Thrive@Cornell

Hello May! Slope Day, final exams, graduation and summer plans - wow! So much to do, so much to be grateful for.

Researchers say, giggling, hearty laughter and cultivating a positive mood is a great way to enhance your physical and mental well-being. All the things you've "got to do" will go more smoothly when you include a little humor, laughter and a smile or two in your day. This final edition of the Thrive Newsletter for the 2022-2023 academic year shares ideas and activities to help bring a positive mood and even a little joy to your final days of the semester and your summer journeys.

Wishing everyone a great summer and whatever comes "next" for you.

In community,
The Skorton Center for Health Initiatives at Cornell Health
part of Student and Campus Life at Cornell University

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The end of the semester can feel hectic, overwhelming or even paralyzing at times. Practicing daily self-care (like adequate sleep) is foundational for strong mental health. Maintaining connections with supportive others and getting connected to mental health care you need and deserve can be some of the most important things you do this month. Life and school are challenging enough as it is. You don’t have to go at it alone.

Use these End-of-Semester Tips | Cornell Health to remind you of personal strategies and campus resources available to help you finish the semester strong!

Check out the JED Foundation's mental health resources on connection for college students for new ideas and opportunities.

Visit mentalhealth.cornell.edu to explore a continuum of campus resources to support you.

• Start your morning off with breakfast in a dining hall or get a FREE BreakFEST sandwich, fruit, and water in front of the Schwartz Center in Collegetown from 7:30AM - 10:30AM on Slope Day. Sponsored by CTB, Slope Day Programming Board & Cornell Health.

• Slope Gates open at 11am and the concert will wrap up around 5pm. It is important to stay hydrated during the day! “You cannot bring your own water bottle into the event, however, bottled water and water-filling stations will be available at every Gate entrance and on the Slope as well as at Slope Fest in Ho Plaza.”

• Get your Slope Day Wristband and Food Tickets Ahead of Time: Skip the food ticket lines to get delicious festival food faster on Slope Day by buying food tickets in advance. You can buy food tickets through May 9 at Straight from the Market, Okenshields, and Jansen’s Market. No cash is accepted on the Slope, so plan ahead, bring your food tickets, your Cornell ID, and/or a credit card to the Slope.

• Alcohol: The vast majority of students enjoy Slope Day safely and responsibly. However, if you see someone who requires medical attention due to an alcohol or drug-related emergency, do the right thing and call 9-1-1. The Good Samaritan Protocol/Law help protect you (the caller), and the person needing assistance from judicial and legal consequences when you call for help. If you plan to drink alcohol on Slope Day, consider these harm-reduction tips.

See more info at “End-of-Year Safety”.

Free apps for identifying aspects of the natural world

These four free apps can help you identify every flower, plant and tree around you

This article from the Washington Post lists the Merlin Bird ID app, out of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, as one of 4 free mobile applications for identifying flora and fauna.

Gorge and other Finger Lakes Area Trails are open

Gorge Trails – Hiking in the beautiful surrounding natural environment is a great way to enjoy the warmer weather, spend time with friends, and get some exercise, but please keep safety in mind. Always exhibit caution and never underestimate the power of the water. Stay on designated pathways, hike with a partner and be aware of wet or closed trails, loose rocks and other hazards.

Ithaca and Tompkins County Trails - Greater Ithaca and Tompkins County offers numerous trails for the outdoor activity of your choosing. Spend a sunny day hiking to waterfalls and gorges, or bike nearby one of the Finger Lakes' largest lakes, Cayuga Lake. With breathtaking views and easy access to over 150 waterfalls and gorges, your next outdoor destination is a no-brainer.

41st Annual Spring Garden Fair and Plant Sale!

12-6 pm, Friday, May 19

Ithaca Farmers Market, Steamboat Landing, 545 Third Street

Admission is free

The Annual Spring Plant Sale has been organized since 1982 by Cornell Cooperative Extension Tompkins County. This sale features a wide variety of vendors who offer specialty plants and gardening advice on topics ranging from growing rock garden plants to selecting native species for the garden. Plants for sale include organically grown and heirloom vegetable transplants, colorful annuals, fragrant herbs, hanging baskets, small flowering shrubs, hardy roses, fruit crops, trees, evergreens and specialty perennials. Attendees are encouraged to bring carts or wagons to aid in transporting their plant purchases to their cars.

Help is available any time day or night by connecting with the following resources. You don't have to be in crisis to take advantage of these free opportunities to speak or chat with a trained professional or volunteer who can listen to your concerns and offer insight and advice.

Cornell (24/7):

• Cornell Health phone consultation (support for students): 607-255-5155
• eni Confidential Counseling Services (support for faculty and staff): 800-327-2255
• Cornell Office for Public Safety (support for students) 607-255-1111

Student Support & Advocacy Services (24/7):
Student Advocacy & Support Services and Administrator on Call (support for students): Business hours: 607-254-8598; After hours: 607-255-1111

Ithaca hotlines (24/7):

• Ithaca Crisisline (for anyone): 607-272-1616 or 800-273-TALK (8325)
• Advocacy Center (for sexual violence / relationship violence): 607-277-5000
  
  

National hotlines (24/7):

• 988 National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 988
• Trevor Lifeline (LGBTQ): 866-488-7386
• LGBT National Hotline: 888-843-4584
• Trans Lifeline: 877-565-8860
• RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline: 800-656-4673
  
  

National text / chat services (24/7):

• National Crisis Text Line: Text HELLO to 741741
• Steve Fund Crisis Text Line: Text STEVE to 741741 (especially for students of color)
• TrevorChat (chat service) and TrevorText (text line): Text START to 678678 (especially for LGBTQ students)
• 988 Lifeline Chat: connect with counselors via web chat for emotional support and other services
  
  

International services:

• See listing of international hotlines