In the Loop Newsletter
March 5, 2025
Dear Huskies,
Life at聽UW聽is a journey filled with opportunities, challenges and moments聽of聽self-discovery. As students, we balance between academic responsibilities, maintaining social connections and planning for the future, all while navigating global events and policy changes that add to our uncertainties. In this newsletter, we discuss the importance聽of聽staying informed and taking stock聽of聽our rich life experiences.
Uncertain times can bring additional stress, but knowledge and awareness can help us navigate challenges with confidence. As international students, staying informed聽of聽immigration policies and federal policy updates can help reduce anxiety and prepare you for any foreseeable changes. The聽UW听翱蹿蹿颈肠别听of聽the Provost frequently provides聽聽that are relevant to the campus community. If you seek immigration-specific help, visit聽聽for available legal resources on campus and when to utilize them. For more information, check out the February 18 webinar recording posted on the same page that walks you through all immigration resources at the聽UW. Human resources at聽UW聽have also compiled a list聽of聽frequently asked questions about immigration enforcement and potential encounters on campus (learn more聽). We encourage you to check out all these resources, educate yourself and share them with peers who may be in need.
During a recent聽, Provost Serio discussed the importance聽of聽taking stock on past achievements and remaining steadfast in our commitments. Bearing the same spirit, we encourage you to think about what you have accomplished so far. Whether it was a difficult exam or a new workout routine, things that once felt out聽of聽reach are now part聽of聽your journey. Each challenge has strengthened and prepared you for the road ahead. Beyond challenges, there have also been passions that once energized you. Are there things that used to bring you happiness that you may have set aside? Whether it is through art, music, writing, or other forms聽of聽self-expression, creativity provides a powerful way to relieve stress. The WholeU offers聽聽that helps unlock your curiosity. From watercolor painting to comic drawing workshops, find your creative outlet after a day鈥檚 work. The WholeU also offers聽聽on both on- and off-campus wellness programs, fitness classes and other recreational activities such as aikido and yoga. When facing challenging times like this, it is easy to overlook the small moments聽of聽happiness in life. Reconnecting with those moments can serve as a powerful reminder聽of聽what truly matters.
When thinking about the journey that led us here, consider, too, the friends who have supported you and the family members who stood by you. Recognizing the people who have uplifted and encouraged us is just as important as acknowledging our own perseverance.聽UW聽is also home to many organizations such as the聽,听听补苍诲听, where you can continue to grow connections with peers聽of聽similar backgrounds. Check out聽聽for information on these resources. Taking stock聽of聽our achievements, our struggles and the relationships that have shaped us helps us move forward with clarity and confidence. The past is not just a collection聽of聽memories 鈥� it is proof聽of聽our strength and potential.
As spring quarter approaches, it brings the final stretch for some students鈥� first year at聽UW. The聽聽program celebrates master鈥檚 and doctoral students鈥� research or capstone projects from all three聽UW聽campuses, with this year鈥檚 theme being impact for the public good. Don鈥檛 miss this chance to share your research or capstone project. For those graduating in the spring, it is time to prepare for summer internships, fine-tune resumes and explore career options. Check out聽聽on career exploration tips. Beyond academics, there are many other ways to move forward with intention. Volunteering allows you to make a meaningful impact while fostering positivity in the local community. The聽, for instance, is currently looking for volunteers to help serve food-insecure members. If you are looking for ways to deepen your connection with the city聽of聽Seattle, check them out! You can find similar opportunities through the聽, a nonprofit that empowers neighborhood-based organizations. Remember, the act聽of聽giving to others can shift focus from personal stress and remind us聽of聽the existence and significance聽of聽the collective good.
As always,听CIRCLE聽is here to advocate, engage and support you at聽UW. Feel free to visit us in 250 Schmitz Hall every Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for office hours. Drop in and talk to a friend!