College Students Caryn and Kyan's Campus Wellness Journey Takes Center Stage
Unfiltered, Ever-Ready Assistant:
Pang's Colorful Path
I was raised amidst the clatter of chopsticks and the aroma of exotic spices. My childhood years were spent in the Philippines, Taiwan, and Pennsylvania, where my folks owned a Chinese eatery nicknamed Pang's Garden. Reminiscing about this charm-filled den, I realize it significantly shaped me into who I am today.
What made it special? Witnessing my parents, as startup whizzes, successfully launch something we all could take pride in. Their humble Chinese restaurant ignited a spark within them to expand, and they conquered what was then considered more refined Chinese cuisine in the area. They infused regional Taiwanese cuisine, giving American foodies a novel tasting adventure.
My mother, a dream weaver, instilled that gift in me as well. She taught me to dream big and appreciate the importance of building relationships. Those early years laid a solid foundation for understanding how to create meaningful connections.
Chapter 2: Coco's Influence
Post-Pang’s Garden, I ventured to Boston for my undergraduate and MBA, then headed to New York to attend the Fashion Institute of Technology. My hubby is the one who nudged me into the Global Fashion Management program there. Pregnant with our daughter during the program, I gallivanted across the globe-Hong Kong, Paris-and even presented to the big cheese at Christian Dior himself. I revered Coco Chanel, a powerful entrepreneur and designer who revolutionized women's fashion and served as an inspiration for countless designers who followed. I can't forget that poignant moment, sitting on the very same stairs she once sat, pregnant with my little girl in my arms, whispering, "Baby girl, we've arrived."
Chapter 3: Denim's Dark Side
In a corporate executive role for years, my experiences shaped me as a businesswoman and an educator. This background allows me to guide students by sharing strategic wisdom and the art of effective communication. I always urge students, "You have to be the captain of your ship. Lead yourself first, and then lead others."
My inaugural lecture at our university in 2020 was Marketing & Society, part of the MIM program. I wanted it to center on topics meaningful and relatable to my students, so the challenge project involved brainstorming sustainable marketing solutions for the highly polluting denim industry - a fashion staple almost everyone wears daily.
I'm always innovating, always pushing the boundaries to drive students to think critically and unleash their creative potential.
Chapter 4: Self-Care Sermon
The follow-up year to 2020 was rough, Covid-19 testing everyone's resilience. Our campus inhabitants - international students, far from home, struggling with isolation - were hit hard. As an elder sister, I reached out to them: "I know you've just returned from the holidays, it's gloomy and cold. I need you to promise me that you'll take care of yourself. Remember, the weather can affect your mood."
This 2022 batch of our university's Master's in International Marketing is close to my heart. As the one who led them from beginning to end, I wanted to make their graduation memorable. I envisioned a project that would not only boost their resumes but also encourage personal growth, and so I thought to create a Wellness Hub.
Chapter 5: Kyan and Sarah Asem
I collaborated with the Kyan Projects Foundation, managed by members of the Jordanian royal family, headed by Sarah Asem. The collaborative partnership between us has been spectacular. Sarah has imparted invaluable wisdom, and our synergy is undeniable - as she says, "Make your partner your partner."
The students in my Marketing & Society course, fresh from their innovation class, re-branded Kyan. They came up with a captivating idea of a Kyan learning bus that could visit schools, helping children and parents. That's when Sarah revealed her ambition of opening Kyan wellness centers in schools. Why not start with our campus?
Chapter 6: Kyan Lands on Campus
With countless Zoom meetings and partnerships within the university, the hub dream became reality. I owe a debt of gratitude to our Operations Director, Colleen DeBeasi, who made it all happen. The former dean, Gonzalo Chavez, too, supported the venture empathetically, advocating for an enriching learning environment for our students.
Together, the students' idea sprouted into a tangible space that was a testament to teamwork and passion.
Chapter 7: It's a lot!
We're number one. Our school is the pinnacle of business education. But, it's a grueling journey. The one-year programs are intensive, demanding, and fast-paced. My students put in immense effort, week in and week out. That's when I felt the need for a space where they could catch their breath.
And that's when the Wellness Hub was born – a sanctuary away from the pressure of academics and work, allowing students a moment to recharge and reignite their zest for learning.
Chapter 8: Coping Skills
Sarah now plans to work on specialized wellness programs focused on building coping skills. It's crucial, especially for students embarking on new programs in a foreign country. Through such initiatives, students will learn to tackle negative feelings and Master the art of self-care.
So, we're expanding our Kyan Wellness Hub to encompass more of our institutions. Stay tuned and prepare to flourish!
Catch Dr. Pang in action, teaching the Business of Fashion elective to students on rotation at our university's New York campus!
- In my marketing course, I encouraged students to think critically and creatively, innovating sustainable marketing solutions for the denim industry, focusing on health-and-wellness and mental-health aspects.
- Leadership and personal-growth were cornerstones of my inaugural lecture in 2020, as I urged students to lead themselves, emphasizing the importance of self-care and understanding the impact of mental health on their academic performance.
- Recognizing the difficulties faced by international students during the Covid-19 pandemic, I prioritized their well-being, encouraging self-care and emphasizing the connection between their mental health and the weather's effect on their mood.
- Collaborating with the Kyan Projects Foundation, I integrated science and education-and-self-development by leading my students in the re-branding and creation of a learning bus focused on health-and-wellness and mental-health initiatives in schools.
