University of Phoenix NSLS May Newsletter

UNIVERSITY OF PHOENIX

MAY 2024

ABOUT US

The University of Phoenix NSLS chapter has reached a membership total of 60,077 in May 2024. We continue thriving to become the #1 university chapter in the nation.

EDITOR’S LETTER

Bradley Fowler, MA, MSc, MPP, MRes, PhD candidate

This newsletter is our 4th edition, and focuses on the Induction Ceremony happening on May 15th, 2024. This edition encompasses a reminder note from our chapter president, Timothy James, who was interviewed in a YouTube video, which can still be viewed via the link provided in this edition. The Membership Spotlight features Contessa Walker-Jackson (Associate Vice President of Alumni Relations), Tim O’Neil (Contributing Writer), and Tiara Jefferson. This is our first Spring/Summer edition newsletter, which is minimized in content. In the Something Fun section, you can engage in online crossword puzzles. On the Career Page, you can browse job links. You also should mark your calendar for the Induction Ceremony, if you RSVP to attend. If you neglected to RSVP by the scheduled date, you can contact V.P. of Operations, Selena Oliver to inquire about being included in the November 2024 ceremony. Welcome aboard all new inductees, your feedback and input is greatly needed to help spearhead this chapter towards the pinnacle of excellence it aims to be.

President‘s Corner

Greetings fellow National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS) members. I would like to thank everyone of you for your contributions to our society. The success of any organization or society is in the strength of its members and each of your contributions strengthen our society. As we continue to strengthen ourselves professionally and personally as leaders, let us always be mindful to be observant and active listeners. While many of us are busy managing our school, work, and social life, within the day, we sometimes forget to take the time out of our busy schedules to observe and actively listen to family members, friends, and/or co-workers. We get caught up in the moment of completing assignments before deadlines, or rushing to a meeting that we sometimes overlook small details. It is important to take the time to observe and actively listen to one another. Sometimes, a simple conversation could mean the world to someone else. Sometimes, just actively listening to a family member, friend, or co-worker about a situation can help solve simple problems.

As leaders we owe it to our family, friends, co-workers, and respective community members to be observant, engaged, and active participants. While the skill of actively listening can be challenging, it is a quality that every one of you possess. Just think for a moment, when you needed someone’s advice or opinion on a matter. You wanted that individuals attention and engagement in the conversation or discussion. As leaders we need to be mindful of those moments, and seize those opportunities to listen and assist others. As we continue our journey to enhance ourselves professional and personally, remember to be mindful of your actions. Observe your surroundings. Take a few moments out of your schedule to engage in a conversation with a family member, friend, co-worker, or community member, and actively listen to that individual. Display those great leadership qualities every one of you possess.

Sincerely,

Timothy James President UoPX Chapter

National Society of Leadership and Success

Listen and watch, President Tim James interview on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TviBFlXlJgk

ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENT OF ALUMNI RELATIONS/

CONTESSA WALKER-JACKSON

Contessa was inducted in the University of Phoenix NSLS chapter in 2022 and currently operates as the Associate Vice President of Alumni Relations. She admits that she manages time between her work responsibilities and personal life, which she shares is a task for maintaining balance and self-care.

Contessa shares that she takes precedence in her well-being with exercise, shopping, reading, and traveling. Several strategies she implemented as a K12 school owner, doctoral student, mother, etiquette and manners coach, and businesswoman. Contessa admits that she uses a desk calendar and agenda organizer to prioritize tasks based on what is important, and conveys that she has mastered the art of delegating tasks when possible. She adds that she established boundaries between work and personal time, setting aside dedicated periods for both domains to avoid burnout and have time for her family.

As a National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS) member and E-board officer, I find great fulfillment in mentoring and guiding others. It's gratifying when individuals, regardless of age, seek my advice and view me as a role model. I take pride in helping them develop life skills and boost their self-esteem as they embark on their journeys. I've motivated others to pursue their goals by sharing my TESStimonies and practical advice. I'm excited to share that I'm the Chapter President of the University of Phoenix (UOPX) Alumni Chapter in Alabama, where we've created more than just a community. I plan to create a vibrant, supportive network for the alumni to connect, share experiences, and support each other by providing resources for our members' continued growth and development. I believe we can achieve more together.

As I approach the final year of my doctoral studies and continue to manage my roles as a K-12 school owner, mother, etiquette and manners coach, and businesswoman, I'm eager to use my NSLS membership to raise awareness of our chapter on social media. I've developed a strategic plan to share engaging posts about our chapter's events, achievements, and opportunities on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. By reaching out to a broader audience and encouraging participation from students and faculty, I hope to create a buzz around our NSLS activities and further community and involvement among members.

With two master's degrees in education already attained, I refused to rest on my achievements. I own a K-12 school, produce the Fix My Education docuseries, operate an event planning firm called Exclusively By Tess, run a non-profit organization named Teacher's PETS Inc., curate perfumes, and a fellow author, actor, and model. In 2020, I developed a Social-Emotional Learning Curriculum tailored to the emotional needs and essential skills beyond academics for 6th-12th grade students. Not stopping there, I identified the importance of inclusivity in education and began learning Spanish fluently. This endeavor was driven by a desire to bridge language obstacles so all students have equal access to quality education. I teach students in some of the following countries: Japan, China, Israel, Cyprus, Ukraine, Belarus, Brazil, Costa Rica, to name a few.

Favorite travel destinations: Miami, FL. & Nashville, TN

Favorite meal: A nice green salad and pizza Hobbies: relaxing, shopping, and traveling

Learn more about Contessa and her dynamic accomplishments and business endeavors https://mytesstimony.com/

Contributing

Writer- Tim Hugh O‘Neil

Tim was inducted in the NSLS University of Phoenix chapter in September 2023. He admits that he depends on Office 360; mainly the “To Do” APP, to remind himself of his responsibilities and manage his schedule. He says, he usually forecast the whole year with major events and then take it one week at a time (with work, school, his small business ambitions, social life, etc.). He adds, that his budget is on Xcel worksheet, and he plans his activities according to what he can afford. He shares that he invests in a lot of self-care and resting. Tim advocates politically for good causes, which he thinks the NSLS executive board should do as well. Tim believes that doing so would have a big impact and show a positive sign of unity and concern for each other’s goals and movements as NSLS leaders in the world.

Tim shares that he’s taking a break from the most common social media, like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. But continues to utilize LinkedIn to show reels of how he got all his “swag”, gear, and induction certificate. Tim admits that he also has the badges on his profile, and his NSLS title. Tim supports his friends from class on LinkedIn as well, and shares that it is nice to see them leading and thriving.

Tim explains that one thing that motivates him the most is that he stays close to his inner intuition because it guides him. He says this enables him to feel like he is not getting off track or is unsafe. His current profession is a full-time construction CAD designer. Tim is also the owner and CEO of Lionheart Complementary Health Network, which he plans to expand across the US. Academically, Tim is a pre-law student, as well as currently earning a BA.

Favorite place to travel: Lake Tahoe

Favorite food: traditional German family meal: garlic sausage, hotdogs, sauerkraut, mash potatoes, and pork and beans.

Hobbies: chess, art, and mediation.

The last book, Tim read was, “Healing with the Angels”, by Doreen Virtue Ph.D.

TIARA JEFFERSON

Tiara was inducted in the NSLS in April 2024. She says that she manages time to conduct her work responsibilities effectively and have a personal life, by utilizing a planner and calendar. She says, they keep her organized and focused. Tiara says she hopes more students enroll in 2024, and that she will utilize social media to not only promote her achievements, but also to connect with other chapters in her area. Tiara says what motivates her to do her best at whatever she does is the amazing feeling she gets when she can see the finish line to her race. She says she sees the prize and goes for it. Previously, Tiara was an Escrow Assistant for a title company for 2 years, and was recently promoted to Title Abstractor. Favorite travel destination: Florida

Favorite meal: steak, potatoes, and broccoli. The last book she read was Regretting You by Colleen Hoover

HOW COMPLEMENTARY & ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE (CAM) ADDS VALUE TO WESTERN MEDICINE

With the simple addition of a holistic practitioner, a patient can leverage the benefits of good health on every level. For example, if you go to a modern healthcare doctor for neck pain, they might prescribe you medication or enroll you in physical therapy. If you have a holistic service available, they will use that information to work on finding the root cause, such as the condition of your spiritual life, social life, and if you are holding any large burdens on yourself. Holistic services offer a complementary approach to Western healthcare by addressing the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of well-being. Here's how they can complement each other:

Preventative care: Holistic services often emphasize preventive care through lifestyle changes, nutrition, and stress reduction techniques. This can complement Western healthcare by reducing the risk of developing chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.

Mind-Body connection: Holistic practices like yoga, meditation, reiki, and acupuncture focus on the mindbody connection, promoting relaxation and stress reduction. This can enhance the effectiveness of Western treatments by reducing stress-related symptoms and improving overall mental health.

Complementary therapies: Holistic services offer a wide range of complementary therapies such as massage, energetic healing, herbal & plant medicine, which can help alleviate symptoms and improve overall well-being. Integrating these therapies with Western treatments can enhance the patient's quality of life and support their recuperation. My experience as CEO of a holistic health company is that there is an evolving support within the medical community to offer holistic care (addressing spiritual health), to patient’s unique needs. Yet I have seen big business within the healthcare providers, often resisting and slowing down the inevitable. This gives birth to the existence of complementary health services, which aim to bridge the gap between a patient’s spiritual health and physical health. People who are exposed to lightwork and holistic medicine often can see the health benefits of incorporating their spiritual health with traditional healthcare. It is time to expand our toolbox for healing. For example, just think about how the ancient world, Egyptians, and even modern China view healthcare. With all the diseases, illnesses, pollution, and coercive energy we are all exposed to, being progressively healthy is key to happiness, career success, prosperity, or simply life.

Tim Hugh O’Neil

Lionheart Complementary Health Network

Sacramento CA

SOMETHING FUN

WEAR YOUR NSLS SWAG AND PROMOTE YOUR ACADEMIC SUCCESS