Exploring Harriet Tubman’s PostRailroad Adventures
A JourneyHeroine’sContinues Ramadan Traditions from Around the World Cultural Connections
Creative Twist for Your Smoothie Fix Blend It Up
The Best Greens for Boosting Energy and Focus Power Up Your Plate
Feeling like you’re running on autopilot? Break free from the mundane routine and SPRING into action! This month’s theme, “Springing Forward,” marks a season of growth, renewal, and transformation as we approach miles 19-21. Just like nature wakes up from its winter nap, it’s our chance to shake off the old and welcome the new. Let’s cultivate fresh perspectives, set exciting intentions, and embark on journeys of self-discovery and personal growth. With each step forward, let’s soak up the energy of springtime, infusing our lives with vitality, optimism, and a whole lot of possibilities.
“Springing Forward” isn’t just about moving ahead—it’s about embracing our inherent potential and blossoming into our most vibrant selves. Let’s bloom together!
Amp Up Your Greens showcases how eating greens can be fun and delicious, encouraging guests to increase their intake of these nutritious foods. Join us in discovering creative and tasty ways to incorporate more greens into your diet for a healthier lifestyle.
Kale and spinach are nutrient powerhouses, loaded with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like iron, calcium, and potassium, which support various aspects of health, including bone strength and immune function. Their high antioxidant content helps combat oxidative stress, while their fiber content promotes digestive health and aids in weight management.
We’re All In This Together challenges guests to engage with their community and pledge to keep it clean by responsibly disposing of food, waste, and paper. Together, we can create a cleaner, healthier environment for all.
Fostering a Supportive
Thoughts can be a self-fulfilling prophecy. If you believe you can’t accomplish something, you won’t. A better attitude is the first thing needed to propel yourself to the winner’s circle! Being optimistic builds confidence, resilience, and the ability to seize opportunities. Let’s explore the benefits of positive thinking and ways to implement it.
An upbeat mindset will keep stress and depression levels at bay. Its mental impact even translates to physical benefits. Those with a good attitude live longer, have better cardiovascular health, and are more resistant to illnesses, cancer, and stroke. For a healthy body, start with a healthy mind!
Misery loves company, but so does joy! Try to bring optimistic and supportive people into your life. Negative friends increase stress levels and make them harder to manage in healthy ways. Surrounding yourself with positive people reframes your mindset. Observe how they handle adversity and learn to implement a similar outlook. Remember to reciprocate their energy by showing kindness and support for all their triumphs.
Before creating joy in your life, look for the joy already there. Savor what you typically overlook, like the walk to class or your midday snack. Think about things to be grateful for, whether friends, education, or health. Try keeping a gratitude journal. Routine gratitude journaling can lead to feeling happier, less isolated and less depressed. Writing down what you’re grateful for will train your brain to notice the good. This will make practicing gratitude easier in day-to-day life.
Create the reality you want! Affirmations are a practice of empowering self-talk. Writing or repeating affirmations motivates you to embody your best self. Practice repeating affirmations like “I’m freeing myself from all destructive doubt and fear. I accept myself for who I am and create peace, power, and confidence.” You can also build a happier reality using a vision board. Planning specific goals with intention makes them more likely to become a reality. Studies find a 75% success rate for those who manifest their desires through a vision board.
For many people, the biggest hurdle to becoming happier is a subconscious negative mentality. Identify negativity when it occurs. The most common negative habits include ignoring good outcomes, avoiding or absorbing all responsibility, blowing situations out of proportion, or being a perfectionist. If you respond to challenges by thinking “I’m a failure” or “I always knew they didn’t like me” reframe your mindset. Acknowledge the negative thoughts, but remember they’re just thoughts, not facts. Challenge them by thinking about what goes right.
Taking care of yourself generates confidence and hope. Take pride in physical health, hygiene, and fitness. Develop a routine that includes time to career for well-being. Mental health is also important, so enjoy soothing activities to cultivate joy and peace.
Positivity can change your life! Try to sprinkle some happiness into the day to enjoy every step of your Luxeathon™
Harriet Tubman was that girl. After escaping slavery, she organized the famous “Underground Railroad”, a network of secret routes and safe houses that brought 100,000 enslaved African Americans to freedom. Tubman herself helped more than 70 people escape slavery, stating “I never ran my train off the track, and I never lost a passenger”. Her work risking her life as part of the Underground Railroad is incredible, but it’s not where her story ends. Let’s explore the many adventures and identities of Harriet Tubman after her time with the Underground Railroad.
In 1861, talk of a civil war was erupting across America. Harriet Tubman knew that a northern victory could abolish slavery for the entire country. Hence, she enlisted in the Union Army. At Fort Monroe, Tubman used her extensive knowledge of herbal medicine to heal wounded soldiers and fugitive enslaved people. She was more than a nurse. Tubman was an all-around caregiver, providing cooking, cleaning, and kindness to all her patients.
In 1863 Tubman transitioned from a nurse to a union head of espionage. She organized spy missions and secretly recruited team members. Most importantly, Tubman uncovered Confederate Army supply routes, turning the war toward Union victory. In South Carolina, she joined Colonel James Montgomery to organize the Combahee River raid. The raid successfully disrupted Confederate soldiers, liberated local enslaved people, and destroyed Confederate plantations.
After the War, Harriet Tubman married Nelson Davis and settled in Auburn, New York. She lived there with the family members she freed, and her adopted daughter, Gertie.
Harriet Tubman sold her home-grown produce, raised pigs, and accepted donations and loans from friends. Using the money, she bought land near her house and built The Harriet Tubman Home for Aged and Indigent Colored People. The nursing home welcomed poor and older members of her community free of charge. Tubman also raised funds for local schools and destitute children.
When the 19th-century Suffrage Movement rose, Harriet Tubman was a strong supporter. She joined prominent suffragists Lucretia Mott, Susan B. Anthony, and Elizabeth Cady Stanton and toured the northeast advocating for women’s rights. She held conferences in collaboration with organizations like the AME and Zion Church, dedicated to autonomy and freedom for women.
Harriet Tubman continued her work for love and equality until her passing in 1913. She lived her life to the fullest, devoting it to liberation for the vulnerable. More than a century after her passing, her legacy and power still live on. Harriet Tubman is an advocacy icon. Despite the extreme adversity she faced as a Black woman, Tubman changed the world and saved countless lives. She will forever be remembered as an inspiring American hero.
Ramadan is a sacred month for Muslims, revolving around prayer, charity, and celebration. It’s a time for fasting from sunrise to sunset. At Campus Dining by Thompson Hospitality, we want to recognize and honor this beautiful tradition. Let’s explore how people are honoring Ramadan all around the world.
In Egypt, Muslims celebrate Ramadan by filling the streets with Fanoos. These intricate lanterns originated from the ancient ruler of the Fatimid Dynasty, Al-Muizz. Caliph Al-Muizz had these lanterns constructed to bring light to Cairo during the nights of Ramadan. Today, lanterns are placed outside homes and shops, representing the joy the season brings. Egyptian Muslims can rely on Mesharati to awaken them for the Suhur meal. The drummers roam the streets before dawn, playing rhythmic beats, a tradition dating back to the Ottoman era. In Egypt, a cannon firing atop the Citadel marks the end of each day’s fast. Legend states the ritual originates from governor and military commander Mohamed Ali, who implemented the ritual for every evening meal.
During Ramadan, you’ll find the mosque steeples strung with lights. They illuminate the night displaying written messages of the Muslim faith. Turkish Muslims commemorate the season by enjoying a classic Hacivat and Karagöz puppet show. The characters Hacivat and Karagöz delight children and adults alike by telling cheeky stories about the month’s festivities. After the Iftar meal, dinner hosts offer their guests silver or gold coins. This tradition stems from the Ottoman era, representing the importance of gratitude and generosity.
After a strenuous day of fasting, Muslim Moroccans sit down for Iftar, often enjoying hearty dishes like Harira soup, fried fish, and flatbreads. The meal is punctuated with a satisfying cake made of roasted flour, honey, almonds, sesame, and comforting spices. Chebakia is another common dessert in Morocco. It’s prepared ahead by shaping the dough into a rose, frying it, and adding a drizzle of honey and orange blossom water.
During Ramadan, Albanians begin their day hearing the lodra, a doubleended cylinder drum that’s history comes from Romany tradition. The call serves as a wake-up for pre-sunrise breakfast, and drummers are thanked with offerings of food or money. Ramadan meals include a flaky pastry (byrek), a cheesy pasta dish (pastice), and eggplants roasted in garlic (imam bayildi).
Indian Muslims practice sadaqah during Ramadan, a way of giving back to those in need. It’s expressed through charitable donations and acts, like hosting iftar dinners for the less fortunate. When the sun is down, India’s bustling bazaars come to life. Here you can find vendors offering Ramadan Street foods like Sheer Khurma, Samosas, and Kebabs.
In preparation for the Iftar meal, Pakistani Muslims arrange food on trays. Pakistani iftars have multiple courses, starting with a palate cleanser of dates, black tea, and homemade lemonade. Samosas, a fried and stuffed pastry, are often served as an appetizer. The main course includes lamb or chicken curry and basmati rice, paired with vegetable side dishes.
Shia Muslims in Iran hold Ghadr Ceremonies on the 9th and 21st nights of Ramadan to commemorate Imam Ali’s significance. Ceremony attendees stay awake all night celebrating the teachings of Imam Ali, cousin, and sonin-law of the Islamic prophet Muhammad. In Iran, iftar is always finished with satisfying treats Zoolbia and Bamieh.
Lebanese Iftar is a lavish affair, often featuring a four-course meal with traditional dishes like lentil soup, Baklava, fattoush salad, and Jillab (a famous Ramadan drink). Muslim Families enjoy these treats at home or in Lebanese restaurants, savoring the season, company, and tasty foods.
Some of the most important Algerian traditions come before Ramadan even begins! Algerians prepare by cleaning their homes, making rose water and even painting their houses white! Refreshing one’s decor represents an invitation of blessings for the upcoming holy month. With preparation completed, Algerian Muslims can rely on the moon to know Ramadan has begun. The crescent moon sighting is a sacred ritual for Algerian Muslims, and families often prepare a special meal to honor its appearance. Once Ramadan starts, they look forward to gifts of rosewater from their neighbors. Used for cooking, distilled water symbolizes kindness and charity.
While Ramadan is observed differently around the world, each culture uses the month for spiritual growth, generosity, and self-reflection. We at Thompson Hospitality Services wish Ramadan Mubarak those who celebrate!
Smoothies are an excellent choice to satisfy your sweet tooth in a nutritious way. They don’t have to be complicated! Some of the best smoothie ingredients are sitting in your fridge, waiting to be discovered. Add in your favorite milk, yogurt, or fruit juice, and you’ve got sippable joy! Here are some smoothie mix-ins that will taste great and feel even better.
This is a classic smoothie combo with a nutritional twist. The strawberries add tang, and the bananas add a creamy, sweet finish. The spinach blends seamlessly with the two, so you won’t taste it! Add some chia seeds for a bit of extra protein.
Acai berries are anti-inflammatory and full of antioxidants. Best of all, they’re delicious! Acai berries have a dark, tart flavor that pairs beautifully with sweet strawberries. The kale adds nutrients to keep you full and energized.
This smoothie has a comforting blueberry tang with a sweet tropical twist. The fruits are full of antioxidants, and a handful of spinach takes it to a new nutritional level.
Cilantro has antifungal, antiseptic, and antibacterial properties that are super beneficial for the body. It has a sharp flavor to make your smoothie extra refreshing. To balance out the cilantro, pineapple, and kiwi give sweet, tropical notes. Plus, they’re rich in fiber and immune-boosting nutrients!
This satisfying smoothie tastes just like an orange creamsicle. The bananas add sweetness, the orange gives a satisfying tang, and the vanilla extract adds that creamy flavor. It’s like dessert, but with the energy and nutrition you need for any time of day.
Avocado has a lovely creaminess that makes smoothies thick and delicious, and it’s also full of healthy fats! The frozen banana adds sweetness, and a squeeze of lime gives a nice tang to cut through the creaminess.
Sipping this smoothie makes any time feel like a relaxing summer day. The peaches have a sweet, mild flavor perfectly highlighted by the spices. Cinnamon and ginger make this smoothie taste just like a peach pie.
This smoothie is perfect for using up the ingredients you already have on hand. The apple makes it refreshingly tart, and frozen mixed berries add thickness and depth of flavor. A bit of ginger gives this smoothie tang and ties its flavors together.
Turmeric has a comforting nutty flavor that works perfectly with the sweet tangy mango. It’s rich in phytonutrients to protect the body from free radicals, and the flax fills the smoothie with healthy fats.
Bananas keep the smoothie frothy and sweet, and Cacao provides a rich chocolate flavor. It’s also rich in iron and flavonoids that lower blood pressure and improve blood flow. A few tablespoons of peanut butter make the smoothie extra rich and delicious.
Frozen cherries create a tart and sour taste that pairs perfectly with almonds. Almond butter adds creaminess, flavor, and healthy fats. The vanilla extract ties these flavors together and makes them extra decadent.
For a smoothie ratio that works every time, use 2 parts frozen fruit, 1 part liquid (juice, milk, water), 1 part thickener (yogurt, nut butter, protein powder), and sweeteners and extras as desired (stevia, honey, agave).
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Leafy greens are a wellness cheat code. With so many tasty varieties, they’re the perfect ingredient to boost nutrition in every meal. Not sure where to start? Here’s how to slip tasty greens into your diet for winner’s-circle-worthy endurance
Starting the day with leafy vegetables is a great way to get the energy and nutrients you need for success. Try incorporating spinach into an omelet from the dining hall omelet bar, or use it in a side salad. For an at-home dish, try blending spinach in your favorite smoothie recipe. Spinach and kale have a mild flavor that works perfectly in muffins and pancakes. For a portable option, add spinach to a breakfast sandwich or wrap. Try savory overnight oatmeal with sautéed greens for a satiating make-ahead meal.
Need a midday snack break? Reach for leafy greens! Try using an air fryer to make satisfying crunchy cale kale chips or blend them for a green smoothie.
Lunch is an essential midday pick-me-up, so make it count! Take advantage of the dining hall’s salad bar to create a scrumptious and hearty dish. Add lettuce to a sandwich or wrap to amplify flavor and nutrients. A bed of chopped kale or lettuce works wonderfully under a burrito bowl, stir-fry, or pasta dish. Don’t like fresh greens? Try sneaking them in your lunch using the dining hall spinach herb tortillas, or spinach feta tomato hummus.
Dinner is the perfect opportunity to round out the day with a serving of leafy greens. You can never go wrong having a side of roasted kale or an arugula salad. Try blanching collards or broccoli rabe for a quick and easy meal bed. You can even use spinach in a pesto for pasta or meat rubs.
Leafy greens are a nutrient superstar and the perfect way to fuel success. They’re incredibly versatile, with countless varieties for every taste and occasion. For this month’s endurance eats, we’re looking at how to live a leafy LuxeLife™. “Lettuce” check out the benefits of these powerhouse plants.
Spinach Spinach is full of iron, vitamins C and E, potassium, and magnesium. Eating these nutrients supports the body’s immunity and digestion, and even prevents cancer! Spinach’s potassium lowers blood pressure, and its lutein protects the eyes from deteriorating. It’s refreshing taste and hint of sweetness make spinach subtle enough to work with a wide range of ingredients. Try enjoying the plant power in salads, smoothies, or stir-fries.
Kale If you want to look and feel fabulous, don’t bail on Kale! Because it’s rich in vitamins, folate, and fiber, kale lowers the risk of diseases. Its carotenoids nourish bones, skin, and hair. Kale is full of manganese that aids collagen production, giving you refreshed, glassy skin. It’s got a lovely earthy taste with nutty undertones. Like spinach, kale is subtle enough to be added to tons of dishes. Put it on eggs, pizza, and soups for crave-able kale dishes.
Microgreens Microgreens are harvested earlier than the vegetables they come from. They may be micro, but their flavor and nutrients aren’t! Microgreens have B vitamins like Thiamin, Riboflavin, and Niacin that keep the brain functioning and the mind healthy. High in Vitamin C, microgreens
Growing things from scratch is incredibly rewarding, especially when you do it with friends. Community gardening maintains the beauty of campus greenspaces, offering a peaceful retreat for all. Here are some benefits of community gardening, and
Gardening is incredibly therapeutic. Its immediate tasks and details shrink negative thoughts and feelings. A study by the Royal Horticulture Society found routine gardeners had better wellbeing and lower stress levels than those who don’t garden. By decreasing the bodies cortisol levels, Gardening minimizes anxiety, improves focus and concentration. It’s even linked to preventing dementia!
When you’re gardening, the time in the sun lowers blood pressure and increases vitamin D levels. The natural absorption of vitamin D maintains healthy bones, builds immunity and help you soak up other important nutrients. Gardening requires quite a bit of energy, so it’s a great form of exercise. Routine physical activity like gardening lowers the risk of heart
Your Campus is your home. It’s where you study, eat, socialize, and live a Luxe Life. Tidy school grounds promote a happy mind. If you want an environment to be proud of, keep reading to learn about clean campus living.
A messy room can make it hard to get anything done, and the same goes for a messy campus. Keeping it trash-free reduces the risk of overstimulation and increases your ability to concentrate. By boosting your mood and reducing stress, an attractive campus helps you associate studying with joy. This enhances productivity, as studies found a direct correlation between higher productivity and neater areas. Those who live and work in dirty spaces are more likely to make errors in their work. Not only is a neat campus beneficial, so is the act of cleaning itself! Tidying up campus lifts your mood and focus and helps you feel more in control of the surroundings.
A good-looking environment unifies the community. Creating a beautiful living and working space promotes safety, comfort, and belonging. Well-kept communal areas are an ideal spot for relaxing and hanging out with friends. The cleaner these areas are, the more popular and fun they become!
Beautifying your campus is as easy as a few mindful habits. When using common areas, clean up after yourself. Start with throwing away trash and wiping down used surfaces. Dispose of litter, whether it’s yours or someone else’s. If you can’t find a trash can, carry the trash until you do. When tossing out paper, plastic bottles, cans, or cardboard, remember to use recycling bins. Try reducing campus waste with reusable water bottles, coffee mugs, and food containers. Take notes digitally using your laptop to prevent paper litter.
Let’s create a campus we can be proud of! Clean up and encourage friends to do the same. To help beautify campus, sign up for this month’s Garden Giveback event where we will enjoy some community gardening.
Marketing Contacts
Daniela-Gabrielle Smallwood, Vice President of Marketing and Programming
daniela.smallwood@thompsonhospitality.com (571) 446–7430
Stacey Gibson, Director of Retail Marketing
stacey.gibson@thompsonhospitality.com (571) 524–8566
Editorial Staff
Gina Godwin, Creative Director
Yolanda Waters, Chief Editor
Heaven Smallwood, Editor
Allison McBride, Contributing Writer
Tess Mazzucchelli, Graphic Designer