Welcome back to the Student Success spotlight, an opportunity to recognize the people and resources that make a difference in Drake students’ lives. Each week, we’ll shine a light on the outstanding individuals and initiatives that contribute to the success and growth of our community.

This week features Claire Muselman, assistant professor of practice in leadership, HR, organizational behavior, and The Happiness Wall.

Regarding The Happiness Wall:
The Happiness Wall began as a heartfelt extension of a practice I introduced when I started teaching at Drake in 2019 – the “Tell me three good things since the last time we saw each other.” As an adjunct for a night class, my time with the students was limited. I yearned to create genuine connections and look for mutual connection points to foster a sense of belonging and trust. I continued this and still do in all of my classes. Now that I am full-time faculty, it is time to create something that will make the world awesome and expand the depth of this gratitude practice.

With the Happiness Wall & Three Good Things in the classroom, I aimed to:|
1. Make each student feel seen, heard, and acknowledged. For those moments, time is theirs. 100% undivided attention.
2. Cultivate a positive environment because a positive mindset is always more open to learning.
3. Emphasize the undeniable health benefits of gratitude, supported by numerous studies.
4. Learn about my students – their hobbies, values, and joys – fostering deeper human connections. This is a great way to learn about where they spend their time, talent, and treasures. <- Truly the only things that we have in life.
5. Set each student up for success by creating an optimistic culture wherein they feel encouraged to explore, make mistakes, and grow.
6. Control the classroom environment to ensure it is supportive and conducive to student growth.
7. Facilitate easy ice-breakers to kickstart each session.

When the pandemic hit, the importance of focusing on the good things and expressing gratitude became even more pronounced. The activity not only became a way to keep spirits high but also a beacon of resilience. I still feel this way even post-pandemic because of the mental health crisis we see all around us. Finding even the simplest of joys within a day can be a small sliver of hope someone needs to keep going.

Advice for others who are interested in this initiative:
It is simple and powerful. Start small, be consistent, and always come from a place of genuine interest in the well-being and success of your students or team.

Highlights:
Seeing students’ faces light up, witnessing their growth, and observing deeper bonds forming among peers have been the most heartwarming outcomes. The Happiness Wall has become more than just an activity; it is a testament to the strength and resilience of our community.

Specific wins of note:

– I had my first therapy session today.
– Saturday night in San Diego after the win was one of the best nights I’ve ever had.
– My last-second play made ESPN’s Sports Center Top 10.
– I watched my friend win the MVC Championships.
– I shared a meal of food with my roommates.
– The holiday season is approaching, meaning more time with friends & family.

My favorite things about teaching and advising Drake students:

It is witnessing their transformative journey – from being unsure freshmen to confident individuals ready to take on the world. Their passion, enthusiasm, and dedication inspire me every day.