Spring 2025: Self-Preservation
Hello! Welcome to Self-Preservation, a mini course within the Love Well Journey. This course is designed to explore what “self-care,” its modern implications, and how we can modify it to suit our goals. Self-Preservation explores Audre Lorde’s foundational essay “A Burst of Light,” contemporary essays on self-care, and other Black feminist texts. Specific topics range from self-advocacy, creating and maintaining community, to building resilience to deal with oppressive societal forces.
Learning Objectives
- Evaluate self-care as a concept from its origins to today
- Engage in a journaling practice
- Understand the importance of community
- Prepare a plan for entering adulthood
Requirements
Coursework
Complete two of the following four courses. As you progress through each lesson, make sure to press complete before moving on to the next.
- Self-Concept: Understanding the Dimensions of the Self
- Physical Health and Nutrition
- Self-Preservation
- Reproductive Health
Mentorship
You are in one of the following pair types. You pair type is listed on your GWN Portal profile.
- Mentor/Mentee: Meet 1-2 x per month and as a pair attend two of the engagement events listed below during the course of the cycle.
- Peer-to-Peer: Meet 2 x per month and as a pair attend two of the engagement events listed below during the course of the cycle.
Engagement Types
- Community Studios
- Salons
- Journey Meetings
- Career Chats
Submissions
Within the Love Well Journey, mentees will have the opportunity to choose from one of the following final projects:
Final Project #1: Develop a Growth Plan
Final Project #2: Develop and Record an Episode for Writing Our Well to Wellness
The submission requirements for these projects are outlined below:
Final Project #1: Develop a Growth Plan
- Weekly Journal Entries: Over the course of the cycle, write at least one journal entry per week. Each entry should focus on self-reflection, exploring how you perceive yourself and how your self-concept is evolving.
- Growth Plan (1-2 Pages): Using what you learned from your entries, write and submit a plan outlining your specific goals, strategies, and actions for continuing to shape your self-concept. This should be clear, actionable, and should reflect on your learning throughout the course.
- Final Reflection (1-2 Pages): Write and submit a reflection on your personal growth, key takeaways, and how the course has impacted your self-concept.
Final Project #2: Develop and Record an Episode for Writing Our Well to Wellness
- Podcast Episode (30-45 mins): Record and submit an episode that includes the pre-written introduction, the interview, and the pre-written closing. The audio should be submitted in WAV format.
- Reflection Piece (1-2 pages): Write and submit a reflection on the process of conducting the interview, what you learned, and how the experience has influenced your self-concept and well-being.
Asynchronous Coursework
All of the coursework is available.
Engagement Dates
Please check the Announcements tab for information on upcoming live events.
Submissions
Final Project #1: Develop a Growth Plan
Final Project #2: Develop and Record an Episode for Writing Our Way to Wellness
Link to
Curriculum
- 1 Section
- 4 Lessons
- 10 Weeks
- Self-Preservation4 Items
Instructor
