Stephanie Spruck

“As I have been completing my thesis and beginning early master’s classes, I have been using the time management skills, specifically the Pomodoro Technique from RADical Health Week 3’s tools, to help me focus, boost productivity and take breaks to rejuvenate.”

Pace University
Major: Applied Psychology and Human Relations
Minor: Philosophy

What drew you to your major?

I have always been fascinated with how the human mind works and how that translates into behavior: why we choose, think, act, feel, and relate as we do. I chose to study Applied Psychology & Human Relations because as a lifelong learner, I love how the degree can truly guide my career in any direction with how expansive it is!

How do you think what you’ve learned in RADical Health will help you in future academic or professional settings?

RADical Health enhanced my sense of resiliency. I gained the skills I need to thrive in any and all settings, such as self-awareness, mindfulness, self-care, and learned the building blocks to create meaningful connection through active listening and unlocking the power of empathy. I learned tools to work through stressful moments and come back to center.

I had the incredible chance to experience mentorship that has lasted with me to this day. I encourage everyone to both learn from a mentor and serve as a peer mentor – and this program allowed me the opportunity to experience both, which I am so thankful for! It is very enlightening to call upon someone to share their wisdom with you and challenge you to learn new things you may have never even considered prior.

Can you share a specific situation where skills from RADical Health helped you manage stress or overcome a challenge?

As I have been completing my thesis and beginning early master’s classes, I have been using the time management skills, specifically the Pomodoro Technique from RADical Health Week 3’s tools, to help me focus, boost productivity, and take breaks to rejuvenate.

I use the Box Breathing Techniques when I feel stressed to redirect my attention and create an abiding sense of calm. I keep my top 10 values list on my mirror where I can see every morning to remind myself of what is important and inspire me to keep pursuing my purpose towards what matters!

I also post colorful self-affirmations that I learned in Week 4’s toolkit on my wall as daily encouragement. I refer back to my self-care plan often, as I learned it is key to success, as we must ‘fill up our own cup’ to thrive and to be able to show up more fully to help others.

What advice would you give to your freshman self?

Keep seeking out and showing up for opportunities – don’t stress about needing to have everything all figured out at once, take the next small step in front of you and it will inevitably make a big difference towards growth.

With so many opportunities at our fingertips during these transformative years, learn all you can and explore your interests, and you will discover a lot about yourself along the way – life is a journey, not a destination! Throughout college you are going to be figuring out your degree choice, classes, job, and path in life, but the most important piece is to take the time to get to know yourself first through your values – this will serve as your compass, and with your little actions each day, the rest will fall into place over time.

Trust the process! And most importantly, never stop having hope!