by Dr. Tamarine ForemanFebruary 18, 2025
Dear Patton Community,
It has been a challenging week and month. I have struggled with anger, disappointment, and fear. How will we get through these challenging times? I have written many emails to legislators and reached out to my professional organizations. Still, I am left wondering and searching deeply for my strength and persistence.
As Tara Brach, an American psychologist and author shared, “ When we embrace our inner strength and connect with our deepest values, we can navigate life’s challenges with greater ease and love ” (2024). Despite these uncertain times, I embrace and value being part of our Patton community. I value your contributions and how, in our community, we care deeply about our students. Together, we “ prepare them to be leader-educators, practitioners, and human service professionals to serve society responsibly as change agents in meeting diverse human and social needs. ”
As you walk through the halls in Patton, I encourage you to check-in with one another and with your students. Lend a listening ear and a helping hand. Share your kindness with others. Each of us help make Patton a better place to learn; education can be healing. And “ healing can come from love and education” (Dr. Terrence Frazier, January 20, 2025).
Resources for you:
- RAIN: Radical Compassion
- Three Ways to Deal with Dread
- Ways to Shift Our Difficult Emotions
- Happiness Break with Self-Compassion
- Living with a Courageous Heart in Times of Crisis: A Conversation with Tara Brach & Oren Jay Sofer
- OHIO's Employee Assistance Program – Providing assistance with issues such as: childcare, eldercare, parenting, financial & legal issues, health & wellness, emotional well-being, educational needs, daily living and much more.
Thank you for all you do!
Be Well. Stay Well.
Kindly,
Tamarine
Tamarine Foreman, PhD, LPCC-SAssociate Dean for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Wellness