Commit, Grow, Mental Health & Well-being
We're Talking Hope
12/8/2021
Like so many of us, Dr. Mari Ann Callais learned about the importance of community during her Greek-life experience. “It’s where I really started caring about community,” Mary Ann says about her time as an active member of Greek life at Loyola University in New Orleans.
Throughout Mari Ann’s career, Greek life has continued to teach her about community, sisterhood and hope. We can all benefit from community and each of us can take steps to build resiliency in our communities.
Tell Me Something Good
We could all use a little brightness in our lives. Mari Ann shares stories of hope and connection in her small Louisiana community. They’re sure to bring a smile to your face.
A Front Porch Graduation Ceremony
When her neighbor, Gracie, was feeling down about missing her high school graduation, Mari Ann sprung into action and brought the neighborhood together for a tailor-made ceremony. Mari Ann and her partner, Marie, dressed in their full regalia, Gracie gave her valedictorian speech, and the chief of police stopped by with a graduation gift from him and the mayor.
A Little Library
A little library in Mari Ann’s neighborhood recently started to run out of books. Last week, Mari Ann was riding her bike and saw someone drop off three boxes of books. This week, three more boxes showed up. It’s been remarkable and has shown the community’s immense gratitude, Mari Ann says.
The Bicycle Crew
With everyone in Mari Ann’s neighborhood getting a little stir crazy, they decided to ride bikes together (maintaining social distance, of course). They meet at Mari Ann’s house every night at 6:15 p.m. and leave precisely at 6:17 p.m., she says. Some days they have two people, sometimes ten. They ride together through new neighborhoods, waving and smiling to those on their porches.
Watch the recorded episode and find additional resources here. When you’re in Minerva, take time for some personal reflection as you explore Kappa’s additional wellness resources.
A special thank you goes to the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation for not only supporting our sisters, but for funding this series so everyone — not only Kappas — can focus on their mental health and well-being.
