Step 0: Onboarding -This step serves as the welcoming step, where they gather on to a pirate ship in the virtual world. This is where the Hero is introduced to the journey and assumes the costume.
Step 1: The Ordinary World before the Adventure Begins – This step refers to the hero’s normal life at the start of the story, before the adventure begins.
This step is the “Why?” of the Heroes journey. Why are they in college? How do they want to define success?
A shy bookish student, comfortable with their small town life. They always dreamed of a bigger world.
Step 2: Call to Adventure – The hero is faced with something that makes them begin their adventure. This might be a problem or a challenge they need to overcome.
This is where the hero can define who they are and choose the path they want to follow.
What career path calls to them? What is their passion?
An unexpected letter arrives from a secret college hidden in a realm beyond the veil of reality. A place where magic is real, and fantasy creatures roam the skies.
Step 3: Refusal of the Call – The hero attempts to refuse the adventure because they are afraid.
The Hero find barriers they have to overcome. Conflict and challenges plant doubt in their mind.
Doubt and fear can cloud any judgement but there are real thresholds that Hero’s come across from continuing their journey. I hope to find relations within some barriers and find solutions that clear the path of the Hero.
Fear and doubt consume them. They question their ability to navigate a world of magic, fearing the unknown and the potential dangers that lurk in the shadows.
Step 4: Meeting with the Mentor – The hero encounters someone who can give them advice and ready them for the journey ahead.
The Mentor, a wise figure, provides guidance and support. Encouraging them to gather resources for the journey ahead. This person can be a member of the school staff or alumni.
A mysterious woman, a guardian of ancient lore, appears, recognizing the students potential. She guides them, teaching them the basics of magic and the history of this college
Step 5: Crossing the First Threshold into the Extraordinary World – The hero leaves their ordinary world for the first time and crosses the threshold into adventure.
The Hero commits to the journey, leaving their ordinary world behind. A pivotal moment where the Hero commits fully to their journey, the point of no return. The Hero can immerse into new comfort zones, take on advanced courses, embrace the unknown.
With a mix of excitement and doubt, the hero steps through a shimmering portal, leaving their ordinary world behind
Step 6: Discovery of Superpowers and Challenges including Tests, Allies, and Enemies – The hero learns the rules of their new world. During this time, they endure tests of strength of will, meet friends, and come face to face with foes.
The Hero faces challenges, makes allies, and encounter adversaries. They will face difficult courses, possible homesickness, and stress management. By overcoming these trials, the Hero gains valuable experience, skills, and knowledge. Coming up with personalized engagement for similar problems might help the Hero gain valuable resources for the ultimate challenge that awaits them.
The college is a place of wonder and peril. The student must face challenging coursework, navigate complex social dynamics, and confront dark forces that threaten the balance of magic. They form alliances with fellow students, including a fiery-tempered dragon rider and a wise, old elf.
Step 7: Adaptation of Perspective and Approach – Setbacks occur, sometimes causing the hero to try a new approach or adopt new ideas.
This step is where the Hero confronts their greatest fear or challenge. It is a crucial moment of self discovery and transformation. The Hero may come across public speaking and seeking mental health support. By facing these challenges head-on, the Hero can gain a deeper understanding of themselves and capabilities. I can provide connection through emotional content and experiences.
The student embarks on a quest to an ancient, enchanted forest to retrieve a powerful artifact. The journey is fraught with danger, as they encounter mythical creatures and solve riddles.
Step 8: The Ordeal Reveals Resources and Inner Strengths – The hero experiences a major hurdle or obstacle, such as a life or death crisis.
This is, most times, where the climax of the Heros journey takes place. The moment of ultimate challenge. The Hero must confront their greatest fear or challenge, often risking their life to well-being. Some examples of this in a college setting can be Failing a crucial course, Social Isolation, and even a mental health crisis. The Hero is pushed to their limits in each of theses examples and are forced to confront them. Resources for time management, creating more social engagements to build meaningful relationships, and a safe place to seek help and recover would provide the hero with the tools they need to become stronger.
A fellow student, also along on the journey, reveals himself to be evil. The student and their allies must confront him in battle. Using resources they built a long the way to defeat them.
Step 9: The Unforeseen Reward – After surviving death, the hero earns their reward or accomplishes their goal.
The Hero overcomes the ordeal and gains a prize or knowledge. The Hero can develop new skills, build strong relationships, and gain self-confidence in their journey to graduation. Positive Resources can help set up any Hero to reach their goals.
After a fierce struggle, the student and their friends defeat the sorcerers, saving the college from doom. They are rewarded with knowledge, power, and respect
Step 10: The Road Back and Metamorphosis – The hero begins their journey back to their ordinary life.
The Hero begins the journey home, often facing new obstacles. It’s not always a straightforward path, the obstacles or challenges could derail their progress. The Hero could have trouble completing final projects and exams, adjusting to a new routine, and job hunting. Returning to an ordinary life after such an adventure is not an easy feat. Providing the right navigation to help transition through these challenges successfully can help them to the next phase in their lives.
As graduation approaches, the student reflects on their journey and the profound changes it has brought about
Step 11: The Resurrection Hero Evaluation and Reflection – The hero faces a final test where everything is at stake and they must use everything they have learned.
The Hero undergoes a final test or sacrifice to complete the journey. A moment of rebirth for the Hero, who emerges transformed. It is a time where the Hero graduates, lands a job, and/or has meaningful and strong relationships. The Hero has faced their fears and emerged victorious.
The student graduates, not just as a scholar, but as a true hero of the College. They have embraced their magical abilities and are ready to use them to make a difference in the world.
Step 12: Return with Education Elixir and Becoming the Mentor – The hero brings their knowledge or the “elixir” back to the ordinary world, where they apply it to help all who remain there.
This is the final stage where the Hero returns to the ordinary world, transformed and enlightened. They are now able to live their life with newfound wisdom, purpose and freedom. The Hero can feel more confident about entering the workforce, becoming a mentor, and celebrate their accomplishments. I can help the Hero by encouraging reflection and inspire future endeavors.
The student returns to their ordinary world, forever changed. They carry the wisdom and magic of the college with them, using their knowledge to inspire others and to preotect the delicate balance between the mundane and the magical
Conclusion:
The Hero’s journey can empower them to navigate the challenges of college and emerge confident, capable individuals. As a Neutral Good character, someone who is fundamentally good and acts to help others, I relate to a Paladin. Striving to do what’s right, adaptable, and willing to compromise. We can foster a supportive and challenging environment to unlock their full potential.
An Approach to Well-being
The self care wheel is a visual tool that helps you asses and balance different aspects of your life. I chose Emotional and Contribution, a long with Lindsey. Emotional self-care involves understanding, accepting, and managing your emotions. Some practical tips are; Mindfulness and Meditation, journaling, , therapy, etc. Contribution self-care involves giving back to others and making a positive impact on the world. I learned that prioritizing both emotional and contribution self-care can improve your overall well-being and lead a more fulfilling life.
Positive impact and understanding is important to a students well being on their journey. Providing someone with resources like journaling, links to school counselors, and getting involved in student organizations are helpful practices to enhance emotional well-beings while also leaving a positive impact on their communities.
Creating a Safe Space for Self-Care
Designing a virtual environment never came easy to me. Im not too familiar with Second Life or any kind of gaming like that, I have tried and found that it isn’t for me. Though, I can see why this environment is essential for students to start their journey.
I want to make it a calming environment within the serene forest and incorporate interactive elements like breathing exercises. The space can be a place for encouraging social connection, such as, group activities like book clubs, art workshops, and journaling sessions.
