Wellness Ambassador of the Month
Howard Channel of Aggie Compass Basic Need Center -  Office of Educational Opportunity and Enrichment Services (OEOES)

How long have you worked at UC Davis?

I am a UCD alumni (graduated in 2000), and I have been working at UCD since September 2019.

What does Wellness mean to you?

Wellness means being mindful of yourself, including your emotional and physical health, and making thoughtful choices that leads you towards a fulfilling life of positive growth. Wellness is a personal decision, and we get to define how this goal can be accomplished in our own life.

Why did you become a wellness ambassador?

I became the Wellness Ambassador for our OEOES department because I care about the well-being of every member of our department. I believe that "Teamwork makes the dream work for our UCD students," and the wellness of the faculty/staff in our department is a part of that dream.

How long have you been a wellness ambassador?

I have been the Wellness Ambassador since 2020.

What has been the most rewarding or positive part about your experience thus far?

The most rewarding experience so far has been our OEOES Breakfast at Black Bear Diner because this event highlighted the wellness of social engagement. This event fostered social engagement amongst all programs across OEOES as we gathered together for a department breakfast. The best part of this event was looking over the table and seeing so many folks in our department laughing and talking, as our emotional and social wellness is being uplifted.

What are some challenges you face as a wellness ambassador, especially through the pandemic this past year?

The biggest challenges have been the impact of COVID as most staff are working remotely, but our Wellness team decided to develop monthly events that offer virtual interactions and in-person events this upcoming Spring.

What is one piece of advice you would like to share with new wellness ambassadors?

It takes a team to develop and implement successful events; no one person can do this alone. As the Wellness Ambassador for your department, please seek out other staff in your department that can assist in the implementation of these events.

Staff and Faculty Health and Well-being aims to build an environment that makes the healthier choice the easier one, while providing staff and faculty with the required support to make UC Davis the healthiest community. How do you feel you have contributed to our mission?

One event we held this quarter was called "The Substitute," in which we offered healthy alternatives to substitute in familiar recipes, such as utilizing quinoa in fried rice. This event is an example of what I see and believe to be wellness in which wellness is a personal decision and you should move at your own pace of wellness.

What is your favorite thing to do in your spare time?

My favorite thing to do is to go for walks in the Arboretum, travel with my finance/family, and be a dad to my 16 year old daughter. I enjoy cooking, nature, and trying new restaurants as a foodie.