For visitors accessing this page from inside the Garden: we invite you to take a Pocket Journal from the nearby literature box, find a seat at a bench or picnic table, and explore the journal's prompts. The Pocket Journal is a project designed by Beal Scholar Elliot Pancioli to assist in mindfulness and connection to the outdoors. Copies of the pocket are available at the front entrance to the Garden near the bulletin board and the brochure case near the garden shed.
Beal Scholar
Hi! My name is Elliot Pancioli. I am an Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources Education major with a minor in Cognitive Science.
I am originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, where I studied horticulture at the University of Cincinnati before transferring to MSU. I have primarily worked in agriculture, specifically vegetable production, but have also worked as a caregiver for folks who have had traumatic brain injuries and as a tutor for elementary and middle school students. As I approach my final semesters at MSU and reflect on my experience, the Beal Pocket stands as perhaps my proudest contribution.
The Pocket developed from my belief in the therapeutic employment of time spent outdoors and in reflection. What I ultimately desire for MSU’s community is continued pursuit of connectedness, and I firmly believe that our success in this pursuit depends on the solidity of our relationship with ourselves. This is where I aimed the focus of the Pocket; it is a compilation of tools intended to encourage time spent looking inward, grounding ourselves in our present moment and environment. These are tools that I have used on my most challenging and my most joyous days.
I hope the Pocket makes people feel safe and welcome not only in the garden and physically on campus, but also internally. I hope it allows folks to refrain from judgement towards themselves and whatever they may be experiencing at a given time. I hope it promotes the replacement of judgement with curiosity, acceptance, and resilience. I hope it reveals new realities. And, I hope it makes people smile.
I have frequently thought of my parents and friend Nancy during the creation of this project. My mom graduated from MSU with both Biology and Psychology majors (the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree). To this day, she is a die-hard Spartan. There is something so special to me about sharing this campus with her; about walking the routes she did and utilizing this project to practice and promote the values she has instilled in me. My Dad, unfortunately, went to University of Michigan. But, we won’t fault him here because he has been one of my most steadfast supporters. He is a source of courage and determination and perspective. My friend Nancy generously gifted me many of the books that I reference in the Pocket. On top of her generosity, she is loyal and funny and honest. I am grateful.
I am excited by where the Beal Wellness Project will go. I am proud of the team and the values they remain closely tethered to while working to develop this endeavor.
Thank you for taking the time to learn more about the Pocket. I would love to answer any further inquiries: wjbeal@msu.edu
