Intro by King Musa
"Yo, you know what it is! It’s your man, King Musa, and welcome to The Hub Hero, the podcast dedicated to exploring the seven dimensions of wellness and how they impact your life here at Stephen F. Austin State University.
I’m your host, King Musa, and today we’ll explore the dimension of social wellness. In this episode, we’ll discuss how building and maintaining healthy, supportive relationships can enhance your college experience. Joining me is Morgan Pulliam, the Assistant Director of Student Engagement. Let’s get started!"
Getting to Know Morgan Pulliam
King Musa: "Welcome, Morgan! Let’s start with a fun question—what’s your favorite activity? Beach, water parks, or roller coasters?"
Morgan Pulliam: "Thanks for having me! Honestly, I love sitting on a beach with a good thriller book. I’m a big fan of Freida McFadden books—they keep me hooked from start to finish."
KM: "Sounds relaxing! Let’s dive in. How do you define social wellness, and why is it important for students?"
MP: "Social wellness is about meeting people from diverse backgrounds and gaining skills like empathy, trust, and conflict resolution. It’s crucial for fostering a sense of belonging and becoming well-rounded individuals."
The Role of Social Wellness in College
KM: "Why is fostering a sense of belonging crucial in a university setting?"
MP: "A sense of belonging helps students connect with the university, making them more likely to succeed and graduate. Joining organizations or engaging in activities builds that connection and instills a love for the school spirit."
KM: "I’ve heard SFA has over 256 student organizations. How can students navigate so many options?"
MP: "It can feel overwhelming, but the Involvement Center and events like the Involvement Fair are great starting points. And if none of the organizations fit, students can create their own with just three other people and a faculty advisor."
Benefits of Active Participation
KM: "Who benefits from engaging in social wellness activities, and how?"
MP: "Everyone! Whether it’s joining a Greek organization, a campus club, or participating in events, students develop skills like empathy, communication, and leadership. These experiences also prepare them for life beyond college."
KM: "What’s the difference between attending events and actively participating in organizations?"
MP: "Attending events is great for fun and connection, but active participation allows students to plan events, build accountability, and develop deeper friendships. It’s a more fulfilling experience."
Overcoming Social Barriers
KM: "How can students overcome nervousness about getting involved, especially if they’re not extroverted?"
MP: "Start small. Attend smaller events or join a study group within your major. Take baby steps to step out of your comfort zone, because growth happens when you challenge yourself."
Exploring Greek Life
KM: "What is Greek life, and why should students consider joining?"
MP: "Greek life offers a mix of social and service opportunities. These organizations focus on leadership development, philanthropy, and building lifelong connections. SFA has nearly 30 Greek organizations, each with unique values and missions."
KM: "Let’s debunk some myths. Is Greek life all about partying?"
MP: "Not at all. Our Greeks prioritize service, logging over 100,000 hours and raising thousands of dollars for philanthropy last year alone. Yes, students have fun, but they also focus on giving back and building strong communities."
Developing Social Skills
KM: "How can students develop effective communication skills and empathy?"
MP: "By getting involved in organizations, students interact with people from diverse backgrounds and navigate different communication styles. This helps them grow personally and professionally."
KM: "What about students who want leadership roles in organizations?"
MP: "Start by being an active and consistent member. Show dedication and interest, and you’ll have opportunities to take on leadership roles like president or treasurer. Leadership development is a cornerstone of many student organizations, especially in Greek life."
Outro by King Musa
"Morgan, thank you for sharing your insights on social wellness and how students can build supportive and connected communities.
To all our listeners, remember that social wellness is about creating meaningful connections. Don’t hesitate to get involved and take advantage of the resources available at SFA. Subscribe to The Hub Hero for insights on the dimensions of wellness and your weekly wellness guide. Stay connected with us on social media. Until next time, keep connecting and building your community!"
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