08/19/2026
Our staff continues to share personal reflections on how they embrace the 8 Dimensions of Wellness. This time, Claudia shares how she nurtures both her intellectual and social well-being by staying curious, building meaningful connections, and making time to learn and grow alongside others. We hope her story inspires you to find simple ways to strengthen your own wellness through lifelong learning and connection.
I support my intellectual well-being by exploring and learning a wide variety of hobbies. As my friends, family, and co-workers know, I’m a collector of hobbies. If you ever need to borrow craft supplies or cover something in glitter and rhinestones, I’m your gal! Learning something new keeps my mind engaged and helps ease my anxiety. I’ve always loved learning, but after leaving school, I realized that learning didn’t have to be limited to academics. That’s when I picked up crocheting, followed by embroidery, beading, coloring, and many other crafts.
This summer, I took three new classes to continue expanding my ever-growing list of hobbies: stained glass, leather wallet making, and silversmithing. Each class taught me something new, which was exciting, but the experience was about more than just gaining knowledge. I also valued the interactions I had with others in the classes. I met interesting people, passionate instructors, and fellow students who, like me, were curious to learn something new. It was fun to watch everyone grow throughout the sessions and to see each person’s unique personality shine.
While I love trying new hobbies and developing new skills, I also appreciate the social connection that comes from learning alongside others. I think I will always be searching for a new hobby, a new way to grow my knowledge, and a new opportunity to expand my community.
