Shayne Marketing · Grand Island, Nebraska
As an adopted, first-generation college student, Shayne has experienced many firsts throughout his life in college. His background sets him apart in the way he approaches his time at the university. He credits the skills he learned when preparing for college - leadership, integrity and work ethic - as the things that have carried him through and led him to success. The connections he’s made through classes and involvement have transformed his perception of his ability to benefit the campus community. He encourages his peers to “make a difference and put yourself out there…leave the university in a better place than when you got here.”
Read all student storiesJesse Assistant Professor ·
For more than 10 years, University of Nebraska–Lincoln professor Jesse Fleming has been teaching others about mindfulness. Jesse describes mindfulness as a practice, an awareness and a state of being that allows people to learn about themselves and the world. Along with providing the benefits of a deeper understanding of oneself and the world, mindfulness and meditation can also have an effect on health, according to Jesse. Clinical proof shows that the practice of meditation can help with stress reduction, anxiety and more. At the new Johnny Carson Center for Emerging Media Arts, Jesse uses his expertise in the field of mindfulness to aid in his exploration of the constantly-developing world of media creation. He runs the Perceptual Technologies Lab, where he researches and creates immersive perceptual experiences centered on mindfulness. And when he's not stretching his strengths in the lab identifying new technologies, Jesse can be found teaching others about the practice of mindfulness. Every Monday he hosts the Mindfulness Meditation Drop-In Series. The series gives students, faculty and staff the opportunity to learn and practice mindfulness with Jesse and others in an accepting group environment. "I feel very...touched and open to everyone who comes through the door for these sessions," Jesse said, "Because I know that is says, 'we're all going through stuff, we're all looking for a release, and we're willing to give something a try.'"
Read all faculty storiesRachel Yoga Instructor · Hickman, Nebraska
Before the picnic blankets are laid out and the music starts at Jazz in June, you can find members of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln community doing yoga among the greenery by Woods Art Building. Run by Rachel Huenink, a group fitness instructor with UNL Campus Rec, the classes provide an opportunity for students to drop in and participate in a yoga class that's surrounded by the sun and nature. "It's a really great way to have fun, it's a good way to meet people," Rachel said, "And to help people just feel good in their bodies." Before transitioning to teaching yoga, Rachel worked as an addiction therapist. She holds a masters in counseling psychology and said that she thinks many of the mental health practices she learned in graduate school come from yoga traditions. In fact, she said that many of the people in her 500-hour training program are mental health professionals. "There's certainly a lot of overlap," Rachel said. For Rachel, teaching yoga is a way to help students de-stress and unwind from the pressures of college. She likes to keep her classes lighthearted, often calling it "smiling yoga" since that's what she wants her participants to be focusing on. "Life is pretty serious. School is very hard," Rachel said, "Yoga class shouldn't be something that stresses you out."
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