Work-Life Balance for College Students

For a university workshop on balancing student involvement and academics, we used Climer Cards in order to spark ideas about a healthy work-life balance and some strategies students can use to accomplish these goals.

One student used the flamingo card to liken the experience of student co-curricular involvement to the growth of a flamingo – white to begin with, but their color is revealed over time with their diet. He stated that no matter the specifics, being involved in co-curricular activities changes you and that this growth is essential to becoming a more well-rounded individual. It was great to see students use the Climer Cards to think outside the box and learn more about themselves and their cohorts. The students shared that they loved using the cards as a way to spark reflection about their involvement.

Kris Gracia
Student Activities, Temple University

Opening Relationships

I recently got my license as a professional teacher here in the Philippines and started getting offering tutorial services. My first students were siblings and they needed to learn English because they are moving to US as soon as their visas get approved. I used Climer Cards to help me gauge their level of proficiency so I can design a program that suits them. I laid down the Climer Cards and asked them to each pick 10 cards. I then asked them to think of the people who reminds them of their chosen pictures and write about it. Surprisingly, I did not only get an assessment result, but also a personal perspective on the children’s relationship with their family members, especially with their mom. I showed it to their mother who was surprised as well. It soon created a positive change in how they treated each other. I realized, sometimes, it takes creativity to help people express themselves better so they can have better relationships. Thank you for Climer Cards. I’m looking forward on using them with my future students.

Sheila Ganzan
Professional Licensed Teacher, Philippines

FlaminGO Forward

For a university workshop on balancing student involvement and academics, we used Climer Cards in order to spark ideas about a healthy work-life balance and some strategies that can be used to accomplish these goals. One student used the flamingo card to liken the experience of student co-curricular involvement to the growth of a flamingo – white to begin with, but their color shows over time with their diet. He stated that no matter the specifics, being involved in co-curricular activities changes you and that this growth is essential to becoming a more well-rounded individual. It was great to see students use the Climer Cards to think outside the box and learn a little more about themselves and their cohorts.

Kristopher
Intern, Temple University

Personalizing Introductions

I use Climer Cards every time I do New Manager Orientation. I ask everyone to choose a card to use as part of their introduction sharing how the picture represents their view of their new role as a manager (they usually choose two or three). They love it and the introductions are so much more meaningful!

I also have every presenter throughout the program do the same thing – it provides a quick way for presenters to relate to the group and personalize their introduction while sharing a little bit of their management experience. Even our CEO participated and I loved that he chose the blank word bubble and the sign post. He said his job was to fill in those blanks and provide direction and then went on to say how he would do that! Powerful and personal! Our Human Resources Vice-President just asked to borrow the cards so he could use them with his new (remote) team because he liked them so much!

Lori Gibson
Learning & Organizational Development Partner, Meriter-UnityPoint Health

Processing Research Circles

I was able to use Climer Cards to process a series of conversations I had with community members in an emerging community. After numerous meetings the citizens were asked to pick a card that was reflective of how they might feel about their community now. The responses were overwhelming. Some related to the “light bulb” as they felt there were new ideas and energy created, while another related to the swimming school of fish and stated “I feel like we are all headed in the right direction together.”

These cards are a great processing tool for both formal and informal processing. With my undergraduate background in recreation therapy, I am fully aware of the need for tools such as Climer Cards to enrich our conversations and feelings.

Tera McIntosh
Affiliate Faculty, Antioch University

Bonding Strangers

I used Climer Cards for a university group as a debriefing tool for the end of our high ropes course session. This group was the new freshman orientation staff for their university and were just getting to know one another. They had just been moving across wires and through obstacles together in teams of four individuals of all different backgrounds. Some had been on high ropes courses before, others were afraid of heights, but everyone completed the course.

The cards were displayed out on a small platform with instructions for everyone to select a card that corresponded with their experience on our high ropes course. I had the group sit down and opened the discussion for each person to describe why they chose their selected card and how the card and their experience on the ropes course relates to their program as orientation staff of their university.

The stories overflowed from so many young adults and the cards opened up the discussion in such a creative and unique way. The bonds that were forged during their high ropes experience were reinforced by the cards and the stories and encouragements that arose from them. The camaraderie was apparent by the end of their debrief and the Climer Cards were the avenue to open up and complete the experience. This is why I love what I do!

Brittney
Program Coordinator, YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly