up, and food coma. Also, one delightful student had an additional GoPro bound to his chest, catching attendees at their very best and very worst moments of the night. It was funny until it was you he caught on camera taking a larger-than-average bite of food. Thanks so much, Chad!
It is refreshing to have at least one night a year where the whole community can get together, converse, eat, and have fun. It was a fine opportunity to take a moment and remember who and what I am truly grateful for. Gratitude always leads me to happiness. On that note, thank you to the Leadership Team for coordinating a beautiful, harmonious evening. Another thank you to everyone who cooked and helped make the night so, so flavorful.
-Connie K.
I’m Connor Jabin from Oak Park, Illinois, which is a suburb of Chicago. I’m a junior here at Augsburg and this is my third year in StepUP. I’ve been sober for a little over three and a half years. I’m a marketing major with a minor in business administration.
The plan is to get an internship at a marketing or consulting company, next summer, and then work for a few years after graduation. Five or ten years from now I see myself starting my own business. I have a couple plans in mind but I’m not sure where I want to take them. I want to talk to alumni, friends, and people who have their own business for ideas and advice. I’m hoping one day to have a successful business.
When I’m not busy with schoolwork, I like to participate in intramural sports. I’m currently the captain of the StepUP flag football team. I like hanging out with friends, going to football games and going to the gym. Another big passion of mine is caring about other people. I enjoy being selfless and seeing other people smile. Giving freely of myself to people without expecting anything back is truly rewarding for me.
My biggest accomplishment has been making it through each day sober. I’m glad to wake up knowing that I didn’t hurt anyone the day before. My sobriety has given me the opportunity to have a new relationship with my family, friends, and girlfriend. Waking up knowing it’s going to be a good day no matter what, because I’m sober, is a priceless feeling.
I came to Augsburg to be in the StepUP Program. I couldn’t imagine going to college without a sober community. I was sitting in my room at 2 AM one night, searching “Sober Colleges” on Google. Information about Augsburg and the StepUP Program kept showing up. I ran downstairs to show my parents that Augsburg was where I wanted to go to school. Shortly after we set up a tour. I loved the campus, the college, and the location right in the middle of the city. The community felt so much like home; I could see myself making real friends and maintaining long term recovery in StepUP.
The community is the biggest reason I stay here. It is so unique to be involved in a program where over 90 people are striving for the same goals as me. I feel like I can open up, be vulnerable, and share my problems with others. If my problems feel too big or I don’t feel comfortable talking about them with my friends, I know my counselor is always willing to listen. Together, the staff and community create something special that I am so grateful for and never want to take for granted.
Go to class, immerse yourself in this community, and try to meet new people. My first year, it was good for me to make friends outside of StepUP as well. Augsburg has a lot to offer. Make friends outside of the StepUP community who are still a good influence on you.
StepUP gave me a second chance at life. I wanted to go to school like other college students who aren’t in recovery, but in an environment that would be safe and supportive of me. That’s what StepUP provides me.
“We create pathways to graduation and lifelong recovery.”
This past Saturday, over 500 students, staff, alumni, parents, and supporters gathered in Augsburg’s Si Melby Hall for the renowned StepUP Gala. We celebrated the StepUP program with an evening of inspiration, entertainment, and fellowship.
Barbara and Skip Gage and family were honored with the Toby Piper Labelle Award, a prestigious award given out each year to a person or family that continuously supports young people in recovery. The Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation received the inaugural Keystone Award for their 20 year partnership with the StepUP program. Senator Amy Klobuchar shared her experience and knowledge about the opioid epidemic in a special guest appearance.
The highlight of my night was the alumni speaker. StepUP graduate Peter H. did a great job of conveying how supportive and loving the spirit of our community is. He also showed the whole room an example of a great success story of a StepUP graduate. Peter’s story was inspirational and had many people in tears.
I also really enjoyed the alumni video about HOPE. A current student, Ricky T., did a tremendous job putting the video together. Seeing my friends and former students talk about their success stories gave me goosebumps. It is clear that StepUP has been a powerful experience for many.
If you didn’t have the opportunity to attend this year, take a moment to read some reflections on the event from staff and students:
“The Gala was absolutely beautiful. It was encouraging to see so many people there who were not a part of StepUP or even Augsburg College, but were there to show support, like Senator Amy Klobuchar. I had a lot of fun and I can’t wait to go again next year.” -Bridget D.
“My Mom was able to come for the first time in 3 years. It was brilliant to see her meet my favorite professors whom I have told her so much about.” -Dan M.
“The StepUP Gala is always an incredible experience. It reminds us of the reasons why the StepUP program is essential and benefits the world. Also, hearing from an alum (Peter H.) about the everlasting support the StepUP program gives feels very reassuring when I think of my own future.” -Blake H.
“I attended the StepUP Gala for the first time this year, and as a new counselor, I can say that it was a very powerful experience for me and my husband. It was great to meet so many students’ parents and family members, as well as StepUP alumni. The most moving moment, for me, was Peter H.’s speech. It was so powerful, inspiring, and courageous. There were many tears shed around me, including my own. The event was a fun experience and it was great to see so many supporters and advocates for the StepUP program.” -Thenedra R.
“Listening to the speakers on Saturday night and witnessing the incredible support there is for StepUP made the Gala a powerful experience. It is easy to forget how lucky I am to be a part of this community. Even though today might seem like just another day of classes and homework, it’s also another opportunity to further realize that recovery and college life can coexist and feed off each other in truly beautiful ways.” -Chad B.
Many people put a lot of work into making the night successful beyond expectations. Thank you to everyone who came out the night of October 29th to support the StepUP program. See you next year!
-Connie K.
When you look outside this week, you are sure to notice the bright yellow, orange, and red leaves illuminating the trees around our beautiful city. The transition of the leaves symbolizes the transition to winter, which brings it’s own share of ups and downs. Winter means snowflakes, Christmas, skiing, ice fishing, and so much more, but for some of us, winter will bring a much different struggle. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is estimated to affect over 10 million Americans, and it’s said that the farther north you live, the more likely it is to affect you.¹ Considering we live in the northernmost state of the lower 48, I have a suspicion that some of you might relate when I say, I feel a little more down than usual in the winter.
For me, my SAD brings along symptoms like lower
energy, sadness, fatigue, low motivation, and poor appetite. For others, it can look like hypersomnia, oversleeping, weight gain, difficulty concentrating, irritability, isolation and anxiety. The cause of SAD is not known, but it might have something to do with complications caused by the lack of sunlight during the winter months.¹ Becoming aware of the possible diagnosis of SAD in myself has helped me think more in depth about what I’m going to do this winter to take care of myself. My body is already starting to feel more drained than usual, and my mood just a little more down. Luckily, as always, there is hope. It’s hard to see when depression seems consuming, but we’ve made it through winter before, and we’ll make it through again.
I think something that will help me this winter is making sure I have events and activities to look forward to. I always look forward to Christmas. I love all the decorations and all the family time, but right after Christmas is the time when things start to get worse for me. It seems like the next thing my subconscious gets excited for is when the snow starts to melt. Instead of being miserable for those months in between, this year I’m going to challenge myself to fill that time with productive, fulfilling activities, instead of isolation and depression.
I’m not sure exactly what that will look like, but I can brainstorm a little with you right now. As for filling my time with productive, fulfilling activities, it’s difficult because most things I like to do involve being outside, but being outside in the cold is miserable for me. I love hiking and walking on pretty trails and near waterfalls, so maybe I’ll push myself to still do that, even in the cold. I’ve loved snowboarding since freshman year, so I’m going to try to do a lot more of that this winter. I think I would enjoy going to open mics at different locations around the city, as I love music. I’m going to try to paint and draw more in my down time, instead of sleeping. I could attend more meetings, as I always leave them feeling better than I came. Spending time with people I love will help a lot, too, especially if I replace the time I spend isolating with time with my family or close friends.
Maintaining physical health is very important as well. Continuing to get at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week will be a must; by the way, did you know that regular exercise can be as effective as depression medication?² Another essential is treating my body right by not eating processed foods and incorporating fresh fruits and vegetables into my regular diet.
There are many things you can do to help reverse the effects that lack of sunlight has on our bodies, as well. Vitamin D deficiency is common, especially in people living at higher latitudes or who get little sun exposure. Doctors recommend that taking a Vitamin D supplement could help reduce health problems that come along with living in a state with little sunlight, including SAD. Another highly recommended treatment and prevention strategy is use of a light therapy lamp or “happy lamp”. Light therapy lamps have been linked to a decrease in depression in 85% of cases.³
It is estimated that 1 in 10 Minnesotans experience seasonal affective disorder. Remember that although you may not be able to cure it completely, there are always things you can do to reduce symptoms and improve your well-being. You can take my ideas or leave them, I just hope that something I’ve said has sparked a thought that will help you this winter. Surround yourself with people who love you, and find happiness in the little things. Thank you for reading!
-Connie K.
