Discover the Live Well Living Learning Community: A Health and Wellness Haven for Oswego Students
At SUNY Oswego, the Live Well Living Learning Community (LLC) is more than just a residence hall; it’s a vibrant community designed to foster health and wellness among first-year students. Nestled in Oneida Hall, this unique program invites students to embark on a transformative journey toward a balanced lifestyle.
Embrace a Holistic Approach to Wellness
Live Well is centered around the eight dimensions of well-being: social, emotional, intellectual, financial, physical, occupational, spiritual, and environmental. Each dimension is meticulously woven into the curriculum of the Health Sciences 198 course titled "Be Well at Oswego." Amy Bidwell, the esteemed faculty mentor from the Health Promotion and Wellness (HPW) Department, emphasizes that "hands-on activities" are key to the learning experience, with excursions to Rice Creek being just one example of how students engage with their environment.
Topics that Resonate
In this comprehensive course, students delve into pivotal topics that resonate with their personal growth and development. Discussions range from leveraging personal strengths to adopt healthier habits, to fostering a growth mindset and mastering effective time management skills. Students also explore the significant role of stress in personal development, ensuring that they leave with a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them.
Building Lifelong Communities and Friendships
Carter Stone, a current participant in the Live Well LLC, shares his enthusiasm: “The class was a fantastic introduction to Oswego and helped me assimilate into college life.” He highlights the authentic bonds formed with fellow community members, stating, “Some of my best friends on campus are people I met within the LLC community, and I’m incredibly grateful for that.”
In a supportive environment, peer mentoring plays a crucial role. Bidwell is also involved in training upper-class HPW majors as well-being coaches who accompany the class and provide invaluable guidance. Michael-Daniel Vodzogbe, a student coach and assistant hall director, expresses his fulfillment in nurturing healthy habits among incoming students. “They felt like family, making college more manageable,” he recalls.
A Legacy of Growth and Support
As Vodzogbe approaches graduation with a master’s degree in health promotion and behavioral wellness (following his bachelor’s in wellness management from Oswego), he recognizes the dual impact of this program: "Seeing this effort succeed is fulfilling on multiple levels." He emphasizes the profound sense of community that defines the Live Well LLC, saying, “With wellness as a foundation, positive growth is inevitable.”
Future Aspirations and Expansion
Looking ahead, Bidwell is excited to introduce a one-credit course for second-semester Live Well LLC students, aimed at helping them discover meaning and purpose in life through their strengths. Reflecting on the broader impact, she notes the essential skills that students gain from participating in Living Learning Communities at the university, which are crucial for thriving during college and beyond.
Explore More Living Learning Communities
The Live Well LLC is just one of three enriching communities at SUNY Oswego, which also includes Be First—supporting first-generation students—and All In, which champions LGBTQ+ students and their allies. Each community offers unique opportunities for connection, growth, and a thriving college experience.
For more insights into these communities, check out Oswego Today for the latest stories and updates.
As you consider your college journey, remember that the right community can redefine your experience. Embrace the opportunity to join a Living Learning Community and unlock your full potential in a supportive, vibrant environment!
