LEAP Program

Spring 2021 LEAP Symposium is just around the corner, please come take a look at all the amazing work from our LEAP students!!

The LEAP program would like to welcome in the new academic year of 2020/2021 with our Convocation LEAP kick-off event!! We would love for you to join us on September 16th at 4pm virtually on zoom to meet your LEAP Professors and LEAP Peer Advisors. We will also be playing a fun game of trivia to see how much you and peers many know about the University of Utah

🌿 Happy Earth Day!! Photo and caption from Julianne, the PA for the Humanities LEAP class! ⁣⁣
⁣⁣
“In the fall, our emphasis is Humans in Nature, exploring environmental consciousness and what nature is and means to different identities. ⁣⁣
⁣⁣
Among my favorite pieces we study is Wallace Stegner’s ‘Wilderness Idea’ which focuses on the healing properties and necessity of wilderness and preservation, whether you are physically in these spaces or thinking about them from afar. As we spatial distance and safely recreate, keep this idea in mind for natural spaces ‘can be a means of reassuring ourselves of our sanity as creatures, a part of the geography of hope.’”
⁣⁣
Good luck studying, and go take a break outside ! 🐛

Despite the postponement of our symposium, our PA Lance has a few words regarding what his class is doing to share their ideas: “All the students in my class participated in a virtual symposium so that other members of the class could see the amazing work they did! In the form of a canvas discussion, students posted pictures of their posters and projects and replied to each other to give their thoughts. It was really amazing to see what some of the students came up with. From a small scale game to a beautifully themed painting I was so impressed by the resilience of my students given the tumultuous times!”

Such a creative way to stay connected! We hope that you all are finding other ways to interact and socialize with your peers! Stay safe and healthy!🤩

A few words from our PA Bryce: “I love LEAP for the chance that it gives me to help my community. From Plarn Parties to Saturday Service Projects with the Bennion Center, we had so many amazing volunteer opportunities and I met a lot of wonderful people because of it.”⁣
⁣
We love our partnerships with organizations around campus, like the Bennion Center. We miss you all, and we’re looking forward to being together when it’s safe. Always yours in community ☺️

Quarantine Activities! We know how hard it can be to adjust so here are some activities that are being done by our very own PA’s and students!
1- Make a new recipe w/ or for your family!
2- Get a workout in to get those endorphins going!
3- Express your creative side with a new craft!
4- Get outside! Take a walk, hike, or sun bathe! Social distancing doesn’t mean you have to stay in your room all day! You got this! We can fight this together!

One of our PAs, Miranda Cardenas, shares her favorite moment in the LEAP program thus far: “This was my first ever PLARN party and it was probably one of the most AMAZING experiences. In that moment, I had no idea how much LEAP would change my life. I have met so many amazing people since then and now they’re my absolute favorite people and best friends.” 💖

Join us for our first virtual plarn party this Friday!!! Talk to your PA for the details :)

Hi! My name is Mia and I’m a PA in LEAP CSBS. Today I’m sharing a mindfulness video presented by the Mayo Clinic on coping with COVID-19. Mindfulness is a lot like guided meditation but only takes up about 10 minutes of your time to help you relieve anxiety, stay grounded, encourage creativity, or just feel safe and loved during these difficult times. I practice mindfulness everyday, and I hope you will be inspired to try it too!
Here’s the link to the video: https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=T0Tv7FuvNJ8

Meet Caroline, a student in Dr. Wood and Sonresa's Health Professions class!

On her experience as a pre-veterinary student:
"It's really important to get as much experience as possible in order to stand out on applications to vet school. I started interning at Avenues Pet Clinic in January to gain experience in the veterinary field by shadowing Dr. Ponce. After a few weeks of observing surgeries, specimen, and taking part in lab work, I was able to secure a job at the clinic working as a veterinary technician! Now, my learning is much more hands on; I get to assist x-rays, blood draws, and offie visits. Dr. Ponce always calls me over whenever she has an interesting procedure or something cool to look at under the microscope. Her guidance has not only educated me, but strengthened my love for veterinary medicine. I love my team of techs and could not ask for a better way to spend my time!"

Here’s a story... of your lovely PAs! ⁣
⁣
What a wild few weeks it’s been. As we transition online, we just want to remind you that the LEAP community is strong and well and here for you more than ever ❤️⁣
⁣
Your fave PAs and professors are ready to help— whether it’s about class, finding resources, or even a nice chat! Finding a new normal can certainly be difficult, but please remember to take care of yourself and find something to make you smile everyday (see our LEAP Cindy in the bottom left) 😉⁣
⁣
Be on the lookout for more posts from us in the weeks to come to see what we're up to! All of the PAs are still regularly checking in with each other, and here's one of our groups brought to you by Julianne who's learning how to photoshop in her spare time. Share what you've been up to below!

Stay well and social distance, everyone!

The Feed U Food Pantry is still open! This is a great resource for anyone who may be experiencing food insecurity during this difficult time. Stay strong in your continued efforts to social distance, and stay healthy, everyone!

The Noodles & Company fundraiser for Crossroads Urban Center is today! Join us at Noodles & Company between 4 and 8 pm. Show this flyer or mention the fundraiser to your cashier, and 25% of the proceeds will be donated to Crossroads. Great food for a great cause -- see you there!

Thank you for a wonderful first semester! Wishing you all a safe and fun winter break -- we'll see you again in the new year!

Pre-finals holiday party -- if only the gingerbread houses tasted as good as they look!!

Don't forget to take the time to destress and have fun in the last two weeks of the semester!

Happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours! We are so grateful for every member of the LEAP community, for everyone who devotes time and effort into shaping LEAP into the amazing program that it is. And of course, we are thankful for you!!

TODAY from 5 to 9 pm at Chipotle Mexican Grill! Help raise money for Crossroads Urban Center by showing the cashier this flyer. Great food for a great cause -- we'll see you there!

The Chipotle fundraiser for Crossroads Urban Center is coming up! Join us on Tuesday, November 19th at Chipotle Mexican Grill between 5 and 9 pm. Show this flyer or mention the fundraiser to your cashier, and 33% of the proceeds will be donated to Crossroads. Great food for a great cause -- hope to see you there!

The Chipotle fundraiser for Crossroads Urban Center is coming up! Join us on Tuesday, November 19th at Chipotle Mexican Grill between 5 and 9 pm. Show this flyer or mention the fundraiser to your cashier, and 33% of the proceeds will be donated to Crossroads. Great food for a great cause -- hope to see you there!

Night one was a success -- the screams could be heard all across campus! Only one more chance to experience the spooks and scares. Join us tomorrow at the LEAP Haunted House, open 6pm-10pm. We collected a great amount from generous LEAP faculty, students, and friends of the program, but we are still welcoming donations for Crossroads! Hope to see you there!!

A great opportunity to learn about how to study effectively and efficiently -- the key to a successful semester -- as we approach finals season. See you at the LEAP House on Tuesday, November 5th!

Meet-the-Team Monday! Mika is a Peer Advisor for the Health Professions Leap Course with Dr. Borup. Mika helps her students with anything she can and loves to be involved within the classroom.

Mika is a Nursing major, she also double minors in Gerontology and Nutrition. Her goal is to work in pediatric oncology or in the NICU after graduation! She already has some experience in the health care field working as a Home Health and Hospice Nursing Assistant.

In Mika’s free time she loves to play and explore with her two year old son, go to the gym, and hangout with her friends and family. Her favorite color is yellow and her favorite fall treat is pumpkin chocolate chip cookies!

Meet-the-Team Monday with Health Science and Health Professions LEAP Professor Nora Wood! The four-year Health Science program is for students pursuing careers in health or medicine, providing incredible opportunities, including healthcare shadowing, scientific writing, and community service engagements, in conjunction with thought-provoking lectures.

As a political scientist, Dr. Wood brings a unique yet essential perspective to health science, teaching about bioethics, policymaking, and the issues facing the healthcare system. After earning her Ph.D., Dr. Wood became a member of the team and has spent more than ten years in a variety of positions within the LEAP faculty, starting in Education LEAP and moving to Social and Behavioral Sciences, Living and Learning, and finally to Health Science and Professions LEAP. With her background, no matter what she teaches, Dr. Wood masterfully infuses all courses with concepts of policymaking and politics.

Outside of LEAP, Dr. Wood also teaches Honors American Institutions, a history class through the lens of inequality and oppression. Working with highly motivated students in LEAP and the Honors College has shown Dr. Wood the incredible stress and anxiety college students face. From her own experience in school, to her children's, to her students’ experiences today, she has seen how much stress levels have increased, and she hopes to help find a solution. She wants her students to relax and have fun while working hard to achieve their goals, but she fears that the climate -- politically, societally, and globally -- leaves students feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and at times hopeless.

While teaching is incredibly important to her, family still comes first. Her husband, six children, and ten grandkids are her top priorities. When she isn’t grading papers or renovating curricula, Dr. Wood loves getting away to Wyoming, hiking, and cooking, and she wishes that her days were a little longer so she had more time to read.

Thank you for everything you have done for LEAP and for the U, Dr. Wood!!

Meet-the-Team Monday with librarian Dale Larsen! Librarians work closely with a LEAP professor to help connect the students to academic resources and to teach invaluable research practices. Dale has worked with a great variety of our LEAP professors over the past 12 years. He also serves as the library liaison for the Communication and Sociology departments.

Dale started working at the U’s library in 1992 within the IT department, choosing to pursue a Masters of Library Science in 2005 and continuing his career here as a librarian in 2007. With his experience spanning many years and varied departments, Dale has loved seeing firsthand the transformations that have taken place, as well as contributing to the changes himself! He is passionate about making students feel a sense of belonging during their college careers. The way the library has adapted over the past few decades reflects the growing efforts to help students feel supported.

More than anything, Dale wants to stress the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration. His favorite example of this, as a self-proclaimed motorhead, is within the world of motorcycle racing. Beyond the obvious mechanical engineering, there are so many behind-the-scenes disciplines that work together, from chemical engineering to communications, from business to medicine, to bring that world to life. If you want to learn more about Dale’s passion for interdisciplinary work or his love for racing, join him on Grand Prix motorcycle race days. Library room 1726 is open for anyone to come and watch Friday races, and he would love for you to connect with him!

Thank you for your wonderful contributions to LEAP and to the campus community, Dale!!

Our first LEAP workshop of the year is this Thursday at the LEAP House. You won't want to miss it!

LEAP students, PA's, and faculty were eager to participate in the Legacy of Lowell, the U's largest Saturday Service Project, partnering with TreeUtah and serving the community. If you missed this great opportunity to get involved and give back, be sure to mark your calendar for November 9th, the Bennion Center's next Saturday Service Project.

A big thank you to everyone who volunteered and exemplified what it means to be a part of the LEAP community!!

For our first Meet-the-Team Monday, we'll be meeting Senior Peer Advisor Kaylon Draney! A Peer Advisor works closely with a professor and the class to support every student, helping everyone achieve the level of success for which they strive. In addition to supporting his Engineering LEAP class with Dr. CoCo, Kaylon serves as the Outreach Coordinator on the LEAP Senior Peer Advisor Board.

Kaylon is majoring in Materials Science and Engineering with a minor in Environmental and Sustainability Studies. Outside of LEAP, Kaylon is very involved around campus! He works at the Student Life Center, is Social Coordinator for the Materials Science Student Board, and is an intern with the Materials Characterization Lab.

Hoping to give back to the community, Kaylon established the ‘Pop Tab Project’ with the Ronald McDonald House Charity. The project collects aluminum pop tabs and donates them to the charity, where the tabs are then recycled and the funds are used to assist families with children that are ill or in the hospital. You, too, can support this great cause -- collect pop tabs from aluminum cans before you recycle them and drop them off at the Bennion Center, Sill Center, or the LEAP House!

Thanks for all you do for LEAP and for our community, Kaylon!!

We had a wonderful time at our 2019 LEAP Convocation. Thanks to everyone who joined us for an inspiring afternoon. We are so excited for the great LEAP-filled year ahead!

LEAP Convocation is next week. Celebrate the start of the year, learn more about the LEAP program, and make connections with the community. Mark your calendars -- you won't want to miss this!