Forward Magazine January 2023

As we embark on the New Year, we are excited about the journey that 2023 and the upcoming spring semester will bring to us. Over this upcoming semester, our focus is to continue keeping our campuses happy, healthy, and safe. With a continued programming of events both familiar and fresh, protocols to keep our campuses clean and safe, and wonderful recipes for everyone we cannot wait to welcome our communities back to campus.

A focal point over the winter break was to refresh and reset. At headquarters, we focused on evaluating our program to make improvements while operators honed in on deep cleaning and refreshing our locations. Together, we collaborated to not only improve for this upcoming semester, but to get some rest and reset individually so that we can have a successful semester.

As you may know, areas around the country have seen an uptick in cases of COVID-19. With students returning from all over the world, and many guests having traveled over the holidays, we are continually being vigilant to ensure that we are focused on safety measures and protocols. Going into this new semester, our operators have been given the tools to have a safe and successful dining program with the help of our team at headquarters as well as our campus dining partners. We are committed to partnering and working together over another calendar year and we look forward to welcoming our honored guests back to campus.

Together We Thrived. Together We Move Forward.

Maurice P. Jenoure, Chief Operating Officer

Dina Zaikouk, Vice President of Operations

Reclaiming My Ten Ways to Personal Reclamation

Happy New Year! We at Thompson Hospitality hope your holiday season was terrific and provided much-needed relaxation time to start the year fresh! With a new year comes a new semester of opportunities, including new ways to have a luxurious campus experience.

Looking back, 2022 was the year of adjustments. The world was beginning to learn how to adapt to a new normal following COVID-19. As the world slowly opened, students everywhere were figuring out how to maneuver campus life again after almost two years of online instruction.

To help you transition back into a normal life, we will continue to produce Campus Dining programming that upholds our promise that “you are worth going the extra mile.”

Whether you had a great fall semester or a not-so-great one, it is time to reclaim your luxurious life. Here are some ways you can start your spring semester off great!

Learn from your mistakes

Whether you could have done better in a class, failed your first assignment, or missed out on opportunities, there is always room to try again. College is about finding who you are and rising through all adversities. Moving forward, find the lessons in your hardships and reflect on last semester, thinking about why outcomes turned out the way they did. Once you have that answer, try a different technique. Understanding that there is always room for growth will change your outlook.

Write down your goals

It is easy to speak your dreams to existence but to ensure you are on the right track, list a few things you want to accomplish this semester. Your list does not have to be long or include your long-term goals. Instead, focus on the months ahead to alleviate any added stress. Your list can consist of getting a better class grade, attending more campus events, or sleeping more at night. Your goals should be catered to you.

Experience and enjoy the campus

The best thing about college is the available opportunities. Social media is a great tool to keep up to date with what is going on at your school. If you do not follow all the pages associated with your university, follow them. You will be surprised how much happens on your campus that you may not be privy to. If your time allows, explore the campus. There may be an event you can go to with your friends, free items available on campus, new food items and unique desserts in the dining hall, or a career fair.

Join Campus Organizations

Another great way to get involved on your campus is to join campus organizations. Campus organizations allow students to find a community and haven within their university. From recreational clubs focusing on anime, video games, or theater to cultural clubs, there is room

for everyone! Finding out if your university has any clubs related to your major is also essential. Organizations geared towards your major can allow you to network and introduce you to career opportunities.

Search and apply for career opportunities

It is always early enough to look for career opportunities while in school. During downtime, research jobs and internships that fit your field of study or interest. The best time to look for internships for the summer is during the beginning of the spring semester. Most applications begin to open up around this time, with the deadline being early to mid-March. It is good to start the search now to give yourself an idea of what jobs are for you.

Try new food in the dining hall

Soul food Wednesday and Fried Fish Friday will always be a staple at HBCUs; however, the next time you step into the dining hall, try something you wouldn’t usually try. Indulge in our vegan and vegetarian options or try our Exhibition station or Passport restaurant, which includes various cuisines from different cultures. There is so much to choose from, so why not dabble in something new?

Manage your time

Time management is one of your most important lessons in college. It takes time to master, but it is always good to practice now. Obtaining a planner or a wall calendar can help you track all you need to do throughout the day. Also, setting reminders on your phone for what assignment is due, when to study for an upcoming test, and when to rest your mind can help you keep your day manageable and less stressful.

Plan a self-care day

You come first! Remember that and tell yourself that whenever you become overwhelmed or overstimulated. College is fun but also stressful, so it is imperative that you plan at least twice a month a day dedicated to you and you only. Your self-care day should include whatever will recharge you to keep going. Whether you take a trip home to disconnect from the campus entirely, hang out with friends, have a movie marathon, or catch up on sleep, it is up to you.

Keep an open mind

College is not easy, and too much stress can deter you from your goals. That is why it is essential to keep an open mind about college and take care of yourself. College may seem long now, but time will fly by. For now, understand that you are one step closer to your goals and that everything will be okay. Do not be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone.

Celebrate your accomplishments

It takes a lot of perseverance to continue to try harder when the going gets tough. Therefore, you should celebrate whenever you overcome an obstacle, pass a test, obtain a leadership position, get a good night’s sleep, or ace an assignment. It may seem silly at first, but the more you congratulate yourself, the less hard on yourself you will be. You are here in college to learn the tools needed for your career field, and that is not an easy or inexpensive task. Celebrate you always because you deserve it.

DREAM Keeping the Alive

On August 28th, 1963, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. took to the steps of the Lincoln Memorial to give his legendary I Have a Dream speech to more than 200,000 people. As his voice and speech of freedom rang through the microphones, it touched the hearts of everyone in attendance and encouraged everyone watching at home to keep their faith. Today, in 2023, the powerful words of Dr. King continue to be relevant. With the significant changes over the last 60 years, we must carry on with his dream and reflect on his words.

Dr. King was an American minister and activist during the mid-1950s up until his assassination in 1968. He was one of the most prominent figures during the civil rights movement, fighting against the unfair treatment of Black people at the time. He is most notable for his participation in the March on Washington, which aimed to bring awareness to African Americans’ unequal treatment nationwide since the emancipation proclamation.

King’s speech was not originally geared toward his dream for the country but as a call for change in America. It was not until famous gospel singer Mahalia Jackson called out to him, asking about “the dream,” which references the theme from a previous speech. Thus began his most quotable rephrase, “I have a dream.”

The message of equality and freedom touched the people’s souls at the march and prompted the current president, John F. Kennedy, and his administration to take the necessary actions to make the dream of millions come true.

Following the march, King and other civil rights leaders met with President Kennedy and Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson to discuss the need for the appropriate legislation for proper civil rights. In 1964, the Civil Rights Act was passed, which prohibits the discrimination of a person based on their race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. The following year, the Voting Rights Act of 1965 was passed, which prohibits racial discrimination practices during voting.

Reflecting on the speech, it is crucial to understand the significant strides made since then. As a nation, we have come so far as African Americans have made history daily in different areas such as politics, entertainment, art, and sports. It is essential to note that there is still room for improvement.

We must look at what we have overcome as a nation and the work that still needs to be done every day, including economic, housing, public safety, and health issues. King’s words matter now more than ever. He instilled hope into people and empowered them to keep the fight alive sixty years after the speech.

Now is the time to get involved with your community. Give back to those in need and speak up for any injustice you see. As college students, you can create change and inspire the next generation. The people mobilizing in the 50s and 60s were made of college students just like you. As young people, you must continue holding on to the hope Dr. King mentioned in his speech. Together, we must continue to treat one another with love and respect as King intended.

This is our hope. This is the faith that I go back to the South with. With this faith, we will be able to hew a stone of hope out of the mountain of despair.

-Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. March on Washington, 1963

HOW TO ENGAGE AND APPRECIATE YOUR SERVERS

As we roll into the new year, we have a lot to celebrate this month. January commemorates Food Server Appreciation month to start the year, encouraging customers to show appreciation to their servers when they go out.

There are multiple ways to show servers appreciation that has less to do with monetary compensation and more to do with common human decency. Treating people with the same respect you would want can go a long way. Servers worldwide are working to put a smile on our faces, and this month, we will go the extra mile to put a smile on theirs.

Campus Dining by Thompson Hospitality would like you to join us in appreciating our dining staff for their hard work serving our campus communities. Here is a way to show appreciation to your dining staff and servers!

Greet your dining staff

We all have days where we are not feeling our best, including your dining staff. At Thompson Hospitality, we encourage our staff to make our guests and students feel welcome at every dining facility. As simple as it may be, a hello can go a long way. Your dining staff members are not just there to serve you but should be treated like human beings. When you enter the dining hall, greet the staff at the door and the employees serving your food. You never know what a hello can lead to.

Clean up your table following your meal

Your dining staff cleans up during and after each dining period to ensure that everyone’s visit is comfortable. Even still, you’ll find that you spend almost as much time in the dining hall as anywhere else on campus, like your dorm or apartment. Treat your dining hall with the love and care you would do at home, and discard your plates in the proper dish area. This is helpful to staff and shows respect for your campus.

Compliment their service

We all love to hear that what we do is impactful at work and in life. Our dining staff love what they do and their impact on students and guests. When the food hits the spot, the decorations catch your eye, or the event moves you, deliver a compliment to the staff! We love and appreciate all your feedback. If we do something right, we want to know so we can continue to provide you with a luxurious experience.

Engage in conversation with dining staff

You never know what you may learn from people after one exchange or a few. The exchange may be short because of your busy schedule as a student; nevertheless, take that 60 seconds while waiting for your food to get to know the staff serving you. Do you know their names? How long have they been working there? Where are they from? You never know how much you can connect or have in common with the people you see daily but haven’t spoken to.

Smile

As a college student dealing with various types of stress, you may not have anything to say or know what to say that day. That is okay! A simple smile can go a very long way. A smile holds a thousand words and can also make someone’s day. A smile also assures the dining staff that everything is okay with their service. The next time you go to the dining hall, don’t forget to bring your smile!

Though many countries use January 1st to commemorate the start of the new year, many Asian cultures celebrate the new year differently.

On January 22nd, 2023, the Chinese New Year (or Lunar new year to places outside of China) will commence with a festival marking the beginning of spring and the start of the new year according to the Chinese lunar calendar. The Chinese Lunar calendar is behind a few days of the Gregorian calendar, which is used internationally.

Before it was a big celebration and festival, it was meant for farmers and workers to rest after their year-long hard work. Afterward, they would be ready to return to work after being well-rested. Today, people take the time to rejuvenate themselves for the year. However, while resting, people take time to spend with their families and prepare for the new year.

Dumplings

Made with minced meat and chopped vegetables, Chinese dumplings are seen as a sign of wealth. They can be fried, boiled, or steamed and filled with meat and vegetables from cabbage, radish, pork, chicken, shrimp, and beef. Be careful not to serve those dumplings with sauerkraut; many believe it may lead to a poor and challenging future.

Spring rolls

This popular east Chinese dish is said to bring wealth during the new year if consumed. Spring rolls are named after the time of year and can be filled with sweet or savory fillings. They are often wrapped and fried to give them their golden color, representing gold bars.

Leading up to the new year, families usually thoroughly clean their homes to eliminate “the old” and make room for “the new.” Other traditions include visiting relatives decorating their homes, giving gifts and red envelopes with money, setting off fireworks, wearing new clothes, and some religious practices.

One of the Chinese New Year’s most important parts is the grand dinner with the entire family. At dinner, they would primarily eat food deemed lucky to fuel themselves with good fortune and blessings going into the year.

Here is a list of foods that bring luck on the Chinese New Year:

Fish

Eating fish during this time is a tradition of prosperity in the new year. The most common way to serve fish is steamed; however, the type of fish is based on what the family hopes for. For instance, eating catfish is a wish for a surplus in the new year, whereas a Chinese mud carp symbolizes good fortune.

Longevity Noodles

Noodles are eaten during this celebration to live a long and happy life. The noodles are intentionally long and uncut to symbolize a wish for longevity. This dish is mainly eaten in North China on Chinese New Year and is served either fried or boiled in a bowl of broth.

Sweet Rice Balls

Sweet rice balls are the primary food eaten for the Chinese new year’s lantern festival. In southern China, it is consumed during the spring festival. The sweet rice balls symbolize family togetherness.

Cooking Up Excellence: Ingredients for a Healthier Eating Regimen

It is easy to fall into an unhealthy eating pattern while in college. The hustle and bustle of every day can lead you to forget to take proper care of yourself. As much as the media may push a healthy eating style on society, one of the main ingredients for such a lifestyle is left out- money.

It is costly for the average person in the United States to have a healthy diet. According to financebuzz.com, after surveying 1,000 adults, many have kept their diet the same because of the spike in food costs in 2022.

According to the USDA, foods low in calories, such as fruits and vegetables, are often higher in price compared to unhealthy snacks and food. A recent study from My Plate Dietary Guidelines found that it would cost between $1,000- $1,200 a month for a family of four to maintain a healthy diet. For a single person, the average cost of food is a little over $300 a month, depending on the prices in your area.

It may seem challenging to navigate a healthy eating plan amidst the stress of school. To combat the growing prices of groceries and fresh produce, it is vital that you take full advantage of the delicious healthy food in your Campus Dining program.

Here are some tips to help get you started on a healthy eating plan.

Balance your meals

A balanced diet gives your body the nutrients it needs to work effectively. To have a balanced diet, you must ensure you eat all the essential elements the body needs, such as vitamins, protein, fiber, water, carbohydrates, and lipids. A balanced diet looks different for everyone. However, the Harvard school of public health recommends incorporating fruits and vegetables on ½ of your plate, whole grains ¼ of your plate, protein ¼, and oils like olive, canola, and soy.

Drink water

Drinking water has been proven to help the body in numerous ways. Water helps regulate body temperature and blood pressure, skin health, joint health, kidney function, energy boosting, digestive efficiency, and much more. According to mayoclinic.com, you may need to modify your total fluid intake depending on your environment, overall health, how much you exercise, or if you are pregnant and breastfeeding.

Eat foods with a high level of calcium

Do you remember the “Got Milk?” campaign, where celebrities advocated for people to drink milk to increase their calcium intake to gain solid and healthy bones? They were not wrong! Increasing calcium also helps regulate normal heart rhythms and nerve functions, soothes muscles, etc. The campaign focused on milk; however, you can get calcium from other dairy items, almonds, leafy greens, seeds, beans, lentils, oranges, blackberries, broccoli, eggs, and more.

Gain a routine eating schedule

In college, it may be challenging to get on a routine eating schedule while juggling classes and extracurricular activities. To help you incorporate a regular eating schedule into your day, visit your Campus Dining website or follow their Instagram page to get their meal period schedule. You can visit a dining location between classes to grab a quick meal during breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It is essential to practice an eating schedule because it helps you maintain a balanced diet and gain more energy for your body throughout the day.

Have healthy snacks for a treat on the go

Your visits to the dining hall may be sporadic due to conflicts with your class schedule, or you may be using your free time to study or rest. If you’re running low on time, pack some snacks to hold you over until you can eat an entire meal. Some healthy grab-and-go snacks that boost your energy include assorted fruits, nuts, or granola bars.

Limit sodium and added sugars

When you’re hungry, going to fast food restaurants or eating unhealthy snacks is easy. Too much indulgence can harm your body. Monitor how much sodium and sugar you are intaking to prevent having various health problems in the future. A high sodium intake can lead to high blood pressure, and too much sugar can lead to high blood sugar and negatively impact your cholesterol. Before going to the dining hall, look at the nutrition facts on your Campus Dining website.

Eat moderate amounts of healthy fats and limit unhealthy fats

Too much of anything is unhealthy for you, so doctors recommend eating moderate amounts of healthy fats to give your body energy and support cell function. Healthy fats also lower the risk of heart disease and strokes. Next time you are in the dining hall, look for healthy fat options such as avocados, foods made with olive oil, eggs, fish, and beans, to name a few

Choose healthier fast-food options

You may not always make it to the dining hall for a meal period, and when that happens, you may find yourself at a fast-food restaurant. While there, try to go for healthier options on the menu, like something grilled instead of fried, items with less salt, or a hearty salad. Another option is to keep track of your calorie intake and note how many calories each item has.

Get a Good Night’s Rest

Eating healthy is not the only essential component of a sound eating regimen. You must get a good night’s sleep!

According to Healthline.com, sleep deprivation may increase your appetite and cause you to eat more calories than needed. This can quickly lead to unhealthy eating habits. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that adults ages 18-60 get at least 7 hours or more each night.

Reflect, Replace, and Reinforce

As you enter this new eating regimen, understand that it may take work. Some days, you may indulge in your favorite guilty pleasure. That is okay. Use the CDC’s thoughtful approach on this new eating journey, which encourages you to reflect, replace, and reinforce.

Reflect on the good and bad eating habits. What triggers you to eat unhealthily?

Replace your unhealthy habits with healthier ones, like the tips above.

Reinforce new and healthier habits in your everyday life.