The Bama Balance S03.E01: Make Your Bed!

[00:00:00] Speaker A: This show is not a substitute for professional counseling and no relationship is created between the show host or guests and any listener. If you feel you are in need of professional mental health and are a UA student, we encourage you to contact the UA Counseling center at 348-3863. If you are not a UA student, please contact your respective counties crisis service hotline or their local mental health agency or insurance company. If it is an emergency situation, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room. [00:00:40] Speaker B: What's up, guys? Welcome back to season three, episode one of the Bama Balance. Real stories about college students, mental health. How's. How's the summer? It feels good to be back here. [00:00:50] Speaker C: It does. It really does. It's good to see you guys again. [00:00:53] Speaker D: Yeah, absolutely. [00:00:54] Speaker C: It. It feels a little strange. It's just a little hot. It's about a thousand degrees out there today, but, you know, we're just getting started back again on the third season, and it's good to be back in these seats behind the mics with you guys. [00:01:08] Speaker B: I agree. It does feel a little weird. I feel like we've taken. This might have been the longest break we've ever taken. [00:01:14] Speaker D: Yeah. I mean, I guess it had to have been. [00:01:16] Speaker C: Right? [00:01:16] Speaker B: Yeah. [00:01:17] Speaker C: Right. And because. Yeah. Because at the end of May. [00:01:21] Speaker D: Right. [00:01:21] Speaker C: Is when we said goodbye. Really. [00:01:24] Speaker B: Yeah. We still set up pretty quick, though. [00:01:26] Speaker C: I know. I was. I was. I was really impressed. I was really impressed with it. So we must know what we're doing. [00:01:33] Speaker D: Allegedly. [00:01:34] Speaker B: I still feel somewhat. [00:01:36] Speaker D: Some like sometimes I'm just kind of here, but that's kind of how I feel about school in general, to be honest. [00:01:44] Speaker C: So big year for the both of you guys. Brooks, a year big man grad student. [00:01:49] Speaker B: Yeah. Just. Or I guess today was technically my first day of. [00:01:52] Speaker C: Yeah. [00:01:53] Speaker B: But tomorrow actually be my first day. Master's tax accounting. So I'm pretty. I'm pretty pumped about that. [00:01:59] Speaker C: Excited. And. [00:02:01] Speaker B: Oh, yeah, it should be. It should be interesting. We had orientation on Monday. Full suit. That was a little. A little warm. [00:02:08] Speaker C: Whoa. [00:02:09] Speaker B: Especially when we were taking pictures outside, but. [00:02:12] Speaker C: What? [00:02:13] Speaker B: No. You had a name tag. [00:02:14] Speaker D: You get a name tag? [00:02:15] Speaker B: Yeah, I've got a name tag. [00:02:16] Speaker D: There you go. [00:02:18] Speaker B: Not sure exactly when I'd be wearing that. I'm probably not gonna wear it to class every day, but I think you [00:02:24] Speaker C: should wear it in here. [00:02:26] Speaker B: Yeah, I might just have to. [00:02:27] Speaker D: Yeah. [00:02:27] Speaker B: You've got a name tag, right? We'll just make Edward. [00:02:29] Speaker C: That's right. Oh, you've got a name tag, don't you, Edward? [00:02:32] Speaker D: I have a Blackbird. [00:02:34] Speaker C: Does Blackburn give you a name tag? Blackburn doesn't give you. [00:02:36] Speaker D: I tell you what, I have a first year council name tag. Oh yeah. Where's. [00:02:39] Speaker C: Yeah, that's it. [00:02:40] Speaker D: That in a Walker county name tag. [00:02:42] Speaker B: Just in case we forget each other. [00:02:44] Speaker C: That's right. [00:02:44] Speaker D: Yeah, exactly. [00:02:45] Speaker C: Oh my goodness. [00:02:46] Speaker D: This is my co host. [00:02:47] Speaker C: Yeah. What's your name? [00:02:49] Speaker B: Brooks. [00:02:49] Speaker C: That's right. [00:02:50] Speaker B: That's right. Big year for you though. [00:02:52] Speaker D: Senior year. [00:02:53] Speaker B: Dang. [00:02:54] Speaker C: Crazy Edward. What's up with that? [00:02:57] Speaker D: I mean, just trying. Trying to. I'm at the point where I'm like, I know it's really hard to fail out, so I'm trying not to. [00:03:09] Speaker C: Yeah. [00:03:09] Speaker D: Completely disregard school, you know. [00:03:12] Speaker C: Yes, yes. [00:03:13] Speaker D: Because I'm. I mean like my scholarship or my GPA is good. You know, all the things are good. So it's like just making sure I pay attention so that I don't let everything slip. But you know, it's. It's great. [00:03:26] Speaker B: It's. [00:03:26] Speaker D: I'm. I'm excited. Got my made up degree and. [00:03:29] Speaker C: You're made up. [00:03:31] Speaker D: Yeah. [00:03:32] Speaker C: No, it's good. [00:03:32] Speaker D: I mean. No, it is though. Like it is. I don't even say that in a bad way. I think it's honestly kind of fun. [00:03:38] Speaker B: It's really cool. [00:03:39] Speaker C: That's the unique part of new college design, your degree. [00:03:43] Speaker D: What I'm not excited for is the we have. We have to do a like a independent study for a semester like giant research project. [00:03:52] Speaker C: Oh really? [00:03:52] Speaker D: I've just never been a fan of research projects. So I'll be doing that all spring. [00:03:59] Speaker C: What like is. But the topic is related to your area. [00:04:03] Speaker D: Yeah, yeah. It's going to be related to like. Yeah, like my study. But it's still just going to be. It won't be difficult. It'll just be annoying to get started. I hate getting started on those. Once I get in the groove, it's fine. [00:04:14] Speaker C: But okay. Just getting started part. [00:04:17] Speaker D: But I mean, I mean if those are my problems I'm having, I'm doing pretty good, so. [00:04:20] Speaker C: That's true. No, that's true. I feel like I've known you. I have known you since freshman year. Right. Since you're June. [00:04:28] Speaker B: Junior year. Junior year. [00:04:30] Speaker C: Yeah. [00:04:30] Speaker B: Because that's when we led that. [00:04:33] Speaker C: Oh yeah. Right. Yeah. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Feels like it's been longer than that. [00:04:37] Speaker B: Yeah, I know. I feel like I've known both of y'. [00:04:39] Speaker C: All. I know. [00:04:39] Speaker B: Almost my whole life. [00:04:40] Speaker C: No, me too. Me too. It's so great to be with you guys again. [00:04:43] Speaker D: Probably spoken with both y' all more than I've spoken with those people at this point. [00:04:46] Speaker B: Yeah. [00:04:47] Speaker D: Think about it. [00:04:48] Speaker C: I never thought about it that way. Yeah, that's right. [00:04:50] Speaker D: Equally just. All right, what's on your mind? [00:04:52] Speaker C: Yeah. [00:04:53] Speaker B: Yeah. [00:04:54] Speaker C: Gosh, I love and. And, you know, and I love it. It feels familiar again. Back in. Back in these chairs behind the mic. So it's great to. It's great to be back. Yeah. [00:05:06] Speaker B: I think we're all excited. You know, season two went really well for us. I thought it, you know, we opened ourselves up a little more to some new things, and we're excited to be able to bring a few of those back and maybe set. Try some different stuff out here in season three. But overall, we're excited to be back. It's good to sit back here in the chairs. And we'll be back with you in segment one. This is the BEM Balance. Wvuafm, Tuscaloosa. [00:05:47] Speaker A: This show is not a substitute for professional counseling, and no relationship is created between the show hosts or guests and any listener. If you feel you are in need of professional mental health and are a UA student, we encourage you to contact the UA Counseling center at 348-3863. If you are not a UA student, please contact your respective counties crisis service hotline or their local mental health agency or insurance company. If it is an emergency situation, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room. [00:06:28] Speaker D: Hello, everyone. Welcome back to the Bama Balance podcast. And, you know, as we sit here and kind of ruminate on the, you know, last few months being away from it all, I'm just curious as to what are some things that you observe now about students and, like, college student mental health coming back from the summer? Like, what are some things that I think, like putting in the context of, you know, all the things we talked about last year and sitting with that over the summer, how would you say that you are viewing this topic now kind of a year later from maybe where you did then? [00:07:04] Speaker C: That's a big question. [00:07:05] Speaker B: Yeah, no doubt. [00:07:06] Speaker D: That was a lot of words. That was a lot of words. [00:07:08] Speaker C: That was good. That's good. Brooks, did you have something looked like you were. [00:07:12] Speaker B: I mean. Yeah, I could. I had a very interesting summer because I interned this summer. [00:07:17] Speaker C: Yeah. [00:07:18] Speaker B: So I really wasn't around a bunch of college students. I was around, you know, working adults. And it was kind of interesting for me to feel like I was actually in the workforce and to kind of look at those others that are actually in the workforce and just kind of see how they go about their days. I think it's very prominent now in my mind how real college students mental health problems are just because. And even for me, I felt like, you know, working over the summer and working in general is more of a 9 to 5. But when you get off, you know, it's all about your family, your whatever that is not work related. And I feel like at school, you know, you get so busy and have so many assignments due and, you know, so much going on other than, you know, your job, that it kind of makes. That stuff kind of pulls into your night when you're about to go to bed, you know, and it's like constantly you're thinking about that stuff. Whereas like this summer, you know, I kind of went and did my thing during the day, but as soon as I got in my car after, you know, phase out of that and you know, do whatever I have to do that night. So I think, I think now I have a. Somewhat of a thought of a reason behind a lot of those struggles. And I think we'll talk about one here in a minute about just being in a new place. That's tough too. [00:08:45] Speaker C: Right, right. [00:08:47] Speaker B: And I kind of went through that a little bit this summer. Living in Birmingham for the first time, you know, that was a little difficult on me just because I wasn't necessarily accustomed to it. Thankfully, I had some people I knew there and was able to, you know, hang out with them and had friends up there already. But I could definitely see where that, you know, looking back, that was a big struggle of mine too, in college. [00:09:09] Speaker C: That's. That's such a great observation because, you know, you're, you're. I think that's so spot on because when you're, when you enter the workforce or you've got a job or a career, your. The time that you're at work is work and at a time when you're off is your personal life. And sometimes that can blend together. But most of the times it's easy to separate out and get some relief from work or that kind of thing. Whereas in school, in college, you're right, the work is always there and it's difficult to separate out because you're still on campus or you're still in town. And it can be a real challenge to delineate the, you know, the, the work school life from kind of the non work school relaxation or whatever life. [00:10:06] Speaker B: Right. [00:10:06] Speaker C: That you get. Yeah. And you were in Walker County. [00:10:10] Speaker D: Yes, Walker county again this summer. So I was around college students, which was, you know, I think when I think about the context of everything we talked about last year and you know, what we, you know, what we did over the summer. And for a lot of people and myself included, it can be a pretty, not necessarily high emotion, but like, it's definitely something you see and get to do things where you're really connected to this community and you get to see and do things that make you feel a lot of ways. And I think asking questions, you know, when I look at last year and my last, because I really, I spent the last two summers in Walker county, like, you know, so often people are, are wanting to say how they like to want to talk about how they feel they should be asked. [00:11:04] Speaker C: Right. [00:11:06] Speaker D: And you know, I felt that like, you know, no one ever wants to just. Or not, not, not everyone wants to just go around and just say what's on their mind. [00:11:14] Speaker C: Yeah. [00:11:15] Speaker D: But everyone would have asked more than likely. And sometimes that's what you need is to, just to get something off your chest. And I think that, that, like, especially when dealing with some of these topics and things in Walker county, like, you know, the, it's high opioid addiction there, I think like one of, if not the highest rates in the country of all counties in the country. And there's just a lot of different, a lot of hurt in that community for a lot of different reasons. There's also a lot of good things that are happening. But it can, but it, but it weighs on you. You just see it and you want to help. But you're also just a college student. You're like, I don't. What can I do? [00:11:55] Speaker C: Yeah. [00:11:55] Speaker D: Realistically, in eight weeks that isn't being done already. So I think even, you know, in the moments where it can. Where you feel where you want to help, but you feel helpless. [00:12:05] Speaker C: Mm. [00:12:08] Speaker D: You know, ask questions. [00:12:11] Speaker C: Right. [00:12:11] Speaker D: Ask how people are doing and, and don't be afraid to, to say how you're feeling about something. [00:12:17] Speaker C: Sure. [00:12:18] Speaker D: Something's not at you. Like talk about it. [00:12:21] Speaker C: Reach out and reach out and talk about it. How were you able or were you able to make that sort of delineation from work to non work kind of life? Because in what that internship is very much a high, There's a high level of interpersonal connection and, and contact. [00:12:41] Speaker D: Yes. I mean, it's like I would say, no, not this summer. Maybe more so my first summer, because the nature of my position the first summer was I was just a regular intern. [00:12:49] Speaker B: Right. [00:12:51] Speaker D: Going and had my placement and I did that during the day and we would have stuff we'd Go to. At the night. But it was, it was very community focused and we'd go and meet people at dinner with people. Whereas this past summer I was the. And I say regular intern, that doesn't mean. But the. You know, because I was a supervising intern this summer, which quite frankly, everyone who was there was so smart and did not need me at all. I was just happy to be there. But it's different. And I would have somewhere I'd go during the day, but then when I get back, I mean, I'm kind of always doing my job. [00:13:21] Speaker C: Yeah. [00:13:21] Speaker D: Because it's my job to not only do this during the day, but also to help them at night and when they have questions and when they're going through something and. [00:13:29] Speaker C: Right. [00:13:29] Speaker D: You know, I'm. I'm supposed to talk to him, check in with him, you know, look over. They have journalism work they have to do and I'm. Help them, help them navigate that. And so, I mean, it was. I was definite, like, I really enjoyed the experience, but I think I was definitely ready to be. [00:13:47] Speaker C: You're ready. [00:13:47] Speaker D: Done. Because it was just. It was different. It was. I never really. The only time I felt like I had to breathe was like Sunday afternoons, which. And I say all this. I loved it all. [00:14:05] Speaker C: Yeah. [00:14:05] Speaker D: I wouldn't trade it for the world, like. And I would do it again in a heartbeat. I love that work and I love the nature of that position. [00:14:11] Speaker C: Yeah. [00:14:11] Speaker D: But it was certainly. It was different than my first time around. And I think that because I wasn't. I was not able to, like you said, delineate the work from the non work because it was, it was kind of all. It wasn't like I was doing a lot all the time. It was like I was just doing a little. All the time. [00:14:28] Speaker C: Yeah. Okay. [00:14:29] Speaker D: Got it. And I could. I always kind of had to be in that mindset a little bit. [00:14:35] Speaker C: You sort of have to be on. Yeah, yeah, I get that. I get that. It can be those, those kinds of experience can be really valuable, though. You know, sort of what you take from your summer work experience and now looking back and how it might be different than being here on campus. I know we've got a ton of new students this year and just a number of kind of returning students coming back. What would you say are, you know, some of the things that you bring back to you now coming back as a student regarding, you know, how to, how to develop, how to start off the semester? Well, in terms of your mental health [00:15:22] Speaker B: and just stress, I think it's Good to get involved. I know Edward was pretty involved freshman year. I wasn't as involved. I wish I was a little more involved now that I look back on it. But you meet so many people during that time. And I've got a lot of buddies that, you know, met great friends that they still talk to every day just by getting involved with some sort of organization or group on campus there within their first few months. I think that's really important. And I think kind of just getting in a, like, habit of your everyday, you know, whatever that looks like. Just get in. Find a habit. Find something you like, whether that's waking up, you know, and going on a walk or a run in the mornings before you start class or something like that. But I think having a habit and a daily routine kind of helps you a lot to set you up for success. [00:16:17] Speaker C: What's the first thing everybody should do in the morning when they wake up? [00:16:20] Speaker B: Make your bed. [00:16:20] Speaker C: Make your bed. [00:16:21] Speaker B: For sure, I still do it. [00:16:24] Speaker C: Yeah. [00:16:24] Speaker D: So. [00:16:25] Speaker B: No, because I mean, when you wake up. Yes, you make up your bed. You've accomplished one thing. [00:16:31] Speaker C: That's right. [00:16:31] Speaker B: If you go the rest of the day and you can say you've at least accomplished that. [00:16:35] Speaker C: That's right. It's really. It makes a big difference. [00:16:38] Speaker B: I think it does. [00:16:39] Speaker C: Yeah. [00:16:39] Speaker B: I think it does. And I'm. I'm very like, ocd, so I bet isn't made. Made up, like when I come back home at night. That drives me wild. Yeah, I can't do that. So make your bed. [00:16:52] Speaker C: Make your bed. That's a. That's. That's wise. I love that. How about for you, Edward? [00:16:58] Speaker D: I mean, I think. I think I'd echo that. Yeah, just like, go. Don't be afraid to go and do something. You try something new. And there's like a billion clubs here, so if there's something you're interested in, there's probably a club for it. There's people there. It's like. I mean, I think, you know, common shared interest is one way to connect with people. And at the end of the day, I feel like that's what most people are trying to do their first few weeks here, first few days here. So I would just say, yeah, just like, go and try to do what you enjoy doing. There's 40 billion people here, so someone's gonna also enjoy doing that. [00:17:34] Speaker C: That's right. And. [00:17:35] Speaker D: And yeah, just be. Don't be scared to try something new, because that's all it is. College is getting outta your comfort zone and learning something you didn't know before. [00:17:44] Speaker C: Take a risk, Take a chance. What about if. If you're not a new student and are still, you know, struggling with, you know, where to find connection? What if you're like a junior or senior even? [00:17:57] Speaker B: I mean, I feel like you can still easily, you know, get involved with something or grad student or somebody. Yeah, that's. So I thought about that the other day, actually. I had a LinkedIn request from somebody that was an incoming MTA student, but, you know, had never or she didn't go here undergrad. So I was like, you know, that's probably going to be challenging and a [00:18:19] Speaker C: little weird, [00:18:21] Speaker B: you know, coming here for a year and not knowing anybody. Whereas, like, I'm lucky enough that I've got five my own fraternity brothers. [00:18:28] Speaker C: Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah. [00:18:30] Speaker B: So. But I think at the grad school level, the programs are very good about, you know, doing certain things to, to get you acquainted with each other outside of class. Like, we did something the other night where we all got to hang out together, meet some new faces, and that was really cool. But for those juniors and seniors, I mean, it's not too late to get involved in something, so that opportunity still lies right there. [00:18:56] Speaker C: That's good. That's good tip. [00:18:58] Speaker D: Yeah, I'd echo that. I mean, just shake it up. Try something new at the end of the. You can. You never stop losing that ability to do that is what I would say. Just to echo what Brooks was saying. So, yeah, with that, I think we'll bring our first segment to a close, but we'll be right back. This is the BAMA Balance. [00:19:32] Speaker B: Wvuafm Tuscaloosa. [00:19:35] Speaker A: This show is not a substitute for professional counseling and no relationship is created between the show hosts or guests and any listener. If you feel you are in need of professional mental health and are a UA student, we encourage you to contact the UA Counseling center at 348-382. If you are not a UA student, please contact your respective counties crisis service hotline or their local mental health agency or insurance company. If it is an emergency situation, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room. [00:20:17] Speaker C: Welcome back, everybody, to the second segment of the BAMA Balance. It's been, it's again, it's been great being back on the mics with you guys and thinking about, you know, this being our third season and still so much to cover regarding college students mental health. But also we've had a number of. Of guests along the way who've really, who we've loved having and they actually want to come back. You know, we've got. I ran into Cameron Morgan in the airport as I was coming back from D.C. we just didn't know we're going to run the same flight. So he'd love to come back on. But we've had a number of guests I think that that have expressed and that we would like to, to have on board here again, what are some like topics do you think we, that you're looking forward to us for us to, to cover as we look at the third season? [00:21:23] Speaker B: I think one you just slightly brought up. I'm not sure if I could use this but like the financial side of things as a college student, I feel like that is very tough for a lot of people and that's it's normal for that to be tough, you know, and there's so many different circumstances as far as, you know, some people may be working while they're in college to pay for stuff or, you know, some may not have to. But I think that's important to get a grasp on in college because that is. Yeah, I mean at the end of the day, you know, that's pretty valuable. [00:21:56] Speaker C: And financial insecurity, you know, continues to be one of those things that students are maybe more plagued with, you know, and, and it's concern about the cost of college or just how to budget for college or, you know, there are some students and not just here who will come to a university, come to a college, pay a great deal of money to attend for the experience, not so much the academics, but for the experience. And what makes me think of that is this past, this past Sunday was bid day. And so inevitably there will be, you know, some students who, who don't match with their first choice or throughout the rush process don't match and, and may or may not stay at the university because they've missed out on that experience. But at the same time that's a lot of money that, that they invest in that experience. And so I think financial well being certainly is a good, is a great topic to take a look at. As you know, as you were talking, one of the other areas that, that we touched on and I think we can continue to touch on is spiritual well being. Yes, I agree that's so much. I think an area that deserves certainly more than, than we've been able to allow it. But, but it's, and at the same time, you know, realizing that, that, you know, this podcast only can scratch the surface a little bit. So I think that might be worth something. Take a look at again Absolutely. [00:23:39] Speaker B: I think, I think there's a lot of stuff that looking back on now that, I mean it'd be hard to even name all the stuff that we had talked about, you know, as we're walking out of here. [00:23:50] Speaker C: Yeah. [00:23:50] Speaker B: Like, dang, that'd be a, that'd be a good thing to go back and talk. [00:23:53] Speaker D: Yeah. Revisit some things. [00:23:55] Speaker B: Yeah, yeah. And I think that's important. We'll definitely have to try to think back on some stuff because. [00:24:02] Speaker C: Right. [00:24:02] Speaker B: There were some really good topics that we were able to get very deep into. But yeah, I think we could have even gone deeper with those. [00:24:09] Speaker D: So. [00:24:09] Speaker C: 100. 100. [00:24:12] Speaker B: Also thought it was always interesting when we did like something, something like a little out of the ordinary. [00:24:19] Speaker C: Think of the same thing. [00:24:21] Speaker B: Like questions in the hat. [00:24:22] Speaker C: That's right. [00:24:23] Speaker B: A lot of fun. But if we could come up with like some more stuff like that. [00:24:25] Speaker C: Off the rails. [00:24:26] Speaker B: Yeah, off the rails. I mean we talked about music for like. [00:24:30] Speaker D: Yes. [00:24:31] Speaker C: Yeah. Well that's how we got our, our Spotify playlist. Right? [00:24:35] Speaker B: Yeah, yeah, plug that. [00:24:37] Speaker C: Yeah, plug. [00:24:38] Speaker B: If y' all have any song requests, just send them to us. [00:24:40] Speaker C: That's right. [00:24:41] Speaker B: On the band balance on Instagram. [00:24:43] Speaker C: There you go. [00:24:43] Speaker D: Or even on that note, like send us anything. Well, yeah, let me say nothing but any topics. Any topics or anything that like, if you're listening, you know, you're like, you just happen to think, oh, that'd be maybe I haven't heard them talk about this. Love to hear this. Like, right, that's great. [00:25:01] Speaker C: Now we would, we would love to have more input and particularly, I mean we reached a pretty big milestone last semester with. Was it 696 listeners? I can't remember what that number was, but it was huge. And so for all the 696 listeners out there and then some, you know, drop us a line or something and let us know what you'd like us to talk about or if you got a story to share, you know, let us know. And we'd love to have you. We'd love to have you. [00:25:31] Speaker B: Yeah, I think we'll have to definitely contemplate, you know, what we could do fun wise. Just spice things up a little bit, make it a little different. Yeah, those are always, those are always a lot of fun. [00:25:42] Speaker C: Those are good. Now I've got some, I've got some ideas I can share off. Mike. [00:25:46] Speaker B: Sweet. [00:25:47] Speaker C: Yeah. Once we, once we get started with things. But yeah, spiritual well being I think is one that, you know, I think that many students still hunger to talk about. And I think we should talk about it. [00:26:01] Speaker B: Absolutely. I agree. [00:26:02] Speaker C: And not sure how we do that. I think it'd be great again if we had another student or a couple students want to be a part of that discussion or share their experiences with that or. I don't know. We'll just. If you have any suggestions for those who are listening, let us know and we'll be sure to consider them. But there's so many things regarding well being that are interesting. One of the things actually that I just thought about is some of the research I did this summer was looking at how our dimensions of well being for our Alabama model relate to retention. Some of the work that's being done in our office of Strategic Planning and Assessment is also looking at that same thing thing. And one of the things that we found as I was doing the research this summer is that social well being is a pretty strong determinant or predictor of retention. But it goes more than that. It's not just social well being, but it's how well students are able to find meaningful connections and how much students feel confident in their ability to develop social networks. So rather than engagement alone. So it's not just, you know, join this organization, but join an organization that. That is purposeful, that gives you the opportunity to. To develop good networks and connections and feel a sense of confidence in your social ability. So it was really interesting. [00:27:41] Speaker D: Yeah. Or even like grow it. Like that challenges you or grow it helps you grow a skill set too. [00:27:45] Speaker C: That's it. That's exactly right. [00:27:47] Speaker D: Ways that you can develop yourself for the future. Because at the end of the day, I mean, we're all not here for school, even though we kind of are. But like. [00:27:55] Speaker C: Yeah, you gotta balance like we were talking about earlier. We got it. So how do you. [00:27:59] Speaker B: Yeah. [00:27:59] Speaker D: Like there's, there's to some degree, like, you know, do things that will help you and you know, if you need to be better at networking because you're going to do some kind of business job and help be a part of something that allows you to practice that skill. [00:28:14] Speaker C: And the art of making friends. Right. What is the art of making friends? There was this article on again, college students who experienced loneliness and how difficult it is particularly. Right. We're all post Covid now for students to feel like they have that ability and capability to make friends. Right. Because, and I would, I would guess this, at least with the two of you, that the friends that you've been able to make in college, they're going to last you beyond the time you, you graduate. [00:28:52] Speaker D: Absolutely. [00:28:53] Speaker B: And I, I think that's an interesting point you bring up because for many people, you know. Yeah, we have a ton of friends from home that we're still close with, but, and my dad says it best, like, I mean, some people meet their friends in high school, but majority of their people, majority of their people meet their true friends in college. Now I've still got three, four or five friends from home that I'm, you know, every day keeping up with almost. But I mean, the other 20 or so, you know, like, that I'm super tall, tight with or all from college right here. So I think it is interesting on how that differs for different people. [00:29:37] Speaker C: That's right. [00:29:37] Speaker B: And I think a lot of that has to deal with, you know, what, what they did or what route they took in college. Like, did they stay close to home? Did they, you know, branch out, go somewhere new, new area? [00:29:49] Speaker C: That's interesting. [00:29:50] Speaker B: Right, Because I feel like at that point you're kind of forced. [00:29:52] Speaker C: Yes. [00:29:52] Speaker B: To, you know, go make your own group and. Because if not, I mean, you know, that's going to be a tough four years because. [00:30:00] Speaker C: Lonely at that point. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. So, so you got to take that risk and take that chance. Yeah, yeah, we've got, there's, there's so much still that we can explore and, and, and, and bring folks in. I know. You know, some of the episodes last year where we had guest co hosts, I loved. I'd love to see more of that. So we'll hopefully be able to get more, a couple more of those episodes. We've got guest co hosts and probably a couple that you guys are thinking about. I'm thinking about. And yeah, those were awesome. [00:30:36] Speaker B: Those were like. Yeah, those were too fun. [00:30:39] Speaker C: Yeah. Honestly, I mean, they, and it's such a great, it's such a great opportunity. Right. It's new voices just to kind of bring into the circle and bring to the table and yeah, I, I, I'd look forward to that opportunity to bring some guest co hosts and, and I'm happy to sit in. I don't need to be part of this. I'll just sit in and enjoy the show. [00:31:04] Speaker B: Yeah, I think it'd be funny for you to sit, honestly. I mean, it was funny enough for me and Edward at times last year. It was, Lord knows, just awesome. We had some, yeah, we had great, you know, guests last year. [00:31:16] Speaker C: Yeah. So, yeah, I, I really loved it. I loved it. So there's a lot to look forward to this, this third season as we get started. And. And there will be more to come. We'll take a break. This is the BAMA B. [00:31:44] Speaker B: Wvuafm Tuscaloosa. [00:31:47] Speaker A: This show is not a substitute for professional counseling, and no relationship is created between the show host or guests and any listener. If you feel you are in need of professional mental health and are a UA student, we encourage you to contact the UA Counseling center at 348-3863. If you are not a UA student, please contact your respective counties crisis service hotline or their local mental health agency or insurance company. If it is an emergency situation, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room. [00:32:28] Speaker B: What's up, guys? Welcome back to the outro segment of episode one, season three. [00:32:33] Speaker A: We're. [00:32:33] Speaker B: We're. We're really excited to be back, and it does feel good to be sitting in here. I mean, we've had a lot of good memories and a lot of fun throughout last year, of course, and looking forward to creating a lot more this year. I know we're all excited to get football back. It feels like every intro we have during the fall is something related to football, whether it's good, bad, hopefully more good this year. [00:33:01] Speaker C: Yeah. [00:33:03] Speaker B: But that always gives us something to talk about and look forward to. And definitely the buzz around this place is like, campus as whole. Like, the next time we film will be right before a football game. [00:33:14] Speaker C: That's right. [00:33:15] Speaker B: A few days before. So, like, yeah, the vibes will definitely [00:33:18] Speaker C: be up, and hopefully we'll know who our quarterback is. [00:33:20] Speaker B: Yeah, we'll definitely. I think they said they were going to announce that next week. [00:33:23] Speaker C: Okay. [00:33:25] Speaker B: So. Yeah, both them. You know, I feel. I feel good about both of them. You know, that's coach's decision. We can't. We can't make that call for him. [00:33:34] Speaker C: Yeah. [00:33:34] Speaker B: So. But yeah, it's great to be back. I. I do want to ask one question. What. What is the favorite thing that you did this summer, both of y'? All? I feel like we didn't talk about the summer. [00:33:44] Speaker C: That's true. That's true. Yeah, we haven't talked much about the summer, mainly because you guys were. I think we were all working to some degree. [00:33:50] Speaker D: Yeah. [00:33:51] Speaker C: Over the summer. You know, I. I was able to take my motorcycle out for a couple rides early in the summer before it got too dang hot. Yeah, But. And so that was fun. But the most fun ride. I don't know. It's most fun or most miserable one was I was coming back from an event at Teatown Harley out there in Cottondale. I think that's where it is. Shout out to tea town Harley for taking care of my bike. And then the skies just opened up. It was a torrential downpour. So I was waiting around. I probably waited a couple hours at the dealership and it was still going. It was bad. It was lightning, thunder, just buckets coming down. I said, I can't wait here. So I rode in that thing. It was torrential. I got drenched. It was fun. [00:34:44] Speaker B: I bet that was awesome. [00:34:45] Speaker C: It was fun. It was fun. It was a lot of fun. But when I got home, I was soaking wet, but it was worth it. I loved every minute of it. I like a little kid. Yeah, exactly. Loved every minute of it. I was very cautious about, you know, watching out for hydroplaning and stuff like that. I loved every minute of it. [00:35:04] Speaker B: That's awesome. [00:35:05] Speaker C: Would I do it again? Probably not. I don't wanna stay dry. I want to stay dry. But while I was in it, I had no choice but to love it and, And. And enjoy it. So that. That was one. That was one. [00:35:17] Speaker B: How about you? [00:35:18] Speaker D: I. I gotta. I mean, I went to Europe, so. [00:35:22] Speaker C: You got some great pictures. [00:35:23] Speaker D: It's hard not to say that. [00:35:25] Speaker B: I mean, Favorite place in Europe. [00:35:27] Speaker D: Oh, Austria, without a doubt. And really, just like, you know, I grew up in Dothan. Yeah, I love Dothan. Yeah, it's great. Yeah, but it's flat and it's so flat. And you go see some real mountains and I mean, it was different kind of mountains. Different kind of mountains, like, mind blowing. And I think the, you know, the best views of that were. We went to a few different places, but. [00:35:54] Speaker B: Austria. [00:35:55] Speaker D: Yeah, we just. We sat right where they filmed the opening scene of the Sound of Music. Just looking at this mountain. It was being beamed by the sun, so you can. But it was a clear day, so you could see everything. The snow cap and. I mean, like, I just think about that. And Lake Como was pretty fun, too. But. Yeah, that was a maybe off the record story, but. [00:36:17] Speaker C: No, that's great. It's like this indelible memory you'll have forever. [00:36:21] Speaker D: Absolutely. [00:36:21] Speaker B: I mean, Sound of Music, though, that's. Dude, my girlfriend would be absolutely thrilled. You're talking about that, right? [00:36:28] Speaker D: I mean, it was like. You feel like you're in the movie. You're, like, frolicking in the hills. [00:36:32] Speaker C: Yeah. [00:36:32] Speaker D: I mean, it's. It's that you see. Just cast. You just randomly see a castle. You're like, oh, that randomly. We don't have those in America. [00:36:40] Speaker B: No, we do not. [00:36:41] Speaker C: How awesome is that what. So here's a question. What. What was. What's been the most favorite thing was the most favorite thing you did while you were in Austria or wherever you were abroad that you haven't yet told anybody? [00:37:01] Speaker D: Oh, I think I've told everyone everything. I mean, it. I think I was just. Everything was so exciting that I like, had to talk. [00:37:10] Speaker C: I was just out there. [00:37:11] Speaker D: Yeah. [00:37:12] Speaker C: Yeah. [00:37:12] Speaker D: But I mean, there was one particular. We went to that. We were in Salzburg in Austria, and there was this bus that takes you to the top of this mountain. I mean, and it's. It's way over the city. Like you could. You could see for miles on top of this thing, but you can also see the. It's not part of the Alps and it kind of has a flat Ish top. So you can see the Alps. And then you turn around and you're seeing miles into the rest of Austria and Germany. Crazy, because it's like just kind of rolling hills that are mostly level and then boom. [00:37:46] Speaker C: Wow. [00:37:47] Speaker D: Like tallest mountains you've ever seen. We get up there. It was originally covered by a cloud and the cloud moved and it was like the heavens opened up. And then we also found a pub on the top of it. [00:37:57] Speaker C: Oh my gosh. [00:37:59] Speaker D: We got some. Got some beer and just watched. You know, if you could see all the whole city. [00:38:05] Speaker C: And that's memory. [00:38:07] Speaker D: I mean, people were paragliding off of this thing. [00:38:09] Speaker B: Whose dad is crazy. [00:38:10] Speaker C: Isn't that cool? [00:38:11] Speaker B: That is awesome. [00:38:12] Speaker D: We called it Beer Mountain just because we weren't expecting that. [00:38:15] Speaker C: That's wonderful. [00:38:16] Speaker D: Best I've ever had. [00:38:17] Speaker C: See, that's what I'm talking about. [00:38:18] Speaker B: That's a great Edwards Mountain. [00:38:19] Speaker C: Edwards Mountain after that. Yeah, Edwards Mountain. I love that. That's a great memory. [00:38:23] Speaker D: Absolutely. [00:38:24] Speaker C: How about feet? What'd you do, Rox? What's your favorite thing? [00:38:28] Speaker B: Well, I worked. It was kind of tough for me, like weekends wise, so I just stayed at the lake beaches, which was great. But by far went to two concerts this summer. That's right. One was like three days after we graduated, we went to the Eagles in Atlanta. [00:38:46] Speaker C: Nice. [00:38:47] Speaker B: Sat in the outfield and it was amazing. Tadeshi Trucks was great, right? Just. Just very cool concert. And then in June, my family and my cousins and their parents went to Las Vegas. See Kenny Chesney at the Sphere. And he brought out my favorite country music singer, Eric Church. [00:39:12] Speaker D: Sounds. [00:39:13] Speaker B: That was awesome. Unexpected. [00:39:14] Speaker C: That's cool. [00:39:15] Speaker B: But yeah, that was. Those two concerts are great. And y' all know how I feel about music. [00:39:21] Speaker C: Absolutely. Now, yeah. No Heck, yeah. I mean, it's really sort of what life is made of, isn't it? [00:39:28] Speaker B: Yeah, no doubt. [00:39:28] Speaker C: Music. [00:39:29] Speaker B: God, everywhere. [00:39:30] Speaker C: Oh, my gosh. Now you know, it's. You got to wonder how summers will be the same or different once you graduate. Because, Edward, this is your senior year. Right. So potentially, if there's not grad school in the future, that. [00:39:47] Speaker D: That's the plan. So I should get one more. [00:39:49] Speaker C: Okay. So another season, essentially. There you go. [00:39:52] Speaker B: Yeah. One more. [00:39:54] Speaker C: But the end of your undergraduate career. Yeah, that's the other thing. And then. Brook. A year. Yeah, one year. Okay. So this year is even more so. Seeing more final. [00:40:07] Speaker B: Yeah. [00:40:08] Speaker C: Sorry, I didn't mean to change the tenor of that. Of the mood here, but. But yeah, it's. [00:40:12] Speaker B: I mean, like, last year felt final, and this year is totally different. Like, I'm in the know about anything. [00:40:18] Speaker C: Right. [00:40:19] Speaker B: Or nothing, I guess you could say. Like, I still wonder, like, what is the. What is the fraternity doing right now? Like, you know, all that stuff. What are they eating for dinner? It was kind of sad yesterday. You'll think it's funny. So we have these groupies and a lot of different groupmes for, like, the parking lot, like the house in general with everybody in it. But we had a late plate group. Me. [00:40:44] Speaker C: Okay. [00:40:45] Speaker B: This is for, like, if you're not gonna make it on time for dinner or lunch, I guess. Last night was the first. First dinner. [00:40:52] Speaker C: Yes. [00:40:53] Speaker B: And I got a message. I was like, can I get a late play, please? I was like, dang. [00:40:57] Speaker C: Wow. [00:40:57] Speaker B: So I had to leave that group. [00:40:59] Speaker C: Yeah. Yeah. [00:41:01] Speaker B: But, yeah, it's definitely. This one feels more final, especially because I know I'll be starting just job. [00:41:07] Speaker C: Yeah. [00:41:07] Speaker B: In September. [00:41:08] Speaker C: So. Yeah. Which is good. You got something there already. You're looking forward to something. [00:41:13] Speaker B: Oh, I'm excited. [00:41:14] Speaker D: That's awesome. [00:41:15] Speaker B: Yeah, we're looking forward to having a great year, though. Season three, we're going to kick it off. It'll be great. We'll have football to talk about. We'll have a lot of guests, hopefully, to come join us, and a lot of mental health to talk about, so. [00:41:28] Speaker C: And some guest co hosts. [00:41:30] Speaker B: Yeah, Guest co host. [00:41:30] Speaker C: Hopefully to. Absolutely. [00:41:33] Speaker B: Those are always fun. [00:41:33] Speaker C: That'll be fun. [00:41:34] Speaker B: So you'll have to be here for them. [00:41:35] Speaker C: I will definitely be here. [00:41:37] Speaker B: Sit back and enjoy the show. [00:41:39] Speaker C: I might actually really. I might film some of that stuff or record some of it, but. [00:41:44] Speaker B: Welcome back to season three again. This is the Bama Balance. I'm Brooks Barbary. [00:41:49] Speaker D: I'm Edward Fountain. [00:41:50] Speaker C: I'm Dr. Tody Perez. [00:41:51] Speaker B: Thank you all for joining us today. We'll be back next week. Wvuafm, Tuscaloosa this show was not intended [00:42:14] Speaker A: as a substitute for professional counseling. Further, the views, opinions and conclusions expressed by the show hosts or their guests are their own and not necessarily those of the University of Alabama, its officers or trustees. Any views, opinions or conclusions shared on the show do not create a relationship between the host or any guest and any listener, and such a relationship should never be inferred. If you feel you're in need of professional mental health and are a UA student, please contact the UA Counseling center at 348-3863. If you are not a UA student, please contact your respective county's crisis service hotline or their local mental health agency or insurance company. If it is an emergency situation, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.