Forward Magazine January 2026

forward C A M P U S D I N I N G M AG A Z I N E

Zen is In

Soft Life Habits FOR A SOFTER

SEMESTER

What Would

MLK JR.

SAY To Us in

2 02 6?

Fiji vs. The Winter Blues

WHAT WE CAN

LEARN FROM

I sland Living

JAN

2026

forward Dear Jetsetter, Ease into the new year with Fiji’s soothing flavors and laid-back rhythms, where food and nature unite to create the ultimate sense of balance and renewal. By giving yourself space to adjust, you reduce stress, increase mindfulness, and approach your aspirations with clarity and focus. This slower start helps you avoid burnout and fosters sustainable progress, making aligning your actions with long-term goals and intentions easier. Luxe Jet Airways invites you to embrace the Fijian way of life—one rooted in relaxation, nourishment, and sustainability.

Fijian cuisine is naturally fresh and wholesome, featuring tropical superfoods like coconut, taro, papaya, and fresh seafood that support digestion, heart health, and overall well-being. Sustainability is woven into every bite, with ecoconscious fishing and minimal food waste reflecting the island’s deep respect for the land and sea. This month, slow down and savor the flavors of paradise, letting the gentle, nourishing essence of Fiji refresh your body, mind, and spirit for the year ahead.

This January, ease into the new year with Pacific-ly Calm: Embracing the Soft Life—a wellness experience inspired by the serene spirit of the Pacific. Rooted in the gentle rhythms and mindful pace of island living, this event invites you to slow down, prioritize peace, and embrace rest as a form of self-care. Choosing the soft life means making space for joy, calm, and intentional living—habits that support better mental clarity, reduced stress, and overall well-being. Start your semester with softness, and let tranquility be your new resolution.

Luxe Leaders

Campus Dining by Thompson Hospitality

To Detox or De st re ss?

Debunking Wellness Myths As January arrives, new wellness trends emerge on social media, aiming to help people achieve their New Year’s fitness goals. From detox teas and juice cleanses to numerous suggestions on how to “reboot” oneself after the holidays, the abundance of health and wellness information can be somewhat confusing. Before you begin formulating your wellness plan, consider asking yourself, “Are these wellness tips truly beneficial, or just hype in disguise?”

The concept of New Year’s resolutions is not new to the modern era. Historians can trace these customs back to the ancient Babylonians, who lived 4,000 years ago. They believed that “making and keeping promises for the new year would bring favor from their gods and breaking them would do the opposite” (theeverygirl.com). Over the years, this tradition evolved, shifting from a focus on religion to one of personal ambitions.

Following the fitness craze of the 1980s and the self-help movement of the 1990s, the phrase “New Year, New Me” evolved into a marketing strategy aimed at promoting the idea of improving one’s life through lifestyle changes and products. In the age of social media, this has surged to new levels, with feeds filled with ads for everything from detox tea to express fitness goals and supplements that claim to enhance strength.

January emerges as a fresh canvas, brimming with potential and promises. While the thrill of a new beginning is palpable, the associated pressure can feel daunting. During this vulnerable phase of starting anew, myths and misinformation can easily infiltrate our perceptions, leading us to seek quick fixes and instant results. Ultimately, achieving wellness requires time and demands sustainable, realistic choices grounded in facts. Let’s explore

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Myth 1: You need to detox after the holidays.

Our bodies can already detox themselves through our liver, kidneys, and lymphatic system. The liver is built to eliminate toxins, while the kidneys filter blood and remove waste, maintaining the body’s fluid balance. Meanwhile, the lymphatic system regulates body fluids and helps protect against infections.

Experts believe detox cleansing is unnecessary since our bodies naturally eliminate toxins through bowel movements, liver activity, sweating, and urination. While many natural ingredients in detox cleanses offer health benefits, you can incorporate these ingredients into your daily diet to reap similar advantages. True wellness focuses not on punishment or compensating for what you’ve eaten, but on supporting your body with rest, hydration, and whole foods, rather than deprivation.

Myth 2: Juices cleanse your body.

Creating natural fruit and vegetable-based juices may seem like a shortcut to health, but most juices lack fiber and can spike your blood sugar without keeping you full. While these juices can increase your fruit and vegetable intake, they are not a magic reset button. As mentioned above, juice cleanses don’t effectively cleanse toxins from your body due to their natural functions. Some juice cleanses may aid digestion, which could lead to weight loss, but little scientific evidence supports this.

Myth 3: More supplements = better health.

As more people seek to take control of their health, supplements have become a pathway to do so. They can correct vitamin and mineral deficiencies to ensure you receive adequate micronutrients. However, more supplements are not always better. Overloading vitamins and powders cannot fast-track your health goals, and too much or the wrong supplement can disrupt your system’s balance. Before starting any supplements or adding new ones to your routine, consult a medical professional first to determine if you need to take them. Additionally, prioritize focusing on food first, as it allows you to gain nutrients directly from the source.

Before diving headfirst into extreme resets or trendy challenges, try building a wellness plan that feels good and makes sense for your needs. Start small by adding vegetables to your plate from City Market’s ALT station, check out our refreshing spa waters from the Refresh and Renew Station, and adopt an earlier bedtime.

The key to wellness is developing mindful and realistic habits for yourself. This year, let go of the pressure to be perfect and celebrate all the progress you make, no matter how small.

Ultimately, the best version of you is the one that’s cared for.

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Le tt ers to t he Future

What Would MLK Jr. Say to Us in 2026?

Renowned for his commitment to championing the civil rights of all Americans and his remarkable oratory, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy continues to endure, with his teachings acting as a guide in the pursuit of justice. Although significant progress has been made in advancing the nation, the struggle continues to guarantee that every American realizes the dream Dr. King envisioned. As we find ourselves in 2026, in a world still facing divisions and challenges, Dr. King’s words serve as our guiding light.

In his most notable speech at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., Dr. King dreamed about a country where all people experience true equality and equity, free from discrimination of all forms. He promoted this theme through many other speeches, planting hope in the community that his dream and vision can and will be actualized. His message was deeply spiritual and politically urgent, calling to awaken our moral conscience.

As we look toward 2026 and beyond, we must reimagine Dr. King’s voice not just to preserve history but to actively apply his wisdom to modern challenges, from racial justice to climate equity, from youth empowerment to community healing. His voice can still guide us if we are willing to listen and act. What would Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. say to us today? Let’s explore a few themes applying his teachings.

On JUSTICE “Injustice anywhere is a threat

to justice everywhere.”

(MLK Jr. in a Letter from Birmingham, Alabama jail, April 16, 1963)

As we continue to tackle systemic injustices in education, healthcare, housing, and more, Dr. King’s words urge us to acknowledge the interconnected nature of justice. The suffering of marginalized communities not only affects their members; it reverberates in other areas. The impact of injustice undermines the moral integrity of all. When we ignore injustice, whether directly confronted or merely observed, we compromise the very foundation of justice for everyone. Dr. King calls on us to remain vigilant, resist indifference, and elevate the voices of those who are too often silenced. Justice is a collective obligation, and to foster a better future, we must develop a profound concern for issues beyond our own experiences.

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On COMMUNITY “Life’s most persistent and urgent

question is: ‘What are you doing for others?’”

(MLK Jr. 1957 in Birmingham, Alabama)

Individualism and personal success have become the focus over the last few decades, with people prioritizing their own needs over others’. While it’s fine to put oneself first, we must remember the importance of community. Dr. King’s question, “What are you doing for others?” invites daily reflection on how we can contribute to others, big or small. With global challenges like climate change, social unrest, and economic uncertainty at the forefront, a strong need for connection and collective responsibility exists. Today, Dr. King would remind us that true strength comes from lifting each other and working together. Dr. King thrived due to the support of his community, and we can carry on that same spirit. Whether checking in on your peers, volunteering, or advocating for others, we must remember that a community flourishes when we look beyond ourselves and act with compassion.

On Youth:” It will give you that rare sense of nobility that can only spring from love and selflessly helping your fellow man. Make a career of humanity.” (MLK Jr., April 18, 1959, at the Address at the Youth March for Integrated Schools) Dr. King saw the youth as the future and the essential leaders of the present. We are currently in the age of digital activism, where we can amplify societal issues from our personal devices to raise awareness. Young people have more tools and pressure than ever to speak out on everything happening worldwide.

With the overwhelming pressure to take on everything, it is essential to be grounded in purpose, similar to Dr. King. He kept his vision clear, ignoring the distractions that tried to get him off track, placing the community’s needs first. It can be challenging, but ensuring your activism is rooted in love, humility, and service keeps you steadfast. Making a career of humanity isn’t about clout or job titles, but about using your time, talent, and voice to create a more just world.

On HOPE “We must accept finite disappointment,

but never lose infinite hope.”

(MLK Jr., February 1968)

Apathy can be easy in difficult times, and hope can feel impossible. For Dr. King, hope was the strategy to hold on to joy and the promise of a better tomorrow. As setbacks and challenges arise throughout the country and globally, we can look to Dr. King to remind us that disappointment is not the end of the story. Dr. King went through many hurdles to achieve victory in obtaining voting rights. He didn’t ignore the obstacles; instead, he took those lessons learned to reevaluate strategies to move forward.

Hope is not about ignoring the pain or pretending things are okay; rather, it is about believing in the possibility of change and working towards it despite the obstacles. Choosing hope means you are choosing to show up, speak out, and believe that light can shine through darkness. It also means remembering that progress can feel slow, but that doesn’t mean progress isn’t being made. Fighting for change can sometimes feel discouraging, but holding on to that hope can energize us to move towards a brighter future.

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e h T . s v i j Fi s e u l B r e t n i W

What We Can

Learn from Island Living

The winter season can sneak up on us like a thief in the night, altering how you engage with your surroundings. As the days grow shorter and sunlight fades, many people experience a decrease in energy, a slowdown in motivation, and a shift in mood. This change in behavior is real and is often linked to a condition known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). While we explore the Fijian island and culture this month, we encourage you to embrace the warmth and rhythm of island life, showing you that you don’t have to wait for spring to discover warmth in the winter season.

SAD, or Seasonal Affective Disorder, is a form of depression tied to seasonal changes that occur at the same times each year for those who experience it. This condition affects millions each year and is associated with reduced sunlight, which disrupts our internal clocks, leading to decreased levels of serotonin (often referred to as the happiness hormone) and melatonin (which helps to control our sleep cycle). The combination of cold weather, limited outdoor activities, and post-holiday blues can make winter feel like an extended, dark tunnel.

As you look for ways to cope with the winter blues, consider exploring the Fijian culture’s way of life to discover methods to feel uplifted. In Fiji, the word Bula is more than a cheerful hello; it embodies a way of life. Bula encapsulates vitality, joy, health, and connection. It’s the spirit of genuine warmth that greets you with a smile and encourages you to slow down and appreciate the beauty of life. Their island philosophy is rooted in community, gratitude, and rhythm, countering the isolation and stress that many experience during winter.

The Fijian lifestyle also encourages meaningful movement, such as dancing at cultural celebrations like Fiji Day and the Bula Festival, walking with neighbors, or tending to the land with care. Participating in small forms of movement reminds us that wellness doesn’t have to come from strict regimens but can grow from joy and connection. Island living also teaches us the value of rest and being present by focusing on the sun and fresh air, emphasizing harmony with nature. They use this time in nature to disconnect from their digital devices, immersing themselves in the calming atmosphere with others. Fijians find a source of peace and happiness, along with a means to cultivate a sense of calm and appreciation for the land.

From the Fijian lifestyle, we can learn to take each day as it comes and focus on the present.

Dealing with the winter blues can be difficult, but you are not expected to have it all figured out. Adopting a mindset of slow living and embracing the simple things around you helps ground you and allows you to see life through a new lens.

While you might not be able to teleport to a beach in Fiji this winter, you can still infuse your daily life with a touch of island ambiance. Picture your routine featuring a more leisurely beginning, purposeful relaxation, and a stronger bond with your environment. This approach can help you combat the winter blues. Embracing the essence of island life means cultivating a profound awareness, a feeling you can preserve through any season.

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Zen is In

Soft Life Habits for a Softer Semester

For decades, society has glamorized the grind, working tirelessly to achieve your goals, putting rest on the back burner, and running on caffeine to stay productive. This year, we are altering the narrative, making it all about slowing down, setting boundaries, and embracing the soft life, where balance, joy, and rest aren’t luxuries but nonnegotiable. If you’re ready to ditch burning yourself out and welcome peace into your life, this is your invitation to breathe deeper, move slower, and create a semester that nurtures you as much as your grades.

During the boom of various social media trends in 2020 dedicated to rejecting stress in favor of peace, “soft life” began to trend, advocating for a relaxing lifestyle. Over the next few years, this trend has grown mainstream, with popular TikTok content creators adopting the lifestyle as their own and posting videos showcasing their aesthetically pleasing daily routines.

More than a viral aesthetic, the soft life is a mindset shift, choosing ease, clarity, and intention over stress, chaos, and over-commitment. For young adults, especially college students balancing academics, jobs, and relationships, the soft life offers a refreshing alternative to burnout culture. It encourages you to put your mental health, joy, and boundaries at the center of your routine.

With the new semester and year, a wave of ambition sweeps college campuses, with many students deciding to change their routines for optimal success. Nevertheless, many students may also be overwhelmed by the mental load of deadlines, social expectations, and financial pressures, trying their hardest to be the best student without faults. The soft life encourages people to reclaim their energy by saying no to unnecessary stress and yes to mindful living.

This trend is rooted in understanding perfection is unattainable and recognizing that rest is productive.

To adopt a soft lifestyle, your way of living doesn’t have to change entirely; instead, you can make intentional choices to introduce calm into your routine. You can start your day mindfully by stretching or journaling before checking your student email. Then, throughout the day, learn to say no without feeling guilty. Your time is valuable, and taking on too much beyond class assignments can lead to overextending yourself, which helps no one.

In your dorm room, start creating a cozy and calm space with a blanket, soft lighting, and decluttering, which will do wonders for your mood. Most importantly, nourish yourself with balanced meals from the dining hall to ensure you are fueled and ready to take on the entire day instead of skipping meals. The soft life includes listening to your body and giving it what it needs, not just pushing through.

To recharge after a long week of classes and assignments, practice mindful recharging from skincare, taking a walk, reading a good book, or simply tuning into your favorite playlist. These small habits can act as rewards and anchors at the end of the week.

Society often enforces the idea that being busy equates to success, but the soft life reminds us that being productive without pressure is sustainable. Don’t wait until you crash to rest; plan it like you would a class or study session. Remember, softness is not weakness. It is a radical act of resistance in a society that profits from your exhaustion. This semester and beyond, let rest be a part of your daily routine, and not a reward for burning out.

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sh i n a g Ve s e b i V

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Eating More Plants Without the Pressure Has eating more plant-based foods crossed your mind this year? Was it after watching a food documentary, scrolling past a delicious-looking meal on social media, or simply noticing how much better you feel after a veggie-packed meal from the ALT vegan kitchen in the City Market Eatery? The thought of adopting a vegan lifestyle often leads to the idea of a massive, restrictive diet, a commitment that many are not ready to make just yet.

The good news is that there is space for you in the middle, creating a relaxed, realistic, and rewarding approach to eating more plants without the pressure to go all out. The flexitarian diet is just that, centering plant-based items and limiting meat intake. Within this diet, it’s all about making room for more greens, grains, and flavor while still leaving space for the foods you love.

There has been a steady rise in the flexitarian lifestyle, with the Food Industry Association finding that 13% of Gen Z eat a flexitarian diet compared to 6% of older boomers in 2019. Among millennials and Gen X, an average of 10% adopt the diet. The association also found that increasing concerns about health and the environment have driven many to the flexitarian diet and led many to experiment with new food options.

Eating more vegetables, whole grains, and plant-based proteins allows you to reduce saturated fat intake, making you feel nourished without being weighed down. It also supports heart health, digestion, and energy levels throughout the day. To begin thinking about a flexitarian lifestyle, here are a few ways to get you started.

Meatless Mondays An easy way to ease into a plant-forward lifestyle is to create the habit of cutting out meat products one day a week. Try going meatless on Monday, experimenting and challenging yourself to explore new recipes, flavors, and ingredients without overhauling your entire diet.

Easy To Go Meals If you have a busy day coming up, prepare and plan for a quick and nourishing meal. Think about hummus wraps or chickpea salad for a nice pick-me-up on the go. These meals are easy to prep and packed with energy-boosting nutrients to keep you going.

Making Your Sides Count As much as we love to indulge in the main dish, don’t overlook the power of your sides! Side dishes can take center stage; roasted vegetables or hearty grain salads can be transformed into main dishes with just a little creativity and portion power.

Visit Your Campus Dining Hall Within Campus Dining, our program is designed to accommodate every need and dietary restriction. With a variety of food stations, retail locations, and menu items, your dining hall is the perfect place to easily explore the flexitarian diet. If you need help navigating the dining hall, don’t hesitate to reach out to your executive chef for guidance. We are here to support you on your journey, one flavorful, feel-good bite at a time!

FEATURED RECIPE

on i ss a P & o g n a M e i h t oo m S it u r F Ingredients ‫ب‬

2 to 3 small mangos, sliced

‫ب‬

1 ½ cup of frozen passion fruit

‫ب‬

¼ cup of fresh lime juice from 3 to 4 limes

‫ب‬

¼ to ½ cup of sugar or honey

‫ب‬

1 to 1 ½ cups of water (can also be replaced with milk or yogurt)

‫ب‬

Add ice as needed

‫ب‬

Lime slice for garnish (optional)

Directions 1.

Place the mango slices, frozen passion fruit, lime juice, water, and sugar in a blender. Mix until smooth.

2. For a slushy or frozen treat consistency, add ice and crush until smooth.

3. Serve the passion fruit mango smoothies garnished with lime slices (optional)

Marketing Contacts Daniela‑Gabrielle Smallwood, Vice President of Marketing and Programming daniela.smallwood@thompsonhospitality.com (571) 446–7430 Stacey Gibson, Director of Retail Marketing stacey.gibson@thompsonhospitality.com (571) 524–8566

Editorial Staff Gina Godwin, Creative Director Yolanda Waters, Chief Editor and Writer Heaven Smallwood, Editor Tess Mazzucchelli, Graphic Designer