When my Peer Academic Advisor (PAA) first recommended taking Dance 3, my severe lack of coordination, grace, and flexibility rejected the thought of enrolling in a dance class. It seems that my facial expression distorted slightly to suit my initial reluctance, or perhaps my PAA read my mind, quickly assuring me that the class does not involve dancing. This was a relief to hear for someone who struggled in a high school jazz dance class due to subpar technique.
Despite what its name suggests, this GE course is otherwise known as “Scientific Concepts of Health,” taught by the UCI Dance department. My reluctance persisted. I had taken Health in high school; would it be beneficial to take it in college as well? My PAA’s colorful praises about the class, however, compelled me to enroll in it. After taking approximately four weeks of the class, I have not regretted my decision.
What distinguishes Dance 3 from my other classes is the direct translation of the concepts taught to our daily routines. This is especially relevant due to the highly stressful atmosphere surrounding the current midterm season. I was unsure of what to expect from college exams as a first-year student, exacerbating the anxiety of taking my midterms. This stress oftentimes leads to the neglect of basic necessities like a full night’s sleep and a consistent, balanced diet. Dance 3 equips us with the ability to combat the unhealthy habits that we may adopt as we navigate the pressures of academia. More specifically, a certain piece of advice stood out to me during this week’s guest speaker presentation from Jody Margolis, a nutritionist at the UCI Student Health Center: “Honor your hunger and your emotions, but don’t eat your feelings.”
Echoing my PAA’s recommendation of taking Dance 3, I would encourage anyone grappling with their wellness to enroll in this class if given the opportunity. Don’t be intimidated by its categorization under the Dance department; even non-dancers like me can greatly benefit from the class.
Here are some on-campus mental health resources if you feel the need to reach out:
UCI Student Health Center (https://shc.uci.edu/)
UCI Counseling Center (https://counseling.uci.edu/)
UCI Center for Student Wellness and Health Promotion (http://studentwellness.uci.edu)
Your friendly neighborhood Undeclared major,
Sabrina