Pacific Index

OP and SCC announce the creation of Pacific’s Resiliency Lab

   “I went on some longer expedition courses when I was a teenager that made me stretch outside of my comfort zone,” explains Pacific’s Outdoor Pursuits’ Director Allie Talucci. “And that stretching just developed me as a person and I gained deep appreciation for what can happen in a small group of humans out in nature.” 

   Now, she wants to help instill these deeper understandings of the outdoors and getting out of one’s comfort zone with students at Pacific University. “I always remember being in their shoes at one time,” says Talucci, speaking of current student staff, “and so I ask, how can I continue to set them up for success.” 

   Towards that goal, Outdoor Pursuits has partnered with Pacific University Student Counseling Center (SCC) to launch a new initiative, the Pacific University Resiliency Lab. Through trips and workshops, the Resiliency Lab hopes to develop and build stress tolerance. Essentially, the Resiliency Lab will be composed of three pillars: Roots, Peak, and Den, all which focus on different ways to unite practical skills and nervous system well-being. 

   Events categorized in the Root Pillar are workshops centered around being grounded and regulating stress—like yoga, sound baths and birding—while events in the Peak Pillar will feature trips that challenge students to reach higher—like snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and a kayak tour of the Willamette River. 

   “I hope students and participants gain an appreciation and sense of place,” says Talucci. “Stepping outside their comfort zone and having fun in a connected community.”

   The last pillar of the Resiliency Lab is the Den Pillar, which focuses on connection and restoration–or more precisely, an opportunity to see Bo the therapy dog! From 3:30-5:30 on February 11, March 11, and April 8 and 29, Bo will make an appearance on campus.