Personal Development
Welcome to our Personal Development page, a centralized hub designed to support the ongoing growth of Extension staff. This page brings together a variety of resources, learning opportunities, and tools focused on personal development. From wellness and self-awareness to career growth and skill-building, you’ll find practical strategies and content you can apply in your daily work and life. Whether engaging in microlearning experiences, exploring curated resources, or participating in shared learning opportunities, this space is designed to help you reflect, grow, and thrive.
Our monthly personal development sessions have provided space to reflect, recharge, and learn together. These interactive one-hour sessions were created to support your well-being, growth, and success across all Extension roles, program areas, and teams. They brought staff together to explore topics that sparked reflection, connection, and learning - from wellness and mindset to leadership and communication. Now, we’re looking to expand these monthly opportunities with more flexible, engaging options for personal growth throughout the year - and we want your voice to guide what comes next.
We’d love to hear from you! What topics, formats, or speakers would make these sessions most meaningful to your work and personal development? Your feedback will help shape the next year of programming and ensure these sessions reflect the needs and interests of our Extension community.
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Reflect. Grow. Go.
Welcome to "Reflect. Grow. Go."! Your personal development experience designed to support your growth, wellbeing, and success in Extension.
Built as a microlearning program, it delivers small, actionable practices each workday that fit naturally into real schedules and reinforces Extension’s commitment to Workforce Excellence. Each day offers a simple prompt, insight, and micro-action to help you start your day with intention.
Visit the full calendar by clicking the button or scroll down to see the next three upcoming prompts.
Reflect. Grow. Go.
Taking care of our mental health can feel especially difficult during uncertain times. While many strategies can help, one powerful and often overlooked factor is the food we eat. This blog from Leilah Siegel, a Community Health Educator serving Cook County, explores the connection between nutrition and mental well-being, and offers simple, practical tips to support a healthier mind through everyday food choices.
Benefits Beyond the Job
Discover perks that support your personal growth—like Rosetta Stone access, wellness resources, and more to help you thrive beyond the workplace.
Learn a New Language with Rosetta Stone
Staff have free access to Rosetta Stone Foundations through the University Library. With 30 languages and advanced levels available, it's a great resource for personal or professional growth. Log in using your NetID via the Library's Rosetta Stone link. Need help getting started? Contact the Literatures and Languages Library for support.
Exercise Economically
The “Exercise Economically” resource shares practical, low-cost ways for Extension employees to stay active and improve overall wellness. It provides tips and strategies for incorporating affordable fitness into daily routines, supporting both physical health and financial well-being.
Illinois Financial Wellness Hub
The Illinois Financial Wellness Hub is a free resource that helps Extension employees strengthen their personal finances. It offers personalized tools, courses, and webinars on budgeting, saving, retirement planning, and more - empowering staff to build financial confidence and security.
Relaxation "Micro-Moments" and Winding Down Techniques
This session explores practical ways to manage stress during the workday. Participants learn how short, mindful “micro-moments” can interrupt rising stress levels, reduce exhaustion, and promote calm. The webinar also covers the neurology of stress and simple end-of-day routines for better relaxation and recovery.
Stress | Mental Health
Because stress plays such a major role in our mental well-being, it’s important to understand how it works. Stress can affect us physically, mentally, and emotionally in different ways. To learn more about what stress is and how it impacts your health, visit this resource.
Women's Health
The Women’s Wellness resources page offers curated tools, tips, and support to help women prioritize their health and well-being while balancing work, family, and personal responsibilities.
Personal Development Workshop Archives
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